Undo the Deed

Rating:
Summary: Explores what it means to be human
Review: To the general public, science fiction is about science: stories not so much about people as about gadgets. But Adam-Michael James knows that good SF uses its suite of very special literary tools to explore what it means to be human in ways other forms of storytelling simply can't. His novel Undo the Deed is a classic example of this, using time travel not to illuminate logical paradoxes, but rather to let an abused woman meet her abusive father when he was a child. The result is gutsy and heartwrenching, and, as with all good SF, it wonderfully illuminates the human condition.

Rating:
Summary: Explores what it means to be human
Review: To the general public, science fiction is about science: stories not so much about people as about gadgets. But Adam-Michael James knows that good SF uses its suite of very special literary tools to explore what it means to be human in ways other forms of storytelling simply can't. His novel Undo the Deed is a classic example of this, using time travel not to illuminate logical paradoxes, but rather to let an abused woman meet her abusive father when he was a child. The result is gutsy and heartwrenching, and, as with all good SF, it wonderfully illuminates the human condition.

Rating:
Summary: A Bold and Unique First Novel
Review: UNDO THE DEED is a bold and unique first novel. Even more importantly, it is a true resource for sufferers of domestic abuse of all ages. Although the storyline is rooted in many hallmarks of science fiction, I believe it is more properly appreciated when approached as a contemporary fantasy. Not to imply that the story is in any way wispy or easy, as it is anything but that. AMJ deals unflinchingly with the abusive episodes, and in the resulting emotional turmoil that all the characters feel. I would also particularly recommend this book for young readers - the teen and young adult, whom I think would find a particularly empathetic connection to the lead characters and the teenage centered storyline, and would be most likely to derive and apply the important messages this book has to offer.

Rating:
Summary: A Bold and Unique First Novel
Review: UNDO THE DEED is a bold and unique first novel. Even more importantly, it is a true resource for sufferers of domestic abuse of all ages. Although the storyline is rooted in many hallmarks of science fiction, I believe it is more properly appreciated when approached as a contemporary fantasy. Not to imply that the story is in any way wispy or easy, as it is anything but that. AMJ deals unflinchingly with the abusive episodes, and in the resulting emotional turmoil that all the characters feel. I would also particularly recommend this book for young readers - the teen and young adult, whom I think would find a particularly empathetic connection to the lead characters and the teenage centered storyline, and would be most likely to derive and apply the important messages this book has to offer.

Rating:
Summary: Midwest Book Review - well written parable
Review: What if you found yourself transported back in time, to another generation? And what if you had the opportunity to undo all the awful karma that had been handed down to you from your parents and grandparents? Don't try to think those questions through logically or explain them away by scientific means. Just feel, accept, and think about the possibility of undoing awful deeds. That is what Adam-Michael James presents in this parable of domestic violence and child abuse.

The year is 1987. Amanda Grant has just been badly beaten, kicked and choked by her alcoholic father, Matthew. As far back as her memory will go, all Amanda can remember of her father is terrifying alcoholic rampages and vicious fists. She has all but given up on youthful dreams of writing songs or finding stardom as an actress. And she's prayed for death, contemplated suicide, and covered bruises with make up until she's wearied of it all. After Matthew almost kills her, the beaten down 17 year old is driving blindly to an unknown destination. All she remembers is bright lights, a tree, and then her world goes black.

She wakes up in the hospital to find a different world. Suspicious doctors, nurses, and police officers believe that all her injuries could not be caused by the accident. At least not those choke marks on her throat. Amanda observes the strangely skewed world around her, finally realizing she is in the year 1965. She is befriended by a kindly sympathetic couple, and by a teacher who knows far more than he lets on about time travel. And that is just the bare beginning of it.

1965 is a whole new way of life for Amanda. Gone are Madonna and the Bangles, and in their place are the Beatles and folk music. The Vietnam war is just an obscure skirmish in some far off jungle. Sex is not openly discussed, even if you're doing "it", and discussing domestic violence or child abuse with anyone is certainly taboo. Amanda struggles, not always successfully, to fit into this new world. And the worst part of it, the most mind blowing, heart chilling part of it all is that the teenage version of her father Matthew is a student at her school.

The 1965 version of Matthew Grant is a sweet, shy, idealistic boy who plays piano and keeps his deep thoughts to himself. This Matthew, like Amanda, is the product of a violently dysfunctional home and a father who beats him without mercy. Amanda can't despise this Matthew as she does the older version. The 17 year old boy is kindly and supportive, still has hopes and dreams despite his lot, and she finds herself drawn to him in odd fashion. It's then she gets to thinking that it might be possible to "undo the deed" for future generations - change the abusive father Matthew's heart by intervening somehow with the boy. When the young Matthew falls in love with her, the tale takes an even stranger turn.

What Mr. James has done with this story was an emotional experience for me. To say the reading of it broke my heart is barest understatement. Despite the premise that some will call sci fi or fantasy, it all seemed real to me. While reading, I did not think of time travel, parallel universes, alternate realities. or quantum leaps. I focused, as the author did, on Matthew and Amanda and the horrors they were forced to live each day. I experienced the same futility and despair they lived with, and I dared to hope along with them that someday - SOME day - they'd find a kindlier existence. I'm relieved to report that the book does end on a hopeful note for both Amanda and her father Matthew.

As a footnote to Undo the Deed, Adam-Michael James has included resources for those experiencing domestic violence and child abuse. I suspect he is a weary but determined activist for this cause. Mr. James writes well and tells the tale as if he's on the outside looking into broken lives. I liked this book and recommend it, even if Undo the Deed DID break my heart.