One thing I love about reading is when you go into a book with no expectations and it blows you out of the water – this is a book that did exactly that. It reminded me a little of Boy Swallows Universe with an abstract plot and no definitive genre. I was slightly intimidated as I do like to know where I stand with a book before I start. But sometimes, you just have to let the story do the talking.
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: What can only be described as fiction
Published on: 14 May 2020
Pages: 244 (paperback)
Published by: Black Rose Writing
Meet God, Dave, and Peaches the cat
I’m going to keep this summary brief because I really do recommend going in blind.
Dave Randall is a grumpy, unfulfilled legal malpractice lawyer in New York. His colleague, John, also happens to be Dave’s only friend. So when he simply disappears one day, Dave is at a loss, until about a year later when John presents him with a life-changing experience.
This pushes Dave to re-evaluate his life, leading him and Peaches to embark on a journey together, in the search for self-discovery. But self-discovery extends far beyond Dave’s meager existence. Haunted by John’s fate, Dave is put in a position that could alter the course of not just his life, but the universe.
A re-affirming novel that will make you look at life differently
Questions of Perspective is classed as paranormal fantasy which isn’t exactly my go-to genre. But there’s so much more to this story that it’s impossible to categorise into any kind of box. It is unique in its own way and there are very few books you can say that about these days.
For me, this book was a mix between a toned-down Bruce Almighty and a 30-year-old coming-of-age story. It was serious yet comical in all the right places. It brought the theory of God to life in a believable way. It didn’t force beliefs down your throat, nor did it make fun of religion in any way. It was the perfect middle-ground.
A book that ticked every box
- Plot and narrative – 4.9
When you strip this book back, the plot is actually really simple. But beyond the simple is a basket of life lessons that will make you re-evaluate what’s important in your life. And I think we could all do with a bit of that at this moment in time, right? - Writing style and readability – 4.7
Another thing I loved about this book (have I mentioned I love it?) was the first part that documents Dave’s life as a lawyer. I will hold my hands up and say I have zero knowledge in law, litigation, accounting fraud, and so forth. But the mundanities of Dave’s work-life shaped his character, which made his transition all the more significant. The author brought this part to life and it was interesting and compelling to read about. If anyone else can make law this riveting then hit me up. Aside from the law part, there was a great mix of fast and slow, tension counteracted with reflection, and some real witty one-liners. - Characters – 4.8
I was rooting for Dave from page one. He’s a bit of a cantankerous, unsociable outcast and I can kinda relate to that. I also loved (wait for it)… the cat! Now I am not a cat person but dare I say, Peaches was one of my favourite characters and brought so much to the story (seriously, if I knew a cat like this, I’d probably steal it). - Diverse themes – 4.2
The ‘paranormal fantasy’ was definitely a diverse theme for me. I’ve never read a book like this (and don’t believe I ever will). - Ending – 4.8
Ahhhh the ending to this book was so. good. I zoomed through the last 20% but also wanted to it to drag out more so it wouldn’t have to end. That is the sign of a really good book.
Overall rating: 4.7
I really was so invested in this story. It may be a work of fiction, but the life lessons can apply to us all. I know I’ll be thinking about these and questioning my own perspective for a long time to come.
Thank you so much to the author and BookSirens for sending me a free digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
Backpacking Bookworm 
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