"'Christ,' he thought, 'I've had better years.'"
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View from the Edge by Michael Kasenow Infinity Publishing
book review by Shannon Johnson
This quote is an understatement of the year in the life of the main character Joshua Feenics. View from the Edge is the personal tale of a college professor getting back into the saddle after his recovery from a mental breakdown. The story takes you straight into his career, its pressures, and the tumultuous life that follows his institutionalization. Feenics heads an Anthropology department at a fading university with financial and public perception issues. Throughout the fast-paced story, he deals with a myriad of issues including racist and sexist tenured professors; an adulterous, mean-spirited, alcoholic wife; fawning, flirty, female students; and harsh memories of a ragingly alcoholic and abusive father that brought on his psychotic break in the first place. Through the tumult, his devoted secretary remains an invaluable ally and pillar of support.
The book progresses at a relentless pace, culminating in Feenics' confirmed suspicions about big, impending plans surrounding his position at the university, and a painful, almost deadly revelation of his wife's true nature. Yet, when the mist clears, the character experiences a healing of sorts that ushers in the peace that eluded him most of his life.
Kasenow's vivid description allows readers to lose themselves in scenery and the multitude of characters woven into the tale. View from the Edge is solid literary entertainment from the first page. A subtle plot line provides plenty of dips and twists to keep the reader engrossed until the end. All in all, Kasenow serves up a perfect read to curl up with on rainy day.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review