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The Burden of Truth
On a cold day in March 1987, egocentric Brent Sandler makes the decision to change his life for the better. Years later he’s still not happy with his lot but not for the want of trying. Now he has hit rock bottom, penniless and in deep trouble. But little does he know his troubles are only starting as he discovers an awful tragedy unfolding. The problem is, he knows this tragedy is all down to him. Now he is determined to put things right.
Meanwhile in Bodhgaya India, Peter Canon has just made a discovery that will change his life forever. Now like Brent, he must come to terms with his very own guilty secret of the past. But little does he know the woman he loves is slowly hunting him down.
And when she finds him; questions are asked!
The tale of The Burden of Truth is the first installment of a three-part saga of how these two men are pulled apart and then drawn together as each man tries to fulfill his own quest for happiness. But they are soon to find out this quest is thwart with love as well as danger.
Meanwhile in Bodhgaya India, Peter Canon has just made a discovery that will change his life forever. Now like Brent, he must come to terms with his very own guilty secret of the past. But little does he know the woman he loves is slowly hunting him down.
And when she finds him; questions are asked!
The tale of The Burden of Truth is the first installment of a three-part saga of how these two men are pulled apart and then drawn together as each man tries to fulfill his own quest for happiness. But they are soon to find out this quest is thwart with love as well as danger.
340 pages, Paperback
Published March 6, 2015
25 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
Peter Best
4 books19 followersPeter Best-Author of ,The Burden of Truth, The Seeds of Lies, and coming soon, The Silhouette of a Broken Man.
Peter Best was born in the North East of England in the beginning of the sixties. Albeit the son of a shipyard worker, Peter was brought up in a mining community until the age of eight when for some reason or another somebody made the decision that the community should be uprooted and moved to a place called Cramlington on the outskirts of Newcastle.
After his time in school he served an apprenticeship working mainly on building sites working as an electrician, which he hated by the way! However, as Peter always looks on the positive side of things, he was pleased he did. It was on these building sites where he came across many different characters who he was pleased to call his friends.
"Real people," he called them. And so it turned out that many of these so called real people, and others of course, featured quite strongly in his novels. Of course it was not just the people he met on the sites. Over the years Peter has come across various different characters on his travels, many of them have played their part in working their way into his mind.
In 1996 he married for the second time to a young German girl and soon after moved to the south of England to start a new life. However, things didn’t quite work out as planed so he upped sticks again and moved to Wiesbaden in Germany to help support his wife as she pushed at her career as a doctor. Peter fell in love with the culture of his new surroundings, especially the culture of one of his neighbouring counties, Bavaria.
However, as they say all good things come to an end and he moved back to England. It was at this time when his writing started to come together. Over the next few years Peter started to string together his thoughts and ideas for The Burden of Truth and its sequel. (The name remains a secret for now.) He now lives with his wife and daughter in a small seaside town in Essex called Frinton on Sea.
Frinton, along with its neighboring town, Walton on the Naze, both feature in his novel, The Burden of Truth.
Peter Best was born in the North East of England in the beginning of the sixties. Albeit the son of a shipyard worker, Peter was brought up in a mining community until the age of eight when for some reason or another somebody made the decision that the community should be uprooted and moved to a place called Cramlington on the outskirts of Newcastle.
After his time in school he served an apprenticeship working mainly on building sites working as an electrician, which he hated by the way! However, as Peter always looks on the positive side of things, he was pleased he did. It was on these building sites where he came across many different characters who he was pleased to call his friends.
"Real people," he called them. And so it turned out that many of these so called real people, and others of course, featured quite strongly in his novels. Of course it was not just the people he met on the sites. Over the years Peter has come across various different characters on his travels, many of them have played their part in working their way into his mind.
In 1996 he married for the second time to a young German girl and soon after moved to the south of England to start a new life. However, things didn’t quite work out as planed so he upped sticks again and moved to Wiesbaden in Germany to help support his wife as she pushed at her career as a doctor. Peter fell in love with the culture of his new surroundings, especially the culture of one of his neighbouring counties, Bavaria.
However, as they say all good things come to an end and he moved back to England. It was at this time when his writing started to come together. Over the next few years Peter started to string together his thoughts and ideas for The Burden of Truth and its sequel. (The name remains a secret for now.) He now lives with his wife and daughter in a small seaside town in Essex called Frinton on Sea.
Frinton, along with its neighboring town, Walton on the Naze, both feature in his novel, The Burden of Truth.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 26, 2017
I have to firstly admit that The Burden Of Truth would not be my first choice of read. Having said that though, I am glad it is one that I have read.
I’m not quite sure what genre I would use to describe it as parts feel like a thriller and other parts felt like one of self discovery. It’s certainly a new one on me but it actually works.
