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Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
In The Clear by Frederick K. Van Patten begins with Cressida's funeral. Cressida's devastated cousin Melody embarks on a mission to find Simon, who has disappeared and is suspected of illegal activities. With clues suggesting Simon is hiding in the Olympic Rain Forest, Melody, alongside Jake and wilderness guide Jonathan Kessler, initiates a search operation. Family dynamics strain as Melody seeks financial help from her father, and Valerie leaves for North Carolina due to her pregnancy. Meanwhile, Chloe, the family matriarch, reveals a terminal cancer diagnosis, leading to an outpouring of familial support. As Simon eludes their search, Chloe's health worsens. The characters navigate their complex relationships, tragic losses, and hopes for redemption amidst a web of personal and legal conflicts.
In The Clear by Frederick K. Van Patten stands out with convincing characterizations, carefully woven plots, and its exploration of raw human experiences. I really loved Melody's perseverance and determination to find Simon, which is driven by a mixed bag of fear, concern, and duty. The struggle all of us must confront but rarely talk about is facing our own mortality, and Chloe's effort to secure her granddaughter's future elucidates the desperation many feel when faced with imminent death. The best part of Van Patten's story is the crusade for revenge, the most significant of which is Colin's relentless quest. The shifting to a desperate plea for Simon's safety as his own life hangs in the balance hammers home the diverse threads of an exceptionally well-written overarching narrative that is chock-full of depth and emotional resonance. Very highly recommended.
