The Revolt

Look. You can criticize this book until your tongue drops out, if that's what you're determined to do; you can argue that the plot is flat out impossible; you can dispute her spelling of 'Culpepper' and practically anything else that comes to mind ... but that makes absolutely zero difference.The characters of this book - for me - did not reside in some sort of hazy 'otherworld' type of place, as in so many other books, even the five-starred ones. These people - PEOPLE, not characters - practically reached out of the pages and grabbed me. The vividness with which the story springs to life takes my breath away. When I think about it, I don't think about it as a book, but as a *real occurence* that happened to people I know. This phenomenon - of total credibility - only happens with the greatest classics ... and even then, it's limited to credibility within a 'bookworld'. But with The Revolt, Susan Wise Bauer has created something that is enthralling in its stark reality, something that is not bound by the rules of convention.I don't care if you disagree with every single opinion put down in the book - and there are quite a few bold ones in there. You'll be just as awed by the life that Bauer seems to breathe into her people. Take the day off of work when you buy this ... because once you open to the first page, everything else that ever existed disappears - swallowed up into a world, a life that is somehow more lifelike than our own.P.S. If you hate being emotionally riveted on a book ... beware ...

Susan Wise Bauer's novel, The Revolt, is a strong, intriguing, enjoyable page-turner. If you enjoy suspense, mystery, political intrigue, and a little of the old-flame love story, this is for you. But be prepared to think! We live in an age in which religious views often go against government issues, and Bauer tells a compelling tale of what can happen when the two are forced together. An alternative government-an Old Testament government; think about it: the ultimate blending of church and state. The separation of church and state has been a strong issue for a incredibly long time; it is captivating to read a novel that totally breaks the boundaries. I commend Bauer for taking this step. One of the most comforting aspects of Bauer's writing is her "real" characters. Her characters struggle with their moral beliefs, their views on government, their imperfections, their interpersonal relationships, their past relationships, their past in general, their coming of age, and many other struggles that most of us encounter daily. Most importantly, none the characters are perfect, and these imperfections and struggles play a strong role in the many sub-plots, which in turn, develop the main plot. As you read the novel, you want to know how she brings it all together, and she does! Overall, I can say that this is a novel for people who want to read and think. Bauer's writing stimulates us to analyze our own views of government and our role in it. She also prompts us to delve into our religious beliefs and the relationship these beliefs should have with government. Sometimes and eye for an eye isn't the way. To wrap it all up, I say... give this new author a try. You won't regret it.