REVIEW: They Know Not What They Do by Jussi Valtonen @1worldnetwork
They Know Not What They Doby Jussi Valtonen
One World Publications
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Big thank you to One World Publications for this copy in return for my honest opinion.
Joe Chayefski has got what he always wanted: a reputation as one of America's top neuroscientists, a beautiful wife and two perfect daughters. But his carefully created idyll is threatened when his lab is targeted by animal rights activists. The attack is followed by a phone call from Joe's ex-wife in Finland. Two decades have passed since he abandoned Alina and their young son, Samuel, returning to America to advance his career. Now Samuel is somewhere in the States, and Alina fears he is looking for revenge. As Joe struggles to protect his new family from the increasing threat of violence - and to save his eldest daughter from the clutches of an unscrupulous tech company - he is forced to reconsider his priorities and take drastic action to save those he loves.
My Review:
First let me say that for some reason I think a vast majority of readers were expecting this to be a thriller type of read. However, if you look at the synopsis, you realize that it's NOT. This is a contemporary fiction piece. For those expecting the former and getting the latter, I think it will sway reviews. That being said, let's continue on to what I thought as I was one of the former who then changed my expectations based on the blurb once I read it again.
I absolutely adore a good contemporary piece of fiction. What the author does well is building each of the characters. We get an in-depth look into these character's minds. The writing style is beautifully executed and how well the author takes this complex and multi-layered story is a testament to winning the Finlandia Prize!
I did think there was a bit TOO much going on sometimes and would find myself becoming disinterested in certain areas of the book. While I can appreciate the detailing and back stories that were integrated, sometimes it became a bit much to keep my full attention.
This is one of those books where I truly want to love it because I can appreciate all the finer things the book brings to the table. However, it did move a little too slow for me in certain areas and I found my interest waning. What did work is the beautiful way the story is told - the back and forth in Joe and Alina's relationships, their son, Samuel and his perspective.
It's interesting how we live our life through just our own perspective. If you put three people in the same situation that they are experiencing together, they will tell you three different stories on what actually happened because of how they viewed that experience through their own eyes. Sometimes you really need to pay attention to how others can perceive your actions and words.
If you want an atmospheric, tech-savvy, domestic drama type of read, then this winner will work for you!
★★★
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