The Test

Patricia Gussin
Oceanview Publishing (2009)
ISBN 9781933515199
Reviewed by Leslie Granier for Reader Views (10/09)

 

After Paul Parnell’s death, his heirs are assembled for the reading of the will.  As his six children (by three different women) wait expectantly for their shares of his vast estate, they are presented with a challenge.  They have one year to pass a test proposed by their father before they can receive their inheritance.  They must embrace the moral values of their father and use their talents to improve society.  Unable to file a legal challenge to this will, the siblings seek ways to pass their test while trying to make it difficult for the others to accomplish theirs.  As the family endures one tragedy after another, they are faced with the decision of whether or not to put their greed aside for the sake of keeping the family intact.

Author Patricia Gussin assembles an eclectic mix of characters in “The Test.”  There is a powerful United States’ senator with presidential aspirations, a fashion model with a history of drug abuse, an insecure medical student, a tree farmer, and a cardinal in the Catholic Church.  The author effectively describes the lavish lifestyles led by many of the characters but she also touches on the difficulties they face regarding knowing who they can trust and whether or not they are being used.  Juicy information about the characters is constantly introduced to thicken the plot and maintain the readers’ interest.

Although the story is set in 2001, it still feels fresh.  The author makes the story seem more realistic by including major news items from that time, including the infamous Bush vs. Gore election results and the terror attacks of September 11th.  This book is intended for an adult audience.

“The Test” by Patricia Gussin has something to offer everyone.  There is suspense, greed, scandal, and manipulation.  However, there are also positive items such as learning the importance of family and experiencing personal growth through helping others in need.  It emphasizes the importance of what parents should pass on to their children.  It is the moral values and a sense of service to others they should seek to leave as their legacy, rather than money or other objects.

Make comment on weblog