The story is split between India and England. I liked the vast contrast of the countries which adds to this books appeal. The whole Buddhism thread for one certainly interested me as it’s something that fascinates me.
Peter and Brent are interesting characters. Both men I found quite selfish to start with and it did take a while for them to both grow on me. I think readers will be able to relate to them but may not want to admit that they can!
Without a doubt this is a very well written story. It’s one that will pique readers interests and hold it there until the end. I have to say the ending was my favourite part and it certainly left me wanting to see what else the author has in store for us readers.
My thanks to Bloodhound Books for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
I’m not quite sure what genre I would use to describe it as parts feel like a thriller and other parts felt like one of self discovery. It’s certainly a new one on me but it actually works.
The story is split between India and England. I liked the vast contrast of the countries which adds to this books appeal. The whole Buddhism thread for one certainly interested me as it’s something that fascinates me.
Peter and Brent are interesting characters. Both men I found quite selfish to start with and it did take a while for them to both grow on me. I think readers will be able to relate to them but may not want to admit that they can!
Without a doubt this is a very well written story. It’s one that will pique readers interests and hold it there until the end. I have to say the ending was my favourite part and it certainly left me wanting to see what else the author has in store for us readers.
My thanks to Bloodhound Books for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
May 19, 2016
This book was full of surprises and absolutely nothing that I expected. It was very different from anything else I've read for a long time and not only entertained but educated and challenged me too.
Essentially this is the story of a man, a man who makes some poor choices in his life and gets himself into one hell of a mess. He's like a fly trapped in a spiders web, the more he struggles the more sticky and trapped he is. This book teaches and reminds us that all actions have consequences.
Along with being a thriller, featuring nasty thugs and gangs, violence and crime the book cleverly weaves in elements of Buddhist teaching and philosophy. Huh? I hear you say, how the heck does that work? It just does, trust me.
A selection of other great characters come into the spotlight in the novel and the book slides between scenes set in the UK and powerful scenarios set in one of the holiest parts of India. I loved the slide between the two worlds and the characters that had one foot in India and one in the UK.
There is a lot of great action scenes in this book and it's got a good pace keeping the reader wanting more. At the same time, these wonderful teachings and philosophies filter into our main man's life and also over to us, the reader. The author certainly knows his Buddhism. But, don't be put off, this is not a religious book or one that is trying to convert you, it's central to the plot and adds another layer to the book.
I liked a lot of the characters in this novel and got quite emotionally invested in them. With exciting scenes based in both countries you find yourself rooting for the good guys and wanting to see the end of the bad guys.
The author has weaved a great amount of storytelling into this book and at first storylines may seem unconnected, but over time it all intersects together to make the whole picture and the run up to the ending is really thrilling and engaging. I was on the edge of my seat!
Bravo to Peter for writing a crime/thriller that is very unique and pulling it off. I very much sensed his love for his characters and passion for the message. A really enjoyable read that I give 4 happy stars to.
Does our man start to make better choices? This book is very much his journey. You will have to go on it with him to find out where he ends up. It's a bucket load of action along the way! I'm now also even more determined to follow my dream of visiting India.
Thanks so much to the author for a copy of his book to read, enjoy and review.
Essentially this is the story of a man, a man who makes some poor choices in his life and gets himself into one hell of a mess. He's like a fly trapped in a spiders web, the more he struggles the more sticky and trapped he is. This book teaches and reminds us that all actions have consequences.
Along with being a thriller, featuring nasty thugs and gangs, violence and crime the book cleverly weaves in elements of Buddhist teaching and philosophy. Huh? I hear you say, how the heck does that work? It just does, trust me.
A selection of other great characters come into the spotlight in the novel and the book slides between scenes set in the UK and powerful scenarios set in one of the holiest parts of India. I loved the slide between the two worlds and the characters that had one foot in India and one in the UK.
There is a lot of great action scenes in this book and it's got a good pace keeping the reader wanting more. At the same time, these wonderful teachings and philosophies filter into our main man's life and also over to us, the reader. The author certainly knows his Buddhism. But, don't be put off, this is not a religious book or one that is trying to convert you, it's central to the plot and adds another layer to the book.
I liked a lot of the characters in this novel and got quite emotionally invested in them. With exciting scenes based in both countries you find yourself rooting for the good guys and wanting to see the end of the bad guys.
The author has weaved a great amount of storytelling into this book and at first storylines may seem unconnected, but over time it all intersects together to make the whole picture and the run up to the ending is really thrilling and engaging. I was on the edge of my seat!
Bravo to Peter for writing a crime/thriller that is very unique and pulling it off. I very much sensed his love for his characters and passion for the message. A really enjoyable read that I give 4 happy stars to.
