The Testing of Luther Albright

In her intriguing debut novel, "The Testing of Luther Albright," MacKenzie Bezos tackles the question of what makes a man an effective father. Her protagonist is a good man, on the surface a dutiful provider, honorable husband and competent companion to his son. Yet, Luther Albright is as brittle as a withered autumnal leaf; in his quest to never burden his family with his private emotional turmoil, he shuts himself off from them. His acts of spiritual isolation and compulsive refusal to open his heart to those he loves result in a predictable disaster. Indeed, in the very first sentence of the novel, Bezos informs us that Luther "lost" his wife and son in the span of one year, after failing "nine separate tests" of character. The central irony of the novel is that Luther's sincere efforts to protect his family from pain result in silent suffering, deepening resignation and simmering resentment. Discouraged by the "unfathomable Rube Goldberg workings that controlled my mind and heart," Luther steadfastly refuses to share his own broken heart, the result of unresolved ambivalence over his own childhood relationship with his father. Rather than confront his own pain and share his anguish with his wife, Luther resolves to assiduously maintain his meticulously-constructed home. As a craftsman, Luther is without peer; as a husband and father, he fails terribly. Repressed and vigilant about any show of emotion, Luther cannot find a means to share himself with his son. Whether it be home repair or instructions about shaving, Luther awkwardly flails about in trying to connect with his son. Direct, honest, authentic talk never is a possibility. Consequently, the son quietly rebels; even Elliot's gentle acts of rebellion are cries for recognition, pleas for connection. Out of fear that he may utter the wrong phrase or offer improper advice, Luther selects the worst of all avenues to approach his son: a prim and distant affection, which his son interprets as rejection and repudiation. A brash and boorish co-worker even provides a better, if rough-hewn, role model as a husband. Bezos' style could stand some refining. She tends to slight her secondary characters, especially wife Liz and son Elliot, never permitting us the chance to understand the world from their point of view. As well, by the end of the novel, the author has thoroughly mined every conceivable angle by which we may judge Luther. A more trim, compact novel would have achieved the same end. The sadness that suffuses "The Testing of Luther Albright" reminds us that emotional risk taking is far superior to buttoned-down, flat affect. Children need genuine parents, parents who are courageous enough to share their flaws, as well as their virtues, with their offspring.

In "The Testing of Luther Albright," MacKenzie Bezos draws you into the intimacy of Luther Albright's mind. We hear his every thought and experience every nuance. The writing is personal and inviting all while it is occasionally especially revealing. This is a meticulously researched novel with a distinct male voice. MacKenzie Bezos has successfully stepped into Luther Albright's world and writes with a keen sense of observation. She skillfully weaves a subtle suspense into the story and this keeps you reading right to the last page. The story is captivating and has interesting twists and turns that surprise and at times inspires laughter. This is one of the most insightful novels I've ever read and the ending was not what I expected. ~The Rebecca Review

This is a beautifully crafted psychological study in which everything in the external world correlates with cracks and stresses in the protagonist's mind. Is the dam he designed defective? Did he err when installing the plumbing in his house? For a controlling person like Luther Albright, these issues are symbolic of flaws in his relationships, or in his perceptions of them. Tension builds slowly, and the inner demons begin to emerge like cracks in a damn, or in the living room plaster. A great first novel!

This is a taut, stinging story of the family dynamics involved in repressed feelings and denied passion. The intergenerational aspects self-abegnation, over-control, and a desire for perfection are illustrated in this well crafted cautionary tale. Luther Albright suffers intense anxiety and acute insecurity as he strives to cope with his only son's trying teenage behavior which brings back memories of incidents from his own youth and painful interactions with his own parents. Long-term psychological damage and personal relationships that are stunted and false are all part of this sad story that we are all the wiser for reading. Don't miss it.

this story is well-conceived and the main character is an interesting study in distancing and alienation from loved ones. the plot could have used more fuel, and the writing requires concentration without being entirely involving, but luther albright's climactic realizations are carefully orchestrated, unsettling, and sad. be prepared to be patient with the mental maneuvering of a man who is so overcontrolled that he only occasionally simmers with emotion.