Clean

Ken Sweet
Lulu Press (2006)
ISBN 1411696018
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (12/06)


Ken Sweet has a refreshing crisp writing style that draws the reader in from the opening sentence of the prologue to the very last dramatic battle and the surprising climatic conclusion.

With his world crumbling around him, Ben Whyte remembers a vision he had during a childhood illness, a vision of water and cleansing, and a glowing light providing healing.  This is Ben’s story of his quest to find the fulfillment of his dream.

It is a story of triumphs, struggles, risk, and unconditional love.  Ken Sweet creates an intriguing parallel of life today, Ben’s quest for peace, and the idyllic Arthurian world of Knighthood honor. 

Ben and two supportive friends travel to Britain to visit areas of Cornwall, England, and Scotland.  They visit locales widely known for their ancient spirituality and mysticism. Ben hoped to find the cleansing water of his childhood dream, with the accompanying healing light.

Ken has created a believable character in Ben, his traveling companions and the cast of characters introduced throughout the story.  Ben’s transparency endears him to the reader.  His vulnerability and openness help the reader identify and empathize with him in each crisis and soon become so engrossed in Ben’s search that it becomes a personal soul searching experience. Ken’s writing is thought provoking, insightful, and often profound.

Clearly presented as a novel the story is so full of personal insight that I felt it was the author’s own story.  The descriptions of Britain’s countryside and people were brilliantly articulated and gave the feeling of having been there. I now want to revisit England and see the country through Ben’s eyes.

Ben’s becoming the Knight of the Ruined Chapel and his personal commitment to the challenge elevated his personal search for Clean to be compared to the search for the Holy Grail. This part of the story will endear Ben to the reader of the History of the Crusades. The introduction of the black knight and references to Darth Vader will make this story a favorite of Star Wars fans. I highly recommend “Clean” for any young adult looking for a good story or for those beginning a spiritual quest.  I expect to see more writing from Ken Sweet.  He is truly a gifted communicator.

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