Title: Happenstance
Author: M.J. Abraham
First published February 7, 2013
181 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 3.56
Overview
In Jerker Eriksson’s “Püütia õpetused,” Victoria’s fragmented inner world is brought into order with the help of self-therapy. As she heals psychologically, she discovers the ruthless rules of Sihtunum i Diasporan, a secret society of pedophiles.
With newfound strength, Victoria successfully aids her police investigator friend, Jeanette. However, the men who caused Victoria and her daughter Madeleine endless suffering are still at large.
The story’s climax takes place in Babõn Yar, one of the most infamous Nazi execution sites in Ukraine, where justice is not always served by the law.
About the Author
MJ Abraham resides in central Florida alongside her loved ones. When she isn’t engrossed in a good read, she can be found engaging with others on social media platforms.
Editoral Review
Happenstance by M.J. Abraham is a gripping novel that chronicles the interwoven lives of three characters whose disparate paths converge by chance. It is a complex and emotionally charged work of fiction that explores themes of love, loss, regret, and redemption.
M.J. Abraham, the author of the book, is an accomplished writer whose work has received critical acclaim for its depth, nuance, and literary merit. The book is written in a style that combines lyrical prose, intricate characterization, and a keen attention to detail.
The plot unfolds through alternating perspectives that keep the reader engaged and invested in the characters’ lives. The three main characters, Emily, Sebastian, and Daniel, are all facing different types of personal crises that force them to confront their past mistakes and contemplate their future.
Emily is a successful businesswoman who is grappling with the aftermath of a devastating car accident that has left her physically and emotionally scarred. She struggles to maintain her professional and personal life while coming to terms with the trauma that has reshaped her reality.
Sebastian is a struggling writer who is torn between his artistic ambitions and his desire to connect with his estranged father. Daniel is a retired professor who is dealing with the loss of his wife and the realization that his life’s work may not have had the impact he hoped for.
As the three characters stories unfold, themes of fate, chance, and the meaning of life are explored in depth. The book also delves into issues around aging, mental illness, and the importance of human connection.
Set against the backdrop of modern-day New York City, the novel immerses the reader in its vividly imagined world, highlighting the conflicts and contradictions that define contemporary urban life. Overall, Happenstance is a remarkable work of fiction that skillfully blends insightful character development, lyrical prose, and intricate plotting.
It is a must-read for fans of literary fiction who appreciate nuanced and complex storytelling. Although the book may be overly ambitious at times, and some readers may find some of its philosophical musings heavy-handed, it is a powerful and moving work that raises important questions about the nature of existence.
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommended for: Fans of literary fiction, readers who appreciate nuanced character development and intricate plotting, anyone interested in exploring the complexities of the human experience.