He Led Us Through Paradise

by Larry A. Schrock, Jr.

This is a first in a possible series about a young couple, Kent and Leta, who are on a search for Leta's long-lost father. They encounter much toil and turmoil as they brave the rough elements, wild animals, and hostile people. Although the land is breathtakingly beautiful, there is much danger and they need to always alert as they travel.

The author has a much detailed history of Leta as well as her motivations and desire to seek out her past. I found the descriptions of Kent's experiences to be lacking in comparison. While it gave much objective information about Kent, there wasn't as much chronicling his internal motivations as to why he acts as he does. I found the author's gushing descriptions of Leta's youthful form and figure, her Indian skills and Kent's feelings for her were a little too much. I was feeling sick after a while. I found both characters to be too perfect. I was often wondering where their natural flaws and sinful natures were. They were seldom depicted except in grandiose perfection of character and physical appearance.

One could tell that the author has a true love for the setting in which he places his characters. The descriptions are detailed and overflowing with praise for the land of the mountains and prairies. I felt that sometimes the descriptions of the scenery were repetitive and sometimes overemphasized as everything is just too beautiful and perfect.

However, it is in the descriptions of the scenery that the author's true talent is displayed through the occasional beautiful description that seems to flow effortlessly from the pen. Several different descriptions left me in awe, causing me to reread them several times as I tasted the words on my lips and rolled them off my tongue.

For example, page 159:

 

It is phrases such as these that inspire a true book lover into wanting to read another and discover another truly beautiful passage.

I thought that the author relied too much on the characters having sex often. It seemed that it was the primary form of expression of love between the two characters and happened every night (and often day.) I felt this was too much. It became repetitive and the author could have shown their love for one another in more creative ways. However, perhaps this is a woman's interpretation and not a man's (as the author is a man too.) Men often show their love through sexual union and woman express it in more varied and usually emotional ways.

I found the banter between Leta and Kent was a bit strange. It was interesting in that it was a reocurring theme throughout the book which showed their own brand of humour with one another. It was strange in that one wonders where Leta got any information or experience with "Paris" since she was raised by the Indians since the age of 7. That particular thought always niggled it's way in and those descriptions and the quoting poetry and prose as if on stage was too unrealistic for me.

I thought the plot was a little thin. While there was an incredible amount of description of cougar attacks, horse thievery, encounters with Indians, outlaws, etc., they only get part way through their journey before the story ends. The entire book is a description of their travel and they never reach the destination. While this definitely leaves room for a sequel, I found it frustrating. It seems like it took a whole lot of time to get nowhere.

Overall, my impression of this novel is encouraging. It is a solid first novel for a new novelist and I enjoy reading work from "unknown" and possible up-and-coming authors.

If you are looking for a read that's a little off the beaten track, immerses you right in the mountains of Montana and area, and has a passionate love story told from a Christian viewpoint, you will enjoy this novel by L. A. Schrock.

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