On My Bookshelf: The Searcher by Ray Dacolias

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A mother’s worst fear is for something to happen to her child. When I was younger, I remember my mother saying that she would walk through fire for me.  At the time, it sounded like such an odd thing to say.  Why would she need to walk through fire, and why for me?  Now that I’m a parent, I realize the meaning behind that declaration.   Loving a child so dearly that there is no thought for yourself, instead your child is the number one priority in everything.  The willingness to sacrifice everything, including your own safety, for the love of your child — that is the gift of being a mother.  I now understand what my mother meant.  As I said before, a mother’s worst fear is for something to happen to her child.  Perhaps even worse, what if she didn’t have the chance to walk through that proverbial fire?  What if a terrible event occurred and the parent didn’t have an opportunity to try to save her dear one?   In The Searcher, that terrible event happened to Joaquin Bridger.  He was a police officer and felt that he should have been able to protect his beloved daughter and wife from a senseless crime.   Joaquin punishes himself daily by refusing to accept kindness, human interaction, or even to give himself the blessing of noticing the beauty of the world around him.  He lives in a self-inflicted isolation that breaks the heart of those who loved him.  When Joaquin witnesses the kidnapping of a child, he doesn’t hesitate to try to get her back.  The Searcher was a difficult read.  Perhaps I’m too accustomed to reading mind candy books that are simple and easy to finish in a day.  It seemed that the print on this book was small or something, so I had a hard time keeping my concentration on the pages.  Also, the writing style was very poetic in nature.  Don’t get me wrong — it’s beautifully written.  In fact, I very much enjoyed the author’s way of describing the outdoors.  He also did an excellent job of portraying the mental anguish of Joaquin, the strong faith of the dear child Sylvia, and even the cruel intentions of the criminal Slaughter.  This was just one of those books that required me to slow down and consider each line.  If you’re in the mood for that kind of book, definitely check out The Searcher.

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Comments

  1. Your description of this book reminds me of Map Of The World. It started with a tragedy, too, but it was very very descriptive and poetically written. I had to really concentrate to pay attention and I never made it all the way through the book. I really need to go back and finish it, though, because it was very good {what I read of it}.

    Some books just require more brain power to read, lol. I am ok with that as long as they are worth it in the end. 🙂
    Dawn recently posted…Objectification Of Women As A Defense Against Objectification Of Women: Say What??My Profile

  2. I just finished this wonderful book a few days ago myself and absolutely loved it. Joaquin was so set on getting this little girl back and the story lagged in places. Other than that I agree with you, I had to re read several parts to fully get them, but I would still recommend this book to others.
    Cyndee Hill Wells/Rude Mom Blog recently posted…Blogger Opp. – Paws For A CauseMy Profile

  3. This sounds like a really compelling book. I don’t mind a dark read, and a lot of the books I read are either very dark or very light-hearted. I switch it up and one week I’m reading a book that is making me cry or really think about something and the next I’m reading YA. Thanks for letting me know about this book!
    Holly @ Woman Tribune recently posted…Fun Cinco de Mayo Party Activities and Recipe from Chef Ingrid Hoffman @SimplyIngrid #CokeFiestaMy Profile

  4. This sounds like a book right up my alley—introspective and dark. I like to psychoanalyze the characters as I read….weird I know (I can’t shake my therapist instincts) 😉 and Joaquin sounds like fascinating material.
    Added to my endless **must read** list!
    Kimberly D recently posted…Book Review: Duchess by @SusanMayWarren + Kindle HD Giveaway!My Profile

Trackbacks

  1. […] moving book that takes a while to get through but leaves you filled with hope in the end.  When I posted about it a few days ago, several readers commented that it was a book they’d like to read.   So […]

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