The Mask

Rating:
Summary: Fascinating
Review: Yes, the book was fascinating despite containing elements that could have been omitted. The O'brian character, and the scenes related to him, were unnecessary. Grace's acceptance of reincarnation so rapidly, without previously having any interest in it whatsoever, strained my credibility. It sounded contrived-- to move the plot forward. However, I certainly would have believed in her interest had there been some foreshadowing of it. The ghosts that Grace witnesses seemed really hokey, and completely unnecessary for her to discover the information they were used to give her. She could have gotten that information about her past lifetime through hypnosis. Maybe not as scary a way, but to me, more believable. The ending confrontation was somewhat predictable. It ends on a note of vague hope, however, I think the author should have given the story a sense of closure or real hope--and the option was certainly available, once we accept Grace's reincarnation memory. Grace should have told Jane, under hypnosis, what she needed to know in order to overcome her deep-seated hatred toward her mother. The style of writing--its impact and music--is first rate. Even when Koontz is writing hokey stuff, he does it so seamlessly, so beguilingly, that you can enjoy his indulgence and admire him for being so talented and effective. Being a writer myself, I learned much from his literary devices and embellishments, even though I found his craftsmanship in plotting rather wanting.