Book Reviews

Book Blurb

In 1910, the United Kingdom is in turmoil. King Edward dies after only nine years on the throne. The social class system that upheld British society for centuries is being chipped away by social, political, and economic unrest across the Empire. Amidst this backdrop, Reverend Leander Norris is accused of sodomy. After discovering his own self-worth and the meaning of unconditional love, Leander finds the courage to stand up for what he believes is right and pleads "not guilty" to the charges.

Throughout the trial, Leander's past is revealed, including the temptations that bring the accusations against him. By the end of the trial, Leander is once again reunited with a romantic interest from the past. But it may be too late to rekindle any love that remains, given the circumstances of the era and Leander's likely sentence.

Love is greater than hope or faith, but can Leander convince a jury that the love he shares with another man is natural?

NOTE: This book was previously published by Musa Publishing in December 2013.

Book Review

“This above all: to thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.” - William Shakespeare (Hamlet)

Reverend Leander Norris, of 'Disappear With Me' by Dean Frech, is determined to go through with a trial in which he is accused of sodomy even though he's been presented with the alternative of being quietly reassigned to another church. In his mind, he's done nothing wrong and sneaking away would be wrong. Leander would be agreeing that he is everything the court is accusing him of being. The reverend believes that what happens in his life is guided by God's purpose and whatever happens is His will.

Leander is a good man with a clear idea of what it means to be a child of God. Leander is exceptionally compassionate and well suited for the demands ministry presents. During his tenure, he motivates his congregation with inspirational speeches not only to live better lives, but also to have pride in their parish by improving its appearance and expanding its community outreach via starting a nursery for working families. His enthusiasm is contagious. Leander uses Bible verses and theology throughout the story to explain his position on things. One, in particular, being that since he is made in God's image, how could he be imperfect? How could he be an abomination if God created him? But what Leander wants, more than anything, is to have someone to love who will love him back for who he is.

As good as Leander is as a person and a priest, his life is full of bittersweetness and sorrow, particularly in his love life. It seems that every time things are going well, something tragic happens to him, testing his faith. Yet, through it all, Leander remains constant in his belief and conducts himself with as much dignity as is humanly possible. Whether it be his tragic relationships or the insults and beatings he endures while incarcerated, Leander firmly declares that he's done nothing wrong, He is never bitter or angry at God or anyone else for giving him such a hard path. It's as if God is testing him to see how much he can bear and still believe, but, like Job, Leander passes with flying colors.

This is a well written story with a serious, often melancholic slant. Important times in the past are told in a series of flashbacks, interspersed between present events, explaining Leander's journey of faith. It's not a favorite style of mine, but the chapters are well marked, which helps to avoid confusion. Chosen passages of Scripture are used throughout to emphasize Leander's thoughts and feelings about certain topics relating to his journey of faith. I was expecting to read a historical love story and hoping for a happy ending. Although it is historical and inspirational, it isn't a romance at all. If you appreciate a more serious story with many theological references and an admirable main character who tries to be true to himself, then you may like this book. Thanks, Dean, for sharing Leander's story.

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by JMS Books for the purpose of a review.

Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Novel, 71759 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	20-August-2016
Price	$5.99 ebook
Buy Link	http://www.jms-books.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=29_105&products_id=1830