Review: ALASKA BE DAMNED! by Robert Hatting
ALASKA BE DAMNED! by author ROBERT HATTING was my personal pick. I read other books from that author, but Alaska be Damned! stood upright and kept its attraction.
I was not sure what to expect but earlier experience with author’s abundant life’s encounters enriched by his vast imaginary and translated into books was a promise.
And that promise unfolded in a real and deep experience which only a person with a true passion for life can offer, and as a bonus gifted with a writing skills share willingly with the others.
Ben Reed, the main character has a voice which in my mind correlates with the voice of the author, I have never heard. Set in the clash of the natural elements, of the powers which only Mother nature can create, author exhibits extraordinary quality of the human character, able to equal natural forces and to keep the pace with the ever-changing conditions and situations.
Skilled fisherman on the daring shores of Alaska hears the call “MAYDAY” and takes it as his mission to help. Without jumping to the conclusion and playing “hero” he practically considers the situation and acts as reasonably as possible. With the backup of his son on the other boat and under the threat of worsening weather conditions places the needs of others before his own and proceeds.
Two survivors; an old man and a young woman in such a distress cannot believe that a “miracle” happened and a real, alive “human being” reached them. The emotions of happiness are high and comparable to those of previous despair. Ben reads the situation and adjusts the steps of his “rescue mission” to the actual conditions.
The first escalation of the plot brings to the reader easy choice which many would follow: listen to the Coast Guards and wait for the “professional” help. The dose of luck of two survivors would be justified by the act of their finding.
Nevertheless, that is not a choice for Ben Reed. He already risked his life to get there; it would be sheer absurdity to let advantages for survivals of all just disappear in the name of procedural orders and obeying the authorities.
The greatest inner struggle: to obey and follow the instruction of those who are in authority given by a law or listen to own sense of what is right to do, can be an experience which elate readers to a soaring levels of excitement and fulfill the role of a good book and a quality entertainment.
Yet, this is merely shallow look at the deep philosophical and humane reflections author displayed in a way understandable and clear for many to ponder; for only a few to relate and exhibit in a real life.
Under a threat of being penalize for breaking formal rules Ben Reed prefers to care and respect the needs of vulnerable. He accepts his own vulnerability, handle his unpretentious exposure to the sensible side of his men’s character and imply justice in its pure and honest version to his deeds.
Life tests only those who are ready, so on the way out of the first crisis, Ben finds himself involved in the second rescue mission. Natural forces didn’t lower their high stakes as he didn’t bend under the accusation of manslaughter.
The greed, power and manipulation on one side collide with a pure friendship, honesty and love on a magnificent background of virgin Alaskan landscapes and ingenuous attempt to deal with politics without lateral intentions and personal agendas.
The fast paced development of the story-line and true values of life, so missing from our present existence, places this novel on shelves of a romance rather than an adventure and a drama.
High ideals, authenticity of author’s approach, imaginative and playful scenes and true human emotions makes from this book a jewel between the contemporary American independent releases.
I appreciate author’s sense for humor and his mastery to create a tense situation while by the unpredictable swing of the hand relieves it in a way of a successful comedian.
In the center of all superhuman and technically advanced heroes, created in the name of superficial entertainment and very far from possibility to be followed or taken as a positive example, however amazing especially young generation, the hero of ALASKA BE DAMNED! seems to be “superhuman” too but in a sense of performing such a strong character unbeatable by natural forces, weakness of others or unpredictable circumstances.
Author ROBERT HATTING created Ben Reed as a fictional character, but without his vast life experiences this character would be just superficial as all present “movie heroes”; in the name of saving one person killing and damaging thousands of others. Ben Reed in the name of saving three persons didn’t compromise his integrity; he challenged the system established on the power of control over others, on behalf of all.
ALASKA BE DAMNED! by ROBERT HATTING fit to my picture of literature, dealing with the acute problems of the entire society and challenging every reader to comprehend the meaning of a relative truth.
I give ALASKA BE DAMNED! by ROBERT HATTING 5 stars for contents and readers experience.
For the technical evaluation I give 3 stars. The technical evaluation is a private assessment, only for the author.
Reviewed on 22nd August 2014
Gabrielle de la Fair
Editor-in-Chief
