Pamela Johnson

Nation of Mystics_Proof

Briar's Reviews

A Nation of Mystics by Pamela Johnson is a unique, flash-back to the past.

This historical fiction novel is set back in the 60s, which is one of my favourite decades to read about. The "swinging sixties" with epic tunes, hippies and the best outfits I've ever seen (well...the 80s had some great clothes too, but let's forget about those for the time being). I perked up instantly when I got the chance to review a book about my favourite decade, but I think I over-hyped this book too much.

This story follows our leads throughout some drug dealing insanity but at a very slow pace. As the characters learn about religion, meditation and the way of the world, we get to become enchanted with their environment. The detail Pamela puts into this book is amazing, but this book felt like mostly descriptions. It wasn't fast paced enough to keep my attention, unfortunately, but it was a wildly well written book. Pamela Johnson is ridiculously talented.

Book One: Intentions really picks apart all of the sixties: the drugs, religion, spirituality, "hippie culture" and war. As a character or decade study, I think this book does extremely well. Even the character studies become an impressive feat as we watch them grow, change and experience life. What happens when they try LSD? What happens when they deal with the war? What happens when they face life's troubles? It's such a unique take on a character study (with many characters). 

Unfortunately, this book just wasn't written for me. I can 100% appreciate the beauty of this book but it didn't attract my attention. Hands down, this book will be on the top of my recommendations list for descriptive novels! If you want to take a trip back in time and dive deep into a descriptive world, this book will be perfect for you!

Two out of five stars.

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.