The Test

The best of intentions can go south quickly. "The Test" tells of father Paul Parnell who leaves his children with an unorthodox will. Challenging them to be better people and members of society in order to receive his massive fortune, it seems his money may have the exact opposite effect as the family is torn apart over the money. But through it all, can they remember what their father really wanted, true family values? "The Test" is an intriguing read of the human spirit and the power of family.

When Paul Parnell died, he left behind a fortune in the billions, adult children by three different mothers, and a number of grandchildren and in-laws. Prior to his death, Paul realized that one of the regrets of his life was not being active and available in the lives of his children. His trusted lawyer is instructed to create an iron-clad will that requires his 6 surviving children to examine their lifestyles, morals, and values, and make decisions on what is important to each. The final disposition of family fortune will depend on the decisions made by the children over the next year. The family dynamics are interesting and somewhat convulted here, much like they are in any family of step children, half siblings, etc. It's interesting to watch the interplay between the sons and daughters, and the way they view themselves and each other. The author uses recent political and international events to weave throughout the story, adding an additional level of realism. The novel chronicles the next year in the family, and marks numerous ups, downs, sadness and happy events. In some cases, there is almost too much going on, and I found myself having to backtrack once or twice, just to check out familial relationships. In a novel with this many characters, plot twists and subplots, that's to be expected. Some of the twists the book used were easy to see coming, some were not. It definitely held my interest thoughout. If you enjoy suspense and family intrigue, you will enjoy this book. I plan to read more of this author's work in the future.

Reviewed by Leslie Granier for Reader Views (10/09) After Paul Parnell's death, his heirs are assembled for the reading of the will. As his six children (by three different women) wait expectantly for their shares of his vast estate, they are presented with a challenge. They have one year to pass a test proposed by their father before they can receive their inheritance. They must embrace the moral values of their father and use their talents to improve society. Unable to file a legal challenge to this will, the siblings seek ways to pass their test while trying to make it difficult for the others to accomplish theirs. As the family endures one tragedy after another, they are faced with the decision of whether or not to put their greed aside for the sake of keeping the family intact. Author Patricia Gussin assembles an eclectic mix of characters in "The Test." There is a powerful United States' senator with presidential aspirations, a fashion model with a history of drug abuse, an insecure medical student, a tree farmer, and a cardinal in the Catholic Church. The author effectively describes the lavish lifestyles led by many of the characters but she also touches on the difficulties they face regarding knowing who they can trust and whether or not they are being used. Juicy information about the characters is constantly introduced to thicken the plot and maintain the readers' interest. Although the story is set in 2001, it still feels fresh. The author makes the story seem more realistic by including major news items from that time, including the infamous Bush vs. Gore election results and the terror attacks of September 11th. This book is intended for an adult audience. "The Test" by Patricia Gussin has something to offer everyone. There is suspense, greed, scandal, and manipulation. However, there are also positive items such as learning the importance of family and experiencing personal growth through helping others in need. It emphasizes the importance of what parents should pass on to their children. It is the moral values and a sense of service to others they should seek to leave as their legacy, rather than money or other objects.

Billionare Paull Parnel is dead. For many families, the death of the patriarch is a time of loss and reflection. For Parnell's brood, it is a time of strained connections and plans for potential monetary compensation. However, Paul Parnell had time to do his own reflecting before his death and decided that his family would learn from his mistakes. Instead of an immediate payout for those fortunate, or unfortunate, enough to be his children, Paul created a year-long test of worth. If the grown children pass the test, one deemed unwavering by several lawyers, they will receive their share of the inheritance. The test of their self-discovery is not one that can be easily completed; Parnell's family members must face their own mistakes and areas for improvement.

My copy is the Reviewer's proof but I'm sure the final copy will be just as thrilling, incredibly well structured and intensely fast-paced with an equally 'moving' finale, fit for an 'Encore', if it came to that. Patricia Gussin's novel is beautifully structured: From the father's will to the September 11 event, to the missing Ashley, pregnant and despondent in discovering her fiance's shocking past, to re-uniting with her family and the scheduled Test, one year and a day after reading out the father's, Paul Parnell's, will. The author chooses a modern day tragic 'crime' (September 11), to bring into focus, the reality of the character, Ashley's predicaments, of escaping a marriage that would have left her bewildered and more than likely, 'cent-less' - and we see how the intensity of her situation is acccentuated by what occurs to her after the 9/11 Twin Tower attack. It almost feels like the reader experiences the September trauma again through this character, Ashley, who finally comes to her senses and returns home to find a demonic 'fiance' offering her flowers and in return her petrified screams sending frisson throughout this ordeal. 'The Test earns novelist Patricia Gussin a solid A+ for smart plotting, top-notch characters, and intense action. What more could a reader want?' - Debby Stowell, Circle Books