by Paul HarrisThe Secret Keeper, set in war-torn Sierra Leone, tells the story of one man’s search for the truth in a nation where the rules of civilized society simply don’t apply.
Danny Kellerman, the main character, is based loosely on the author himself who spent time as a journalist covering the civil war in Sierra Leone. I think that may be one reason why the events, setting, characters and story seemed so real. Another reason is that Harris is a good writer. Not everyone can capture in writing their own experiences in such a compelling way. I could write about an event in my life and it would read like 'Dick and Jane.'
This book is fiction and the events that take place are fiction, but they feel like they could have really happened.
Danny receives a letter from his girlfriend of 4 years previous, the one he knew in Sierra Leone. She asks him to return because she is in a great deal of trouble. Somehow the note was waylaid and Danny heard about her death before the note arrived. He is shaken and feels he must return to find answers.
There's an element of mystery as Danny hunts for clues and uncovers bits and pieces of Maria's life. He discovers Maria wasn't the woman he knew. I always like it when the story is peeled back a layer at a time. It adds to the interest and suspense.
I highly recommend The Secret Keeper. It'd be a perfect Father's Day gift. I think most men would love this book. That doesn't mean women won't. There are many reviews for this book written by women, all seem to feel the same as I do - it's a winner. Here are some other reviews you may want to check out:
Maw Books
Peeking Between the Pages
Musings of a Bookish Kitty
My Friend Amy
Only one suggestion: I would love to have had a map of Africa in the front of the book showing where Sierra Leone is and the capital, Freetown, where most of the action takes place. As it was I looked it up on Google Earth. I just need to reaquaint myself with exactly where it was in relation to other nations in Africa.
12 comments:
"Dick and Jane!" I loved that comment. :)
I'm next on the library waiting list for this. I'm really looking forward to reading it.
I am glad you enjoyed this one too. It really was good, wasn't it? I was debating whether this would make a good Father's Day present for my dad . . . Great review!
I almost grabbed this at the library Saturday but I realized that I can only read so many books within 14 days!! It's certainly on my TBR list and I enjoyed your review immensely!!
This book looks really good! I am going to add it to the list. :)
sounds so interesting!
Hey! I left a comment on my post, but wasn't sure you'd see it so I wanted to leave another one for you here. You may be interested to know that in addition to Coffee with Buddha and the others in the series I mentioned, there is also a Coffee with Einstein book. Thanks for coming by and for sharing your story with me!
I loved this book. I had to look up a map on the Internet because I just needed to try and visualize where this was taking place. It was interesting to find pictures of the area too. I'm so glad you posted this review. It reminded me of how much I enjoyed it and why.
I agree this is a good book. I think for me it really added to it's authenticity that he had spent time there himself. I never thought though of a map but you're right, it would have been nice to see all the places he was speaking of in relation to each other because I had been wondering that myself. Hmmmmm, I should see if my dad would like this book-I never thought of that either-thank!
This was a great post. Sounds like a great book.
I have been curious about this book, and I am glad you gave it such a great review. I think it might make a good Father's day gift.
Great review, I just finished this one myself and really enjoyed it :)
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