“I started this book thinking it would be another Clive Cussler/Dirk Pitt type, stereotypical novel that is easy on the brain, light on plot and heavy on the political agenda. Within the first few pages it became clear this was not my father’s Alex Deleware or Lucas Davenport brand of hero. Abramczyk masterfully engineers Jupiter/Jupe as a complicated and torn individual who continually demonstrates complete disregard for his own self accountability, but all the while seems to weigh and fight to right the impact he’s had on those around him. The result is a complex hero that seems to make bad decision after bad decision, losing battle after battle. Ultimately, and not without the help of his love interest and equally complicated counterpart, Maya, as well as dire forced circumstances, Jupe seems to develop a sense of self and direction. Whether it’s too late, I honestly can’t tell you. I’m not sure if the author intended it, (I assume he did), but I think the ending could have different interpretations. Regardless, it makes me anxious for another novel.
Abramczyk is obviously extremely familiar with the environment, culture and history of the many geographies in the book. Very much like the Clive Cussler type novels, Samsara takes you on a beautiful journey that is well written and easy to visualize. However, it also gives a historical perspective of the turbulent and violent, ongoing political cold war between Nepal, Tibet, China, India, etc. It is an interesting, insider’s perspective told effectively through the eyes of our troubled hero, Jupe. I can’t account for the accuracy of the perspective, but Abramczyk’s experience and history in the region lends significant credibility.
I liked the book, it was hard to put down, albeit sometimes out of pure morbid curiosity to see what kind of trouble Jupe would drum up next. However, the drive to see if Jupe would get his redemption (and the girl), was enough to keep going. Again, I’m hoping there’s a follow-on adventure with Jupe and Maya.
