The Roots of Violence


Fiction - General
96 Pages
Reviewed on 02/24/2025
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Joshua Olokodana for Readers' Favorite

In The Roots of Violence by Gloria Foster, the dark side of humankind with possibilities that are dangerous to society is revealed. When Jonathan's brother, David, dies unexpectedly, investigating the mystery surrounding his arrest, imprisonment, and demise becomes a priority for Jonathan. The process evokes dreadful feelings, so he enlists the help of his friends, Sheila, Mary, and Xavier. Sheila, the gifted one, uses her powers of premonition to warn others of impending evil. Meanwhile, Mary is a lawyer who takes pro-bono cases against systemic injustice, and Xavier is a psychological specialist who provides services and support to victims of violence. They team up to defend the cause of justice against the roots of violence, and to support Jonathan in his determination to seek justice for his brother and other oppressed individuals.

In The Roots of Violence, author Gloria Foster takes the meaning of “relatable” to a new level by crafting characters whose lives share striking similarities with us. It portrays a reality where regular people become victims of violence due to their vulnerability to hidden systems of oppression. I like how the author shifted the focus from David and Jonathan to bring in the stories of other characters. This shows how interconnected our societies are, irrespective of our roles. Although the tone and expression conveyed a feeling of constraint, this increased the sense of urgency and seriousness of the driven and concise plot. It made me feel like I was watching the action from an omniscient point of view. Foster's vivid, narration combines the use of imagery, symbolism, and metaphor to build thick tension that climaxes and spirals to the end.