The Healer's Miraculous Discovery
Adult; General Fiction (including literary and historical); (Market)
CLEVELAND IN THE '60S was a dirty, gritty city, torn by racial and ethnic tensions, heading down a tunnel of failure. Those fortunate enough to live in the suburbs were able to ignore the problems of the city as they were largely isolated in their own enclaves. The Katz family, however, had one foot in each world as they left their suburban home daily to manage the family hardware store in the ghetto.
Working one summer for his dad, 13-year-old Stevie finds an object that sets his life and future on a path far different from any he could have imagined. His "treasure" gives him a mysterious ability that causes others to see him through a religious lens, with God-given talents. The Healer's Miraculous Discovery is a unique mix of historical fiction and sci-fi, defying a clear categorization, but its thought-provoking story leaves readers with questions about the origins of life, religion, and relationships that will continue long after reading the story.
Plot/Idea: 7 out of 10
Originality: 10 out of 10
Prose: 8 out of 10
Character/Execution: 9 out of 10
Overall: 8.50 out of 10
Assessment:
Plot/Idea: The Healer's Miraculous Discovery is an inventive story that offers an intriguing blend of historical fiction and science fiction.
Prose: The author is an effective writer and storyteller, able to maintain the reader's engagement throughout. Robbins does have a tendency to provide a lot of detail, which on its own is a strength, but cumulatively can be overwhelming.
Originality: This is a highly original work, with a unique plot line that doesn't fit neatly into a genre. The 1960s Cleveland setting--and the contrast established between the more comfortable suburbs and inner-city environs--enrich the narrative.
Character/Execution: Robbins does a fine job with characterization, particularly with Stevie/Steve and the peripheral characters. The author freshly integrates social issues and systems of belief into the story without overwhelming the more playful elements.
Date Submitted: April 07, 2023