Does our man start to make better choices? This book is very much his journey. You will have to go on it with him to find out where he ends up. It's a bucket load of action along the way! I'm now also even more determined to follow my dream of visiting India.
Thanks so much to the author for a copy of his book to read, enjoy and review.
March 17, 2016
I was compelled to buy this book, it kept popping up everywhere, even when I was reading another book, this was the book one of the characters was reading. I didn't know what it was about but I knew I had to find out.
What a tremendous journey Peter Best has taken me on! There are so many fascinating stories being told and you wonder how they will all come together but they do brilliantly. If you could imagine standing at the side of a lake with a hand full of pebbles and throwing them in, each one makes a ripple and those ripples connect with each other directly or indirectly. that is like the characters in the book.
The characters feel so real and there are some pretty nasty ones amongst them. Buddhism plays a major role in the story with the obvious extensive research into this being very evident. The story is very intriguing following the life of Brent after a near death experience.
The novel has a great pace and the writing style is brilliant. Each individual story is fascinating but when they all come together it has that wow factor.
This is a very thought provoking story that has you assessing your own life and wondering what impact you have made on other people's lives and them on you. It is a book I will read again and again and feel that each time I will get something new from it.
A great story you won't forget. brilliant.
What a tremendous journey Peter Best has taken me on! There are so many fascinating stories being told and you wonder how they will all come together but they do brilliantly. If you could imagine standing at the side of a lake with a hand full of pebbles and throwing them in, each one makes a ripple and those ripples connect with each other directly or indirectly. that is like the characters in the book.
The characters feel so real and there are some pretty nasty ones amongst them. Buddhism plays a major role in the story with the obvious extensive research into this being very evident. The story is very intriguing following the life of Brent after a near death experience.
The novel has a great pace and the writing style is brilliant. Each individual story is fascinating but when they all come together it has that wow factor.
This is a very thought provoking story that has you assessing your own life and wondering what impact you have made on other people's lives and them on you. It is a book I will read again and again and feel that each time I will get something new from it.
A great story you won't forget. brilliant.
February 13, 2016
The Burden Of Truth...if you like action this is the book for you. Like twists and turns. .This is definitely the book for you.
This book had me on the edge of my seat making me want to turn the pages to know what happens next
As I read this book it felt like I was watching a film or indeed a series!
Not my usual read but definitely recommended...not for the faint hearted!
This book had me on the edge of my seat making me want to turn the pages to know what happens next
As I read this book it felt like I was watching a film or indeed a series!
Not my usual read but definitely recommended...not for the faint hearted!
March 14, 2016
In the early part of the book there are a number of different plot strands and I was wondering how they would ever come together but the author does a great job of pulling the strands together in a page turning climax. This was especially clever as the story moves from England to India.
The story has an interesting mix of characters including some very nasty gangsters in London and equally nasty types in India. Even out main protagonist Brent is far from a hero at the outset of the story but we see him change and find a greater purpose to life as the story develops. Quite a bit of the book is spiritual in ideas and content but never to the detriment of the fast moving plot.
In summary, quite an unusual and thoughtful thriller, which will have something for everyone.
The story has an interesting mix of characters including some very nasty gangsters in London and equally nasty types in India. Even out main protagonist Brent is far from a hero at the outset of the story but we see him change and find a greater purpose to life as the story develops. Quite a bit of the book is spiritual in ideas and content but never to the detriment of the fast moving plot.
In summary, quite an unusual and thoughtful thriller, which will have something for everyone.
December 29, 2015
I found Peter Best's The Burden of Truth an extremely interesting and fascinating view into the world of Buddhism. This book is a detailed tale of one man's journey of enlightenment and I always enjoy a story that takes us on a journey into areas unknown. I have had some exposure to the precepts of Buddhism over the past few years, but I found Best's knowledge and understanding of the underlying themes to be very enjoyable.
The story follows the journey of "devil may care playboy" Brent Sandler from the horrible events of being rescued from a sinking ferry, The Spirit of Free Enterprise through his journey of discovering there is actually more to life than selfish gratification. Brent celebrates his miraculous survival on The Spirit of Free Enterprise by embarking on a lifestyle of enjoying every single minute of life in style. If Brent was going to go out, he was determined to go out in style and if he survived he would be able to look back on a lifetime of trying every experience he possibly could. This lifestyle led to his involvement in the underworld and drugs to save his dwindling business finances. It takes a chance encounter to turn his life around and seek the mystery of an ancient Buddhist relic, through rural India.
This is a very broad novel that addresses some of the questions we always find ourselves asking - what is the point of life? Is Karma real and how does it work? It was a fast-paced and rollicking journey through many difficult and violent encounters that left the reader reeling at times. I enjoyed the pace of this book and the characters were easy to identify with and empathize with. I really enjoyed reading this book.
