Ray Dacolias

I found the story quite long and sometimes boring, especially the beginning, but from the chapter "Story Time" it really began to interest me. I enjoyed the use of fairy tales and some parts reminded me of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. It also gave me an insight into the American school system which I do not know.
What annoyed me, especially at the beginning, are the descriptions of female characters. Either they are completely and utterly rotten (Margaret, in that case) or fragile, vulnerable figures, or saints. It is not really realistic. While reading this book, I kept asking myself that question: If the bad character (that is, Margaret) had been a male character, would have the descriptions (or in this case, the attacks) been the same?… (mehr)

After finishing chapter one, I instantly knew it would would be a book that made a lasting impression. This is the second book I've read by Ray Dacolias. I really enjoyed reading The Tragedy of Woman and it was the reason I was so excited to read The Searcher.

I would describe this book as being descriptive and wordy, but for the most part, it wasn't too bad. He really knows how to describe things in a way without being excessive or redundant. There were some times where I came across a description surroundings, that would go on for a few pages, but I thought that it was fastidiously intended.

There is a great amount of back story with each of the characters, including the villains. The reader will fall in love with the heroes, and anticipate the downfall of the villains. Everyone is so adequately described, there's no sense of confusion on who the characters are, or what their purpose is to the plot.

Along side the plot, there are plenty of controversial topics and philosophical questions, which made this a book I spread over a few days as I found myself pondering quite often. I got a sense that the author might be considerably religious.

Overall, I would categorize this book as a mystery, but since there is so philosophy and other musings, I found I was initially torn by which direction I wanted the book wanted to go in, but ended up just going for the fusion the author intended.

The Searcher will infiltrate your mind with philosophical thoughts and vivid imagery, definitely worth a 5/5!… (mehr)

What a delightfully long and enjoyable book. It's the first book I've read by Mr. Ray Dacolias, and after reading The Tragedy of Woman, I plan on getting his other books. Oscine is a valiant and strong woman who has survived many tragedies that no woman should ever have to endure or go through. It was like reading a nightmare at some points, and what made it worth reading, was how she handled and overcame the nightmares in her life.

As a survivor of my own nightmares, it was an interesting read, that kept me hooked from the very beginning, all the way to the very end. The author takes the reader on a rough journey of emotions and I found that each emotion I went through added to my love of the book. You can't help but feeling each emotion invoked by Mr. Ray Dacolias in his writing.

I found it refreshing to read about her difficulties and joys in a new marriage, and new baby. Not many authors write about the reality of what happens behind door with a newly wed couple and/or a new mother. Mr. Ray Dacolias does a great job at painting a picture of the life Oscine has lived, and I know many other people can empathize with her story since the reality of what she went through is all to real in the real world.

Most people who have gone through a rough childhood, end up leading a rough adult life, and it wasn't surprising to see that her life was full of complications. I really enjoyed the realness of this book and how close to the truth of many women lives it represented. I give this book a 5/5 and recommend it to anyone who has overcome obstacles and had a difficult or less than ideal life.… (mehr)