Olivia’s story is heartbreaking, made more chilling by the knowledge that Bowers experienced related horrors through his COVID-19 hallucinations. The juxtaposition of Olivia—a fresh-faced teen on the cusp of her 16th birthday—with later scenes of her brutal treatment at the hands of a remorseless cartel leader proves jarring, and Bowers’s trigger warning is definitely warranted. Beyond the shocking abuse, the novel is awash in often awkward and gratuitous sex and sexual references, from frequent comments on how Olivia’s body is “filling out” to the narrator’s compare-and-contrast appraisal of Olivia’s mother’s body (“nice breasts that would make any man’s mouth water”) and Olivia’s own. Like icky speedbumps, those descriptions—including a helicopter rape scene played for shock—disrupt the narrative more than they add depth or context.
Bowers hints at larger conspiracies behind the horrifying circumstances the Schultz family faces, particularly when it becomes evident the US government and DEA know more than they’re admitting. The ending has a staggering twist that readers likely won’t see coming, though the path to get there is littered with Allen reliving Olivia’s ordeals through “artifacts” he requests through the Freedom of Information Act. Readers may want to start with Bowers’s memoir to anchor the events of this unsettling novel.
Takeaway: Unsettling story of a teen girl’s kidnapping and brutal treatment by a cartel boss.
Comparable Titles: Karen D. Scioscia’s Kidnapped by the Cartel, Roger Dean Fischer and Debbie Viguié’s Cartel Heat.
Production grades
Cover: B+
Design and typography: A-
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: B
Marketing copy: B
Author Michael E. Bowers keeps readers in suspense in a gripping and emotional novel that puts you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. There’s a strong atmospheric tone to the work that sets you up for a voyage of sharp twists and tense moments, but Bowers also offers a nuanced emotional narrative that is both heartwrenching and thought-provoking. Through vivid storytelling and compelling character development, Bowers paints a fascinating and deeply detailed portrait of a family torn apart by circumstances beyond their control. I found the dialogue and thoughts of the characters very telling in this regard, leaving readers to explore between the lines with all the right linguistic and emotional clues in place. As Allen grapples with the consequences of his actions,
readers are taken on a journey of redemption and self-discovery, exploring the depths of the human psyche and the enduring power of love in the face of adversity. Overall, I would recommend Olivia as a haunting and unforgettable tale that will linger in the minds of readers long after the final page is turned.
Michael E. Bowers painted an engrossing and intricate picture of a family shattered by events beyond their control. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time because of the compelling and emotional plot, and I had no idea what would happen next. Olivia was a pageturner, and I had a hard time putting it down. The story starts with Olivia's grandparents and various characters, and each chapter expands upon the backgrounds of those people. The characters were authentic and relatable as I accompanied Allen on his journey of redemption. The support and love he received from his loved ones were heartwarming. The story was masterfully written, and themes of young love, poverty, sex, and drugs were woven throughout. This gripping story was much more than I expected, and I enjoyed reading it.
Olivia by Michael E. Bowers is a psychological thriller and modernday tragedy that delivers an emotional gut punch. As I read this poignant tale of personal loss, I felt many emotions, including compassion, grief, and rage. At times, the reality portrayed in the novel was so brutal that it was overwhelming. The pace was exceptionally effective, akin to a roller-coaster that takes you up slowly, only to drop you suddenly like a collapsing building and leave you in ruins. The characters were also well-developed, resulting in people who felt all too real. However, I did notice some historical inaccuracies concerning technology. Overall, Olivia is a dark and fascinating read that serves as a reminder of how nothing in life should be taken for granted.