I would consider it for five stars, but for two minor drawbacks. Firstly, there are too many editorial errors in the book to warrant five stars. Although they don't detract in any way from the story, they do need to be fixed at some point if this book is to be the success it surely should be. The second issue was again a minor one, but one that kept me from fully embracing the story 100%. There was considerable violence throughout the book, much of it on our principal character, Brent Sandler, yet somehow he seemed to be almost bionic in his ability to survive what may well have killed a lesser man.
That being said, this is a fantastic, fast-paced, mystery story that has the added attraction of informing the reader of some fascinating Buddhist precepts. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending this book to anyone who loves mystery stories that cross cultures and religions. This is a fantastic read. Good job Peter Best.
The story follows the journey of "devil may care playboy" Brent Sandler from the horrible events of being rescued from a sinking ferry, The Spirit of Free Enterprise through his journey of discovering there is actually more to life than selfish gratification. Brent celebrates his miraculous survival on The Spirit of Free Enterprise by embarking on a lifestyle of enjoying every single minute of life in style. If Brent was going to go out, he was determined to go out in style and if he survived he would be able to look back on a lifetime of trying every experience he possibly could. This lifestyle led to his involvement in the underworld and drugs to save his dwindling business finances. It takes a chance encounter to turn his life around and seek the mystery of an ancient Buddhist relic, through rural India.
This is a very broad novel that addresses some of the questions we always find ourselves asking - what is the point of life? Is Karma real and how does it work? It was a fast-paced and rollicking journey through many difficult and violent encounters that left the reader reeling at times. I enjoyed the pace of this book and the characters were easy to identify with and empathize with. I really enjoyed reading this book.
I would consider it for five stars, but for two minor drawbacks. Firstly, there are too many editorial errors in the book to warrant five stars. Although they don't detract in any way from the story, they do need to be fixed at some point if this book is to be the success it surely should be. The second issue was again a minor one, but one that kept me from fully embracing the story 100%. There was considerable violence throughout the book, much of it on our principal character, Brent Sandler, yet somehow he seemed to be almost bionic in his ability to survive what may well have killed a lesser man.
That being said, this is a fantastic, fast-paced, mystery story that has the added attraction of informing the reader of some fascinating Buddhist precepts. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending this book to anyone who loves mystery stories that cross cultures and religions. This is a fantastic read. Good job Peter Best.
May 10, 2016
This book had so many facets to it, that it is hard to place it into a particular category. If I had to try I would say; action thriller with a deeper message. Peter Best has woven a complex tapestry of different tales that slowly merge. We meet Brent Sadler; a survivor of the Herald of Free Enterprise disaster. The experience of near death has led him down a path of living live to the full. This choice eventually leads him into debt and into trouble with some very shady characters. Then we meet Peter Cannon in India; he is a man with a secret and painful past. We slowly uncover how these two men have affected and are affecting the people around them. Brent finds out that actions have consequences; disastrous consequences. Interwoven with this very readable action adventure is an insight to Buddhist teachings as some of the characters are Buddhist and some of the story is set in India. I found this interesting as I don’t know much about Buddhism. Rather than getting in the way of the story, it added to it greatly.
This is an unusual book, but very well written and it kept my attention throughout. The character of Brent is great as we see him grow as a person. I wanted to like him at the start as he had gone through the ordeal of nearly drowning. I went from disliking him as he stumbled from bad to terrible decisions to applauding him at the end as finally did the right thing. Peter says at the end of the book that he wanted to create a book comparable to vintage wine. I think he has succeeded. This is a book with rich and complex flavours and it does linger in the mind. I wouldn’t mind opening the next bottle of Chateau Best.
This is an unusual book, but very well written and it kept my attention throughout. The character of Brent is great as we see him grow as a person. I wanted to like him at the start as he had gone through the ordeal of nearly drowning. I went from disliking him as he stumbled from bad to terrible decisions to applauding him at the end as finally did the right thing. Peter says at the end of the book that he wanted to create a book comparable to vintage wine. I think he has succeeded. This is a book with rich and complex flavours and it does linger in the mind. I wouldn’t mind opening the next bottle of Chateau Best.
December 8, 2016
An exciting thriller with a deeper message...
I want to congratulate the author on managing one of the most difficult balancing acts in writing - making sure a novel has a thrilling plot, fast pace, and an exciting finale and, at the same time, giving all the action and underlying message and morality. As a whole package, it means you are left considering the ideas in the book after reading it, instead of putting it back on the shelf thinking, been there, read that.
