RAVELING, Peter Moore Smith's debut novel is part psychological suspense and part mystery.
Two brothers, Eric and Pilot, grew up together but their lives took two very different paths. Eric became a successful doctor, while Pilot ended up unemployed and a diagnosed schizophrenic. After a particular nasty psychotic break, Pilot ends up in the hospital and claims to have information about the disappearance of his sister many years ago. Is there any truth in what Pilot has to say, or is it a delusion?
The story is told in the first person, through the perspective of Pilot. What makes this a bit different is that Pilot it omniscient, so we are still privy to what's going on with other characters. I found this a bit strange at first, but it didn't take me long to get used to it.
The whole issue of Pilot's sanity is fascinating, and it's dealt with in a real and interesting manner. The mystery is compelling, and the characters are well-developed. This an original novel that shouldn't be missed.
Is there any reason within the novel to explain why Pilot acts as an omniscient character? Isn't it just two different narrators switching?
Posted by: Edgar | January 23, 2005 at 05:36 PM