The island nation of Iceland is a nature lover’s dream. Breathtaking vistas encompass rugged coastlines, untamed landscapes, and unique natural phenomena. Now, native Icelander and one of the world’s wealthiest men, Daniel Pallson, is about to open a spectacular new resort. Featuring fishing, sports, and luxurious accommodations, Pallson’s Salmon Valley resort is poised to stimulate the local economy and provide a nice return for investors while looking out for environmental interests. With a track record of business successes and the support of local government, it seems nothing can stand in his way. But not everyone is buying into the billionaire’s green claims. Among the vocal protesters is Daniel’s brother, Jon. Pastor Jon is keen on keeping Iceland a pristine paradise and his older brother’s plans don’t support those goals. More than harmony in nature, though, Jon wants to find harmony with his estranged brother. And when Daniel suffers a severe cardiac event, he might just get the chance. As Daniel recovers from his heart attack, he is reminded of every tragedy, poor choice, and repressed memory he’s protected himself from. An honest evaluation shows that the years have cost him his brother, his wife, and his inner peace. No matter how much he has tried to avoid emotional pain by immersing himself in work, Daniel will now have to prove his commitment to something other than profits or face the consequences.
Humanity has had no shortage of tragedies in our history and this book delves into one of the most agonizing, the loss of a child. Raw emotions and dramatic reconciliations shape the moving plot in His Final Answer. While not every reader has endured the same hardship as Daniel, his marriage troubles, skewed work-life balance, and tense family dynamics are adversities that resonate widely. Atypical but entirely welcome is the colorful artwork dotted throughout the book; the attractive images add an extra dimension to the story while anchoring the scenes in mind and heart. The novel’s otherwise steady pacing is bogged down with the introduction of each new character, as the descriptions often include trivialities that read like a laundry list of physical characteristics. Persistent grammatical errors such as inconsistently spelled names could also lead readers to become disengaged with the story. However, these imperfections can often be overlooked in favor of the richly imagined plot, spiritual complexity, and believable character dynamics. Daniel’s journey demonstrates that grief isn’t about letting go of those we’ve lost, but about letting go of the bitterness, anger, and resentment that keeps us tethered to negativity. His Final Answer is a heartfelt exploration of finding the strength to embrace unlikely second chances.