The novel starts with a character, Brent, who re-evaluates his life after narrowly missing death in the Herald of Free Enterprise tragedy. We then segue into the apparently unrelated stories of a monk and a box, and a pair of young women backpacking through India. The author manages these strands of the story wonderfully, gradually bringing them all together in an exciting finale. The book is like the layers of onion; you peel each one off to reveal a deeper layer lying beneath. That deeper layer (without revealing too much) deals with Buddhism and the belief that everything is co-dependent and connected.
If I have one criticism of the book, I think it starts a little slowly. But it repays sticking with it in spades.
Thank you Peter Best for a lovely read. I look forward to the next book by the author. I hope it is as exciting and interesting to read as this one.
I want to congratulate the author on managing one of the most difficult balancing acts in writing - making sure a novel has a thrilling plot, fast pace, and an exciting finale and, at the same time, giving all the action and underlying message and morality. As a whole package, it means you are left considering the ideas in the book after reading it, instead of putting it back on the shelf thinking, been there, read that.
The novel starts with a character, Brent, who re-evaluates his life after narrowly missing death in the Herald of Free Enterprise tragedy. We then segue into the apparently unrelated stories of a monk and a box, and a pair of young women backpacking through India. The author manages these strands of the story wonderfully, gradually bringing them all together in an exciting finale. The book is like the layers of onion; you peel each one off to reveal a deeper layer lying beneath. That deeper layer (without revealing too much) deals with Buddhism and the belief that everything is co-dependent and connected.
If I have one criticism of the book, I think it starts a little slowly. But it repays sticking with it in spades.
Thank you Peter Best for a lovely read. I look forward to the next book by the author. I hope it is as exciting and interesting to read as this one.
November 29, 2015
I really loved this book.
Not only has it got a brilliant plot, it gives you characters you care about and they come alive in your mind and sometimes it felt like you were watching a film. That to me is what a good book should do and this does it in aces.
The atmosphere and the development of the plot is superb, you can literally feel the tension. There was a scene of being locked up in an electrical circuit cupboard and I felt I was locked in there with them.
Some of the plot twists were well thought out and it was clear the author had either done a lot of research or is just a very clever man. Probably one of the best thrillers I have read in a long time, it had me gripped throughout, an indie author that could easily hit the best sellers list.
You know what! When I think of some of the books I've read by, Coban, Barclay, Rowbotham, etc this is as good as any of them. Five stars with pleasure.
Not only has it got a brilliant plot, it gives you characters you care about and they come alive in your mind and sometimes it felt like you were watching a film. That to me is what a good book should do and this does it in aces.
The atmosphere and the development of the plot is superb, you can literally feel the tension. There was a scene of being locked up in an electrical circuit cupboard and I felt I was locked in there with them.
Some of the plot twists were well thought out and it was clear the author had either done a lot of research or is just a very clever man. Probably one of the best thrillers I have read in a long time, it had me gripped throughout, an indie author that could easily hit the best sellers list.
You know what! When I think of some of the books I've read by, Coban, Barclay, Rowbotham, etc this is as good as any of them. Five stars with pleasure.
February 18, 2016
I was honoured to receive an ARC copy for an advanced review. I have a fond affection for India so I thought this sounds up my street. I was wrong, I loved it. Although I couldn't sit and read for long blocks as often as I'd liked when I did. I couldn't put it down. Interesting characters weaving throughout, the story taking us from Essex, London to India with turf wars, romance, crooked businessmen and the corruption which is evident in India, the Buddhist theme has left me wanting to read more. This is my first 5* review for some time. A vintage wine indeed Peter. Highly recommended. Thank you TBC.
July 1, 2016
This book begins with quite a few different characters, part based in India and part in the UK. I did wonder how everything was going to link together and I congratulate the author on how well the different parts of the story join together as the story progresses. The characters all have depth and their connections and back stories are all interesting and intriguing.
There is also the inclusion of Buddhism which I thought added more meaning to the events in the book. It never gets in the way of the plot and I found it to be really interesting in it's own right as well as being important to the story.
I'd describe this book as a thriller with hidden depths! I would recommend it too.
There is also the inclusion of Buddhism which I thought added more meaning to the events in the book. It never gets in the way of the plot and I found it to be really interesting in it's own right as well as being important to the story.
I'd describe this book as a thriller with hidden depths! I would recommend it too.
August 11, 2016
From the moment Brent Sandler survives a near death experience, Peter Best, takes the reader on what can only be described as a journey. There is a great deal to be said for this book - an interesting mix of action packed thriller and spiritual awareness. The Buddhist principles are central to the stories, and made for an interesting read all by themselves. At one point I wondered how the author was going to draw the strands of the various stories together but he did so with great skill.The backdrops of India and London - 2 of my favourite places added to my enjoyment of a thoroughly satisfying and thought provoking read. Clever stuff. Well done Peter Best.
July 22, 2016
A genre-defying, modern-day fable wrapped in an action thriller!
