“Follow your own star and you cannot fail to reach your destination,” Inferno by Dante. Translated and paraphrased by James Victor Jordan.
James Victor Jordan’s debut novel, The Speed of Life is a mix of more than one genre, for it entwines astrophysics, philosophy, psychology, mysticism, and thrill.
Oscillating between the first and the third person narrative, and moving forward and backward in time, Jordan starts out with the story of Estella Verus, who is part Seminole, part black, and part white. She works as a federal prosecutor in South Florida and has a 20-year-old son. Andrew, her son, has trouble with the law, having already faced charges of LSD possession. What does Andrew have to do with what happened to her? Does this threaten her love for him? Will Estella have the ability to make amends to him?
With a rich cast of characters, the author does a terrific job bringing them to life and giving them diversity, depth, and believability. I related the most to the character of Hailey, whom I thought was authentic, and true to herself albeit flawed. Here’s a glimpse, “He looks at TV the way he used to look at me, and he looks at me as if I were the furniture. That’s when he bothers to look at me when he isn’t looking at his smartphone.”
I could identify with Georges Bohem, the lawyer, whose vulnerability added genuineness and transparency to the text. Here’s an example, “Even if I agreed to represent you on your own dime, hoping you’d pay me after you’re found not guilty, you still couldn’t afford me. Hell, I couldn’t afford me.”
The first few chapters read like short stories. Despite having different lines in life, the stories are related, one way or the other, and they revolve in the orbit of Estella’s story. As you proceed through the book, the intricate plot unravels, the characters’ paths cross, and it all comes together in a well-structured and smooth narrative.
I found this book beautifully written, fast-paced, and engaging. I was particularly impressed by the intelligent dialogue, which acted as a vessel to convey messages of tolerance and love. Blending astronomy with mysticism, and seasoning with just the right amount of philosophical queries on faith and life, the book is a feast of wisdom. The details of the court proceedings and the insider’s look into the frustrating legal system that the author provided are a testament to his legal finesse, being an attorney himself.
Of a special appeal is the vivid description of the Seminole culture and mythology. As a descendant of Eastern European shamans, Jordan integrates shamanic practices into the story and touches on how these impact the characters’ contemporary lives. Moreover, Jordan has the tools of putting you in Florida’s Southeast coast, where you can marvel at the sights and smells of the Everglades.
If I were pressed to state what I liked least about the book, I would pick the momentary need to reorient the characters in my mind because of the flashbacks. That said, I unreservedly recommend The Speed of Life , to a vast array of readers. The amalgamation of thrill, philosophy, spirituality, science, nature, and multiculturalism renders this book appealing to fans of all these genres. If you’re looking for a riveting, unique, and thought-provoking read, then this is a perfect match. Having a bit of everything for everyone, I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t find in it something to identify with.
The Speed of Life is a recipe for the inquisitive mind, for it delves into a myriad of topics astutely and candidly. It is, therefore, my utmost pleasure to rate it 4 out of 4 stars.
Jordan said it eloquently, “After all, what is consciousness if not a dialogue between the past, the present, and the future? What are memories and dreams if not an expression of the speed of life?”
Ruba Abu Ali’s review can be found on the Online Book Club Reviews site here.
