Review: Paul Harris

Title: The Secret Keeper Author: Paul Harris Format: TC Available Formats: Kindle, Sony eBook Page Count: 318 Genre: Mystery/Thriller Publisher: Dutton Adult Pub. Date: April 2, 2009 ISBN-13: 9780525951025

Danny is a reporter living in London with a wonderful woman named Rachel. However, despite having a "good life", Danny is perpetually stuck four years in his past, back in civil warring Sierra Leone where he covered the biggest story of his life, fell in love, and saw danger for the first time. Leaving Sierra Leone has drained all the color from Danny's world. Without Sierra Leone--without Maria--Danny is only going through the motions of living. Then, years later, Danny receives a request for help from Maria. He's too late to help her, but he finds himself drawn into the Sierra Leone (now supposedly a "peaceful" place) once again.

The Secret Keeper had my attention immediately. Of course, it helps that the book begins with a disturbing torture scene. Beyond that, though, there are just so many things that struck me about the book within pages. Harris is a literary writer, but does so in a way that appeals to a wide range of people. His descriptions and commentary are just so damn apt. And he does it with beautiful prose. Absolutely stunning. Really, I'm nearly at a loss on where to begin with everything I love about The Secret Keeper.

Let's start with the setting. Harris, the author, obviously has had experience with the country and truly does the people justice. Instead of just appealing to the audience about the plight of the protagonist, Harris draws you into the turmoil of Sierra Leone. Though some of the imagery he brings up is nearly nauseating, I rejoiced at such a blunt, detailed, and emotional appeal for the country that, like the protagonist, fights itself and settles in an unsettling non-peace.

Did I mention his prose is just beautiful to read? I'm pretty sure I could flip to any page and find a good example of what I mean. Here happens to be an example from the beginning of chapter 12: "London greeted him as it always seemed to when he was returning from abroad: with a cold, gray embrace. The train from Heathrow was half empty as it sliced through the suburbs and Danny saw the same grimy projects and people trudging through the rain."

The characters, too, are memorable. I really felt for Danny--even if I didn't always agree with him. The man has so many doomed relationships, that he doesn't even realize he's losing control of the situation. He doesn't realize he loses his father or Rachel--or even Maria--until it's too late. His life slips away with him, because his heart cannot live without what he found in a foreign land.

Quick and Dirty: Head Over Heels.
Book Love Affair is going to recommend The Secret Keeper whole-heartedly. The book has it all: political intrigue, international affairs, a protagonist who has faults (but still manages to gain sympathy), action, and a love affair. Plus? It has the wonderful bonus of being written in a layered, beautiful way. My only warning is that if you choose to read The Secret Keeper, you'll be just as anxious for Harris' second novel!