This book has everything! From tragedy, romance and family drama to crime and spiritual enlightenment. I particularly liked the evocative descriptions of the locations and found the details about Buddhism very interesting. The author has clearly done a lot of research and produced an informative and entertaining novel. I can't wait to see where he takes us with the next one.
This book has everything! From tragedy, romance and family drama to crime and spiritual enlightenment. I particularly liked the evocative descriptions of the locations and found the details about Buddhism very interesting. The author has clearly done a lot of research and produced an informative and entertaining novel. I can't wait to see where he takes us with the next one.
March 28, 2017
If you are looking to read a thriller with a difference that you are used to, locations that vary and are willing to be enthralled, Peter Bests The Burden of Truth is definitely for you.
I found the plot slowly threaded and weaved together combining the characters in ways I wasn't expecting.
While the pace sets off slow to give you a deeper insight to the plots, especially for thriller reads. I found that this made it a strength running through the book.
There is plenty to absorb within the pages of Burden of Truth, and it has some grit, thrills, and Peter really has given us a gem of a story that is multi cultural, as well as multi layered.
I found myself immersed in the story and enjoyed the diversity of the plot, characters and the insight into Buddhism.
After reading this book, I found myself still thinking about it days later.
A highly recommendable read from a prolific storyteller.
I found the plot slowly threaded and weaved together combining the characters in ways I wasn't expecting.
While the pace sets off slow to give you a deeper insight to the plots, especially for thriller reads. I found that this made it a strength running through the book.
There is plenty to absorb within the pages of Burden of Truth, and it has some grit, thrills, and Peter really has given us a gem of a story that is multi cultural, as well as multi layered.
I found myself immersed in the story and enjoyed the diversity of the plot, characters and the insight into Buddhism.
After reading this book, I found myself still thinking about it days later.
A highly recommendable read from a prolific storyteller.
March 21, 2016
As the title suggests, this is a book about truth. Truth is something that two of the main characters struggle with, their existences founded upon lies. As the book progresses, the consequences of these lies become increasingly alarming. The characters discover to their dismay that the price for their lies is often a heavy one and more often than not it is paid by their loved ones rather than themselves.
The book tells the stories of several sets of characters. In the early chapters, it was difficult to see how these different stories would ever come together, but they are linked and these links are discovered as the narrative unfolds. It was well paced and crafted and satisfying to see the connexions gradually revealing themselves.
The novel is quite an action-packed thriller, and it doesn't pull its punches. There are several quite brutal scenes, described unflinchingly, but not gratuitously. There are some really good set-pieces occurring at regular beats throughout, making it a real page turner. If you want an action story, you won't be disappointed with this one, full of chases, thefts, murders and mysteries.
Paradoxically, it also has quiet, reflective sections as the characters consider the events they are caught up in and how they should act. Many of the characters in the book are Buddhists and a lot of Buddhist principles are discussed. We see these principles at work, changing some of the main characters, helping them to take control of their lives and become better than they were.
It's an unusual means of unfolding a story, but perhaps for that very reason it is refreshing and it works very well and makes you think.
The story opens with the capsizing of the 'Herald of Free Enterprise' and keeps on upping the stakes all the way. The author expresses his hope in a note at the end that the book may be like a fine vintage wine instead of a bottle of supermarket plonk. I do believe he succeeds. Its ideas and events certainly stay with you after the final page is turned.
The book tells the stories of several sets of characters. In the early chapters, it was difficult to see how these different stories would ever come together, but they are linked and these links are discovered as the narrative unfolds. It was well paced and crafted and satisfying to see the connexions gradually revealing themselves.
The novel is quite an action-packed thriller, and it doesn't pull its punches. There are several quite brutal scenes, described unflinchingly, but not gratuitously. There are some really good set-pieces occurring at regular beats throughout, making it a real page turner. If you want an action story, you won't be disappointed with this one, full of chases, thefts, murders and mysteries.
Paradoxically, it also has quiet, reflective sections as the characters consider the events they are caught up in and how they should act. Many of the characters in the book are Buddhists and a lot of Buddhist principles are discussed. We see these principles at work, changing some of the main characters, helping them to take control of their lives and become better than they were.
It's an unusual means of unfolding a story, but perhaps for that very reason it is refreshing and it works very well and makes you think.
The story opens with the capsizing of the 'Herald of Free Enterprise' and keeps on upping the stakes all the way. The author expresses his hope in a note at the end that the book may be like a fine vintage wine instead of a bottle of supermarket plonk. I do believe he succeeds. Its ideas and events certainly stay with you after the final page is turned.
August 23, 2016
An unusual and clever thriller, I'd recommend to readers who like their suspense to be character led or looking for something a little different in the thriller genre.
