J. P. Piché
Most Moving Book 2022 Award: BLOOD FOR FREEDOM
Blood for Freedom is a historical fiction novel telling the eventful and perilous adventure of Paul Desilets, a lay missionary on mission to the Mayan people of Guatemala in the late 1970s, as the country moved towards a new guerrilla war in Central America: a journey taking you to the roots of human heart–to innocence and experience, kindness and cruelty, love and hatred, humor and tragedy.
REVIEWS’ EXCERPTS:
“Blood for Freedom by J. P. Piché tells the story of Paul, a missionary from America, who sets out on a journey to help the Maya people of Guatemala while also healing himself. Paul’s twin brother committed suicide and left Paul feeling like an empty shell of himself. The missionary job in Guatemala appealed to his broken soul. So, he left his family and his betrothed to travel to a distant land.
While living in Guatemala, Paul becomes much more involved in the lives of the Maya people than he had ever planned. Not only does he immerse himself in the culture and language of the population, but he also becomes involved in their political activities. Soon enough, Paul is friends and fellow revolutionary with his newfound family. This novel shows the reader a dark side of a country through the eyes of a man who was lost and needed a reason to live.
This book is very enlightening. It describes a history of an ancient civilization and also exposes the reader to some of the present-day problems of the remaining ancestors of that civilization. I really enjoyed this story. I think by telling about the revolutionary escapades through the character of Paul, the author allows the reader to better connect with Guatemala and its people.
What I enjoyed most about this book was how much I learned about a topic I really had no knowledge of before. The story moved at a fast pace and was easy to follow. Although it definitely touches on serious topics, I think it was written in a way that will fascinate most readers and not lose them to the tedium of facts.
Overall, it is an interesting story with an important message. I would recommend it to fans of action or historical fiction novels. There were quite a few scenes of violence and gore. So, it is not recommended for young readers or those who cannot tolerate such descriptions. However, if you can read through the graphic descriptions, you will find a story worth your time.” – OnlineBookClub.org review
“The author does a brilliant job of portraying the lifestyle and mindset of the native population. This is one of those novels that reveal the darkness underneath the façade presented to tourists and visitors of third-world countries. It shows a mastery of storytelling.” – The US Review of Books
“The author writes extremely well… From the first page to the last, he shows consideration, compassion, clarity and very strong emotions for humanity… Finally, I loved the exciting and dramatic surprise ending of the book. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!” – The Golfwell Team of Reviewers
Critically Acclaimed Author of BLOOD FOR FREEDOM
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