Customer Reviews

In the Blue Light of African Dreams

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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A great read. The main character finds peace at the end of his lengthy journey. Watkins posesses a wonderful feel for use of symbolism in flight and the exotic landscape of Morrocco and France. A powerful journey from nothing to rebirth. In the Blue Light...possess great imagery and movement of time.

Never have I thought I could identify with a pilot from World War I. Much like Robinson Carusoe, Charlie Halifax, pushed towards the end of his moral and isolational limits, has estblished a friendship with a foreigner friend, becoming travel partners, like Crosby and Hope. Halifax remained passaionate yet myopic on his goal until the end, finally realizing new horizons lay ahead.

This book is every bite as unique as his Archangel. Also look for Peter Gadol novels.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book --found it an interesting read, though it did remind me, in parts, of The English Patient. The characters were quite well drawn out and I look forward to reading other books by Paul Watkins (which is why I am here at the site to begin with).

I have a unique relationship with this book. I first found it in a box at a book sale at my local library. I bought it and shelved it for a few years. Then I volunteered to read at Reading for the Blind, and picked this one for no particular reason. It was approved and I read it. Man, the response was incredible! Many people called in and wrote in to say they loved the story. Then I misplaced the book, and lost it. I even forgot the title! Soemthing about "african" and "blue". I searched for three years before finally getting some help with the title last night from a friend on the internet. Now I have found it again! It's like being reunited with an old friend you love!

Watkins does a wonderful job of putting you in the story so you feel what his protagonist, Halifax feels. You will thoroughly enjoy this novel. It is good story-telling and a marvelous adventure. I wish someone would turn it into a film. Honestly, this story has haunted me ever since I misplaced the book. A great read!

I'm looking forward to reading more of Paul Walkin's books