A Parable Before Heathens – Book Review
I love a great piece of historical fiction and that’s exactly what I got in this new book from Thomas Steele. I received a review copy of this book, A Parable Before Heathers to read and share my thoughts with you, and I am so grateful.
I’ve always been fascinated with the story of the lost colony of Roanoke, as many people are. I live in North Carolina and it is a well-known Outer Banks mystery. You can even tour “Roanoke Island” and learn all about the Lost Colony. When I saw this story was going to be about a second colony sent to Roanoke Island after the first in 1585 disappeared, I knew I had to read it!
It did not disappoint.
Thomas Steele weaves history, mystery, and the supernatural together in a narrative that is both thought-provoking and engrossing in A Parable Before Heathens. The plot, which takes place in 1587, centers on a second, covert colonial mission that was sent to Roanoke Island after the first group of immigrants vanished. Readers are taken on a trip that unveils the unknown story of this mysterious expedition via the eyes of two young colonists.
I actually love that it’s written in this dual-POV manner because I feel like it gives us more perspective on what they were actually going through and it brings the story to life. Many of the chapters are written like diary entries. We see a date and then “From the memorandum of Mr. Alaster Harper” or “From the Journal of Miss Penelope Turner”.
This allows us to see who is recounting the story and we get to know both of them, as well as what they are experiencing, much better. Miss Turner is only 14-16 as she shares her musings with us (with some journal entries going back even further), and I found it really intriguing seeing the story from her POV. To experience what all of this was like from the eyes of a young woman seeing and experiencing things for the first time in life was very interesting.
Mr. Harper is also very young, and was even younger still when the first colony set out for Roanoke Island. He was only 16 years old at the journey’s start and therefore, not given all the information adults had about what was happening. His memories were often scattered or sporadic, but he shares what he does remember. I hung onto every word, every turn of the page, to hear what was happening.
Steele effectively blends historical facts with speculative fantasy in this masterfully designed tale. I enjoy how so many historical facts were done well, blended with the fictional story of these colonists and their mission.
The novel is given depth and subtlety by the young colonists’ dual perspectives, which give readers a different perspective on the terrifying occurrences. The settlers’ hopes, anxieties, and hardships as they faced the unknown are candidly depicted in these diary entries. The disparity between the two narrators also draws attention to their different motivations and emotional states, which heightens the poignancy of their final outcomes.
The intense and descriptive writing style of Steele creates vivid images of the hard reality that the colonists had to deal with. His chilling depictions of Roanoke Island’s harsh, ominous scenery set the stage for the otherworldly aspects that recur throughout the narrative. Readers are kept on edge as the settlers come against forces that they cannot comprehend due to the tangible sense of dread and anxiety in the story.
This is where it really got good for me! I am a huge fan of paranormal/supernatural stories and I was so curious to learn what was happening to our two young narrators. Would they make it out alive? What was attacking them?
Suspense and intrigue are increased by the way the paranormal events are subtly incorporated into the story. These components are employed judiciously to add to the overall mystery surrounding the settlers’ destiny rather than being overdone. Steele skillfully strikes a balance between artistic license and historical authenticity, giving the story an authentic yet otherworldly quality.
It gave me vibes of an M. Night Shyamalan film – in all the best ways. It was mysterious and spooky, while also being reverent and full of plot twists.
The examination of human nature in A Parable Before Heathens is what makes it so noteworthy. The settlers’ decline into avarice, resentment, and power struggles serves as a metaphor for the darker side of humanity and serves as a warning to readers that, despite the presence of supernatural dangers, human frailties frequently result in failure. The diaries’ account of their fruitless battle serves as a sobering reminder of how fleeting human aspirations may be.
In conclusion, readers who enjoy historical fiction and have an interest in the enigmatic and paranormal should definitely read A Parable Before Heathens. In addition to being a thought-provoking story, Thomas Steele’s work captivates readers and makes them consider the nature of fear, ambition, and the unknown. Long after the last page is turned, readers will still have a lot to think about after reading this eerie and unforgettable addition to the genre.