Republic Captivates Both Senses and Sensibilities

Republic: A Novel of America’s Future written by Charles Sheehan-Miles is a fictional dramatic work that will have readers taken captive by the tale. Within the pages of this story are the lives of characters that could be one’s neighbors or self. Sheehan-Miles has taken possible present-day scenarios and created a future for the United States that reads like newspaper headlines with the depth and heart of the people involved with the happenings. Unaccustomed to delving into dramatic works as I am, my abrupt captivity within the tale was a complete and enthralling surprise.

The characters are many and varied, being well developed and realistic to the point of readers feeling the gut-wrenching depth of each portion of the tale. The two main lives focused on are that of Ken Murphy and Karen Greenfield, but these characters are only a portion of the lives that are included in this storyline. The tale focuses on a small town in West Virginia and the harsh realities each member of the town must face in a time of economic and personal hardships.

The plot is explosively captivating, leaving readers engrossed by the happenings; and torn between looking away to gain his or her composure due to the assault on one’s personal moralistic center and continuing on in the story to stand guard over those characters who have grown dear. Certainly, if one reads this novel, he or she must be prepared. Some will need a box of tissue close by, and then, later, be so horrified and heart-sick over the happenings, that anger will take possession, accompanied by the sadness, over the feeling that such a tale could easily be reality. I can assure that no one will read this novel without being made to think. ( )

The book was very enjoyable and a little disturbing. A great book and well worth your time to read and enjoy. ( )

Ken Murphy, a veteran of the Iraq War, is faced with a desperate situation when he is laid off from a Microsystems plant and faces the loss of medical benefits for his terminally ill son. The plant, which employed most of the small town, is outsourced to Indonesia, despite making a profit. The townsfolk come together and attempt to buy the plant. When they are turned down, they decide to "go back to work" in protest. The Department of Homeland Security sweeps in, killing and wounded several people. As more and more similar situations happen in West Virginia, the populous decide to submit a proposition to secede from the union. This book, with the DHS raids, blatant disregard for civil rights and growing discontent with the federal government, depict a world spiraling out-of-control. It is well-written, the characters are very engaging and overall it was a fast read. Overall, I highly recommend this book. ( )

What happens when the government turns on itself? The Republic poses a frightening scenario of how it just might play out. I found the main characters touching and could totally feel sympathy for what he was feeling. It makes you take stock in beliefs in the government and your life. ( )

Review of member giveaway eBook

Set in the near future in an increasingly oppressive America. This tells the story of a chain of events leading up to a state seceding from the USA and the ensuring civil war. Told from multiple view points with well drawn characterisation and gripping plot lines this was a very interesting and well written novel.

I enjoyed this enormously and would recommend it highly. ( )