Carole's Sunday Review: Precept

Author: Matthew de Lacey Davidson

Title: Precept

Genre: Fiction

Publication: March 2018

Where I Got It: My shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher for my unbiased opinion)

Dublin, Ireland – Autumn, 1845. A young Irish boy, Nathan Whyte, whose life has been uneventful up to this point, is present at the arrival of a celebrity who has stepped off a boat that has just rolled into the harbour from the United States of America. This famous guest has recently achieved much renown (or notoriety, depending on the viewpoint) as an exemplary writer, and one of the greatest orators of his age – in an age of great oratory. At first confused, Nathan's curiosity is piqued as he slowly realises that this man – Frederick Douglass – the greatest voice of abolition of his day – whose talent for shattering ignorance is unique – entrances his audiences with his eloquence, dignity, sharp wit, and unparalleled public speaking skills.

However, what Douglass and Nathan have yet to discover is that in a very short period of time, Ireland – at the beginning of the Great Famine – through individual acts of compassion and by bearing witness, will have as much of a profound effect upon Douglass as Douglass is to have upon Ireland. And further, that through these events, both he and Nathan will be irrevocably transformed. 

I was intrigued from the moment I saw the cover and read the summary. I have always been interested Mr. Douglas and I like Ireland. This seemed to be the full package!

The thing I really enjoyed was the writing. The author really does have a way with words. This story was beautifully written and I feel it did justice to Mr. Douglas and his voice. 

The story was a little slow, to begin with, but then things got rolling and I was hooked. I was curious what was going to happen next. It really was sad and makes you think. 

It was a short story, but I did want more. I want to read more stories about Mr. Douglas and his adventures. I do wish that some parts went into more details. There were some parts that seemed glossed over. 

I even liked Nathan and it was interesting to see the history unfold from this POV. Poor kid. He really had some eye-opening moments. 

What else to say?

Oh! The speech was done well. I was hooked to every word. I would love a live performance of this.

Overall, I did really enjoy this. The writing really brought the story alive. I want to read more by this author especially the poetry. I also really want to read more about Mr. Douglas. I'll stamp this with 4 stars.