I thought the story started off a little slow as the character's history was established. I must admit I couldn't see how two teenage girls travelling to India during their gap year could be connected to the train-wreck of Brent's life after he survived the Herald Of Free Enterprise disaster. Or indeed how any of it connected to an elderly Buddhist monk being given a small wooden box. But, and without giving any spoilers, unbeknown to them they are set on a collision course and the events that follow will change their lives.
The plot structure very cleverly mirrors one of the book's central messages, that all actions have consequences even if they're not obvious at the time. Indeed the story is cleverly weaved around the Buddhist central ideas of the journey to enlightenment and the various positions on the Wheel of Life during that journey.
The pace steps up a gear in the second half of the book and intensifies when the central action moves to India. In this section there are some moderately violent action scenes involving the characters the reader has been set up to care about. There is also a very intriguing twist as the story concludes.
There are a few minor errors in the text but nothing to reduce my enjoyment of this imaginative and thought provoking read.
Overall a satisying and intriguing read.
I thought the story started off a little slow as the character's history was established. I must admit I couldn't see how two teenage girls travelling to India during their gap year could be connected to the train-wreck of Brent's life after he survived the Herald Of Free Enterprise disaster. Or indeed how any of it connected to an elderly Buddhist monk being given a small wooden box. But, and without giving any spoilers, unbeknown to them they are set on a collision course and the events that follow will change their lives.
The plot structure very cleverly mirrors one of the book's central messages, that all actions have consequences even if they're not obvious at the time. Indeed the story is cleverly weaved around the Buddhist central ideas of the journey to enlightenment and the various positions on the Wheel of Life during that journey.
The pace steps up a gear in the second half of the book and intensifies when the central action moves to India. In this section there are some moderately violent action scenes involving the characters the reader has been set up to care about. There is also a very intriguing twist as the story concludes.
There are a few minor errors in the text but nothing to reduce my enjoyment of this imaginative and thought provoking read.
Overall a satisying and intriguing read.
February 23, 2016
When you suddenly realise how precious life is you just don't want to waste it!
Brent Sandler comes to this realisation after having a near death experience, and after that he decides that it is time to really LIVES IT... but not everything goes to plan, and this book turns into a nice little thriller read, with some good twists and certainly some strong scenes that will keep you on the edge of your seat as Brent faces danger!
The question around the purpose of life is brought nicely into the story with a gentle exploration of buddhism that makes it intriguing. I don't know much about buddhism so I found the author's way of introducing this really well done, in a way that wasn't imposing for someone not familiar with the practice.
A really good read, one that will certainly keep you turning the pages, and I look forward to more by this author!
Brent Sandler comes to this realisation after having a near death experience, and after that he decides that it is time to really LIVES IT... but not everything goes to plan, and this book turns into a nice little thriller read, with some good twists and certainly some strong scenes that will keep you on the edge of your seat as Brent faces danger!
The question around the purpose of life is brought nicely into the story with a gentle exploration of buddhism that makes it intriguing. I don't know much about buddhism so I found the author's way of introducing this really well done, in a way that wasn't imposing for someone not familiar with the practice.
A really good read, one that will certainly keep you turning the pages, and I look forward to more by this author!
January 7, 2016
This story revolves around Brent, a man who barely misses death and is then determined to live life to the fullest and Peter, who has a dark secret he thinks can never find him in his new life in India. They both must grow in ways they had not intended, propelled by the new circumstances that are occurring around them and because of their actions.
The story is also a fascinating look at Buddhism and how if interacts with the lives of the characters. The way they are drawn to act evolves as the action progresses. I love what happens here but it is difficult to describe without spoilers.
Great insight into life in India as well. This is very well described to the point I could feel the heat and the humidity. Wonderful read.
The story is also a fascinating look at Buddhism and how if interacts with the lives of the characters. The way they are drawn to act evolves as the action progresses. I love what happens here but it is difficult to describe without spoilers.
Great insight into life in India as well. This is very well described to the point I could feel the heat and the humidity. Wonderful read.
February 28, 2016
When you think your number is up and you get a second chance at life it's time to take stock. The main character, Brent Sandler did. In an attempt to turn his life around Peter Best cleverly unfolds a great mystery story for the reader. We see secondary characters come and go but they all rightly have their place in the plot.
I found the authors knowledge and obvious interest in Buddhism an eye-opener. He doesn't bog down the reader with boring facts about this religion, instead, he intricately weaves information through his narrative. Peter Best is also descriptive in his narrative when he places the reader in India.
Peter Best creates tension and suspense in The Burden of Truth. I will be watching for any future works from this talented author.
I found the authors knowledge and obvious interest in Buddhism an eye-opener. He doesn't bog down the reader with boring facts about this religion, instead, he intricately weaves information through his narrative. Peter Best is also descriptive in his narrative when he places the reader in India.
