Rebecca Tree

Author Michael Abramson sent me an e-copy of Rebecca Tree for review.

Rebecca Tree is your not so basic political thriller. I say not so, basic because author Michael Abramson has not stayed with the normal conventions of the genre, at least as I understand them.

Although I am going to point out problems I had with Rebecca Tree, I did enjoy the book.

The political aspects of the story are secondary to the actual main theme of the book. Rebecca Tree is actually a family dysfunction story set in the political world. As an a-political (anti-politician) reader I can not credibly comment on the political machinations detailed in this book. I do expect they are not far removed from reality, if the are indeed removed at all.

Our main character (I personally can't call her a heroine), is Rebecca Tree, a high powered business woman coerced into running for president. Yes, she wins, no spoiler there. If she didn't win there would be no book.

Rebecca is portrayed as the "good" person in the story. She is two shades shy of an ass-kicking super-heroine. But for me she came across more as an uncooperative, semi-self indulged, petulant mini-tyrant. She, at times does not work and play well with others. But in true super-heroine fashion she is effective.

We are constantly told of the ecological catastrophe the country is experiencing. The loss of two billion bird species during Rebecca's life time, flooded states and the rich and powerful taking advantage of the situation. This story line is hit a bit hard for me since little is offered to remedy the situation.

Along with the not so subtle preaching on the environment, we do get a good story of a politically and morally corrupt family. Rebecca is the person tasked with somehow saving her family and along the way, the country.

The ending was rather abrupt. We witness the beginning of the resolution of the family story line and the story stops there. Resolution of the political  story is kind of hinted at but not really. I don't know if Rebecca Tree is the start of a series, it could be continued from here.

Looking back at this review it reads a bit on the negative side. I really don't mean it to be so. Rebecca Tree is actually pretty entertaining,  it did hold my interest,  There is plenty of action (read graphic violence), intrigue, love, romance, sex, heartbreak, political maneuvering, loyalty, honor and duty.

Boiled down, the real negative for me is that Rebecca is just not that sympathetic a character. At times I rooted for her, but at others not so much.

Readers who like stories where there are not necessarily clear cut good guys and bad guys, but there is good action, political twists and turns and strong emotional scenes, will find Rebecca Tree by Michael Abramson an entertaining read worth their time. Enjoy!

Mike