Silas

Sunday 28 August 2011

Silas

Dogs are a man's best friend. A though astutely established by Robert J. Duperre in his book, Silas.

Here is the summary of the book:

Robert J. Duperre, author of The Fall and Dead of Winter, now presents Silas, a contemporary fantasy novel. Ken Lowery is a man at odds with his life. He hates his job, is disappointed in his marriage, and feels resigned to leading a mundane existence. That all changes when his wife brings home a rambunctious Black Labrador puppy named Silas, who forges a remarkable connection with Ken and begins to heal his inner turmoil. When some neighborhood children start to go missing, he takes it upon himself to protect those around him and is thrust into a surreal world where monsters roam. Not everything is what it seems to be, he soon discovers, including his new best friend.

As I just stated Dogs are a man's best friend, so its the case here. As titled SILAS, is actually the name of the Labrador and who definitely plays a pivotal role with the plot.

The book begins with Ken Lowery who is well at odds with his life and well bidding his last days on a hospital bed. Ken knows he doesn't have long to live but he also desires closure. Closure with what had happened to him in the past. Him and his faithful companion, Silas. Who had walked with him through his toughest times and even had gone to hell and had come back with him.

Try not to get confused by all this though - SILAS may revolve around the dog of the same name but yes the story also part paranormal and part post apocalyptic and dystopic. How?....Well read on....

SILAS, the book can be divided into two parts. The first part deals with the ups and downs of Ken's life on present day Earth. And the second part deals with his adventures in what would be a futuristic alternative reality to Earth, a place suffering from apocalyptic scenario where horrid creatures rule the land.

SILAS is a very moving book. While I admit its a little long but it serves its purpose nonetheless. Not only does it enforce the fact that our pets - well gi-faht (read the book you'll know what i'm talking about here)(well primarily dogs) not only being cute but also form a close bond with their masters but it also makes us wonder - 'What if there is really an alternate reality?' - I definitely don't have an answer to that but yes what I do know is Time is one element that is like a vast to ocean - much is still left to be explored.

It goes to the credit of the author that he had me captivated until the very end. Every pain and every moment of joy clearly resonates with us. Not only the beginning with the end also speaks volumes. Well for one Ken Lowery it was - life is too short to be a jerk for the whole while. But at the heart its a tale of growing up, and learning what is important in life and to value it.

Great job Mr. Duperre!