Matt McAvoy Book Review

It’s fair to say that, of the many books I’ve read, there have been few as engrossing or thought-provoking as this one, certainly in its subject matter.  It is as vast and spiritual as fiction can ever get – and a truly tremendous narrative.  With Christianity very much at its core, we follow the afterlife of three incredibly influential figures from history and one unknown individual, as they are accompanied by Aidenn – the collective name for the angels of death – to reflect on their lives, their humanity and their faith.  Their Limbo, or posthumous contemplation, is immensely profound over an unspecified period of time – perhaps minutes or millennia, in a timeless realm – before facing their judgement by the Almighty Creator.  Whilst we don’t get to witness their final judgement, that isn’t really the point; this book is about the journey, as the four individuals relive and discourse with their celestial companions their actions and choices in life.  It is a parable in the form of fantasy fiction.  And it feels like a cold, sad allegory.

There are a couple of surprises.  Those accompanied figures being none other than Pontius Pilate, President Lincoln and Adolf Hitler, you might think it is a simple, black-and-white case of guilty or not guilty, Heaven or Hell, but this book is much, much more than mere hegemony and righteous rhetoric.  It is exceptionally knowledgeable, and there are ambiguous aspects about the two formerly named; Hitler, of course, is pure evil and narcissism personified, and is rightly afforded no redeeming features, but we see contrition in Pilate, and very serious moral flaws in some of the decisions made by the mythologically virtuous archetype which is Abraham Lincoln.  All of their characteristics and more contrary actions are explored in spiritual, psychological and metaphorical depth, by a gifted, talented and clearly highly intelligent author.  The respective narratives of all four men are cleverly yet inevitably intertwined, as they each get to see the impact of their own decisions and legacies on the later lives of their fellow travellers.

I don’t know if Ford Nettleton is a Christian, but I believe his faith is strong, for he considers the profound layers of humanity, and the irresistible lure of the seven deadly sins personified, with wonderfully committed consideration; he probably suspects the fate of each man crossing over, while we are invited to consider objectively.  The book is clearly intended to compel us to reflect on the choices we make, the world we live in, and our collective and individual paths.  One thing becomes indisputably and unambiguously clear, though: we cannot continue as we are, in hate, hubris and desire for more than the collective good, for the outcome of our species is becoming unavoidable. 

This book has me more thoughtful than any I have read previously – not in respect of the afterlife, for I am not a religious or spiritual person, but in compassion for those who are.  It must be a horrifying prospect to anticipate facing your Creator to answer, and this book, whilst not overpowering with the darkness, certainly implies that it is there, at the end, waiting for us in all the dark matter we have imprinted upon.  It is a tremendously good book which I highly recommend, whether you are a reader of faith or just one who loves deep, metaphorical literary fiction.