Peter Best creates tension and suspense in The Burden of Truth. I will be watching for any future works from this talented author.
November 29, 2015
This is a great book. It's a kind of action adventure with a little bit of romance and a big bit of an edge. Throughout the story, most of the characters are at various stages of development on the Buddhist path to enlightenment. Set between India and England, with just a pinch of France/ Belgium, the story unravels slowly as we get to know the characters. Dodgy dealings meet good deeds. I have never really looked at the world through a Buddhist perspective before, and this book was a really interesting journey because of that.
July 16, 2018
Long Book
I feel bad about the review I'm about to give since reading the authors final note but it's honest. This was a good story and a noble premise but it could have used some more editing. There were still a few redundancies and the author went to so much trouble to make his point he left little for the reader to figure out on her own.
I feel bad about the review I'm about to give since reading the authors final note but it's honest. This was a good story and a noble premise but it could have used some more editing. There were still a few redundancies and the author went to so much trouble to make his point he left little for the reader to figure out on her own.
December 5, 2019
This is a totally amazing book. It has not been written. It has been nurtured tender.y from inception to completion. I struggled at first with the diversity of characters, but they were skillfully woven into a complete whole. It is actually difficult to write a review of this because it simply takes your breath away. The world looks different now.
March 19, 2016
If Brent Sandler had decided to lead a good life after a near death experience it would not have made much of a story; all the main characters are flawed, make huge mistakes and meet people best avoided. But they also get to know people who will change their lives. This novel is a helter skelter ride through lives and places so far apart there would seem to be no connection, but we are impelled to keep reading through every turn of the story.
But this is more than a rip roaring tale, the author wants us to take something away. If you know very little about Buddhism this is a simple layman's introduction. I loved the scene where many monks had gathered to chant - I have never been to such a place, but I could imagine the moving experience if chattering snapping tourists did not spoil the atmosphere. Meditation is something most of us cannot imagine having the peace or quiet to attempt, but I'm sure this story will make most of us wonder if we should pause our hectic lives to think sometimes.
The only thing that jars in the writing is some poor editing and I'm surprised only one reviewer has mentioned this. All independent writers know how easy it is to miss errors and I don't think any of us can claim to have published the perfect manuscript. If you have done that puzzle on Facebook and managed to read writing upside down with the letters jumbled you will know that our brains read what we expect to see and if it's a good story like this we breeze over the mistakes.
But this is more than a rip roaring tale, the author wants us to take something away. If you know very little about Buddhism this is a simple layman's introduction. I loved the scene where many monks had gathered to chant - I have never been to such a place, but I could imagine the moving experience if chattering snapping tourists did not spoil the atmosphere. Meditation is something most of us cannot imagine having the peace or quiet to attempt, but I'm sure this story will make most of us wonder if we should pause our hectic lives to think sometimes.
The only thing that jars in the writing is some poor editing and I'm surprised only one reviewer has mentioned this. All independent writers know how easy it is to miss errors and I don't think any of us can claim to have published the perfect manuscript. If you have done that puzzle on Facebook and managed to read writing upside down with the letters jumbled you will know that our brains read what we expect to see and if it's a good story like this we breeze over the mistakes.
April 4, 2016
This is the kind of book that you either learn something new about the meaning of life or you get reminded of something you already knew and as a believer in the Law of Attraction I think you read it when you need it in your life.
There is a great storyline, believable characters and lots of threads interwoven into this book with great skill. I felt as though the author knew the places he wrote about well and gave me a glimpse of places I have never visited.
My only complaints would be that it could do with a bit of a polish and places need tightening up and that the conclusion to the drama was a little bit too handy for my liking. Loved the ending though.
Aside from that though it was a thoroughly great read and I will be looking out for more work from this very talented author.
There is a great storyline, believable characters and lots of threads interwoven into this book with great skill. I felt as though the author knew the places he wrote about well and gave me a glimpse of places I have never visited.
My only complaints would be that it could do with a bit of a polish and places need tightening up and that the conclusion to the drama was a little bit too handy for my liking. Loved the ending though.
Aside from that though it was a thoroughly great read and I will be looking out for more work from this very talented author.
July 6, 2016
Not Your Typical Suspense/Thriller
Set mostly in India and England, this is the story of a few people who are at various stages of development on the Buddhist path to enlightenment.
It is cut from a different cloth than the suspense/thrillers I usually read. If you enjoy stories with a Buddhist perspective, you’ll love this one.
Set mostly in India and England, this is the story of a few people who are at various stages of development on the Buddhist path to enlightenment.
It is cut from a different cloth than the suspense/thrillers I usually read. If you enjoy stories with a Buddhist perspective, you’ll love this one.
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