The Last Paradise is one of the year’s must reads! Reviewed by Douglas R. Cobb for Best Sellers World (4/2/09).
The Last Paradise is a grand, sweeping panoramic novel of post-Civil War Galveston, Texas, in 1900. It is a poetic novel of warmth and humor, of philosophic musings and deep insights into the human psyche. I was reminded of the writing of John Steinbeck, in that both often dealt with themes involving the struggle of the working class. This is Kasenow’s debut novel, yet it is imbued with a rich flair and characterization rare for any novel…
If you like sweeping historical novels that draw you into the tale and make you empathize with the characters, if you like books that will grab a hold of you, and thrill you with lots of action and descriptive, poetic language, The Last Paradise is one of the year’s must reads. It should be on every best selling books list, and it is a very impressive debut from an extremely gifted author. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more novels by Michael Kasenow in the future.
Breathtaking! Inspiring! Reviewed by
Barbara Deming for The US Review of Books (May, 2009).
Debut novelist Michael Kasenow offers insights to greed, brutality, and the saving grace of healing, but it is through the frailty and strength of the human spirit that he reveals triumph over despair. All along, he depicts the beautiful, corrupt city filled with an array of complex citizens. Hopefully, this breathtaking, inspiring first novel is not the last from this author.
Five Stars at Amazon! Haunting! Filled with humor, tragedy and colorful characters! Reviewed by
Sam Satter for Curled Up With A Good Book (6/09).
Five Stars! Utterly Fascinating Read!
Midwest Book Review (6/11/09).
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| Exquisitely written! Masterful! Reviewed by Kristine Morris for Foreword Magazine (July 09). |
Post-Civil War Galveston is the setting for this exquisitely written, character-rich debut novel by Michael Kasenow. The author masterfully paints a vivid picture of the “alley people” of the reconstruction-era Texas city, a colorful lot of rakes, con-men, prostitutes, drunks, adventurers, and honest workers of all races that lived on the back streets of the place that its wealthy inhabitants called “Paradise.” …
The author’s historical research and deep understanding of human nature and class stratification have allowed him to paint a vivid portrait of a grand city, as flawed as its inhabitants and as vulnerable to the ravages of nature. His skillful plot development, ability to handle the counterpoint of multiple storylines, easy-flowing dialogue, and spot-on pacing all make for a lively novel that is entertaining, thought-provoking, and moving. Kasenow’s book is deeply satisfying in its scope and range, and above all, in its celebration of the beauty and resilience of the human spirit.
Five Stars! A fantastic book for lovers of historical fiction! Reviewed by Sandie Kirkland for Rebecca’s Reads (5/1/09).
One of the strongest parts of the book was the portrayal of the 1900 hurricane that killed thousands in Galveston. It is used to bring several plotlines together and to give resolution to the book. This book is recommended for lovers of historical fiction.
Flamboyant Characters Come To Life! Reviewed by
Shirley Roe for All Books Review (May, 2009).
Vivid descriptions make the reader feel as if they are there. An excellent portrayal of a time when the Klan ran rampant over the south and most people turned a blind eye; a time when money and power could buy a man’s death.
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