B. J. Tiernan’s novel is a deep dive into the business of living and dying. Recluse Lance Stavros is a successful doctor who runs his own practice, but on the inside, he’s basically high-functioning human wreckage. He was born into a loveless home that lacked the nurturing to help him develop an ability to cope with life’s challenges. Now Lance is forty-seven, and the only reason he’s survived … the past four decades without taking his own life is cowardice.
As hopelessness overcomes him, and he’s finally finding the guts within to pull the trigger on his existence, a house call pulls him out of the deadly spiral. It will turn out to be the call of his lifetime.
Lance becomes a live-in medic for a controversial mystic and lecturer who irks the Greek government—and becomes an assassin’s target. Amid this new and curious world, and a reignited past romance, Lance battles his cowardice to investigate who is trying to kill his employer, and he’s about to uncover more than he bargained for.
Those who live with, or have experienced, emotional pain, destructive tendencies, or addictions will find Lance’s story familiar, engaging, and at its heart—inspirational.
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Intriguing, thought-provoking, topical and beautifully written.
Lance, a successful Greek doctor is disillusioned with life and has decided to kill himself. His planned last ever house call to a stranger called Hadden turns his life around.
Hadden is a controversial mystic, living on the edge of town teaching alternative ways to view the world and especially critical of organised religion and the political landscape. So much so the town mayor considers him to be a threat and has hatched a plan to kill him.
The book is written as a thriller with Hadden and everyone close to him at risk. Several characters lose their life for supporting Hadden in dramatic ways. But for me the book was more about Lance learning to accept his past and embrace a different future and also the corruption and failure of modern governments to protect and nurture its people.
Interesting issues raised throughout the read.
Recommend to readers who like strong underlying themes.
In these times of fear, the darkness around us can seem overwhelming. This book follows one such soul, who finds life too difficult. Until he receives a mysterious invitation, one that will lead him down unexpected paths to what seems like unattainable enlightenment. A brilliantly tangled web is woven by the author, ensnaring the characters as well as the reader, and you cannot help reading long into the night as secrets are revealed that only lead to greater mysteries.
Philosophy graced by poetic prose guides the main character to understanding an acceptance, and it may guide the reader as well. the story is beautiful, yet sometimes bleak, insightful as well as wistful, and captivatingly profound.
The past few months I’ve read a few stories that were, at times, easy to put down and hard to pick up again. Standing on a Whale was the opposite – at times impossible to put down! This is a fascinating action mystery with a philosophical bent that covers many diverse subjects, which all gave me pause to think. At times I thought I will lend this to my wife, because even though she’s not as esoteric as me, this is a remarkable story which may bring joy to her. Clearly I enjoyed reading Standing on a Whale and I certainly recommend it.
I’m not sure how I found Standing on a Whale by B. J.Tiernan, but after reading the blurb, it intrigued me enough to add it to my TBR list. Here are my thoughts!
Synopsis (from the author):
Recluse Lance Stavros is a successful doctor who runs his own practice, but on the inside, he’s basically high-functioning human wreckage. He was born into a loveless home that lacked the nurturing to help him develop an ability to cope with life’s challenges. Now Lance is forty-seven, and the only reason he’s survived the past four decades without taking his own life is cowardice.
As hopelessness overcomes him, and he’s finally finding the guts within to pull the trigger on his existence, a house call pulls him out of the deadly spiral. It will turn out to be the call of his lifetime.
Lance becomes a live-in medic for a controversial mystic and lecturer who irks the Greek government—and becomes an assassin’s target. Amid this new and curious world, and a reignited past romance, Lance battles his cowardice to investigate who is trying to kill his employer, and he’s about to uncover more than he bargained for.
What I liked:
Standing on a Whale was an interesting read. It was a curiously entertaining cross of philosophy, religion, and political commentary set against the backdrop of Lance Stavros’ personal crisis. Hadden, as the mystical philosopher, added a nice character. They mystery of who Hadden’s would be killer was, and the twists and turns surrounding it kept me guessing. Lastly, Lance’s budding romance with Kavita (and its many twists and turns) completed this enjoyable story.
What I didn’t like:
My only criticism of Standing on a Whale was that some of Hadden’s lectures had a preachy feel to them. Other than that, good stuff!
Overall impression:
I enjoyed Standing on a Whale by B. J. Tiernan. From Lance Stavros’ crisis through his transformation, the novel leads us down a twisty path to redemption. What more can you ask of a book?
My rating:
5 Stars
A profoundly moving story. Although parts of the story have a thriller element to them, the bulk of the tale revolves around Lance’s journey to become the person he is meant to be — with the guidance of mystic Hadden. Having been on the brink of despair the way Lance has, I can understand his emotions when he says, “How much death does a man have to witness before he starts to see life again?” The first death hits you hard, especially if it’s someone your world revolved around; each successive one numbs you to life a little more, until you begin to isolate yourself and stop caring. If you’re ready to look at the world in a new way and to revisit your beliefs, this is a good book to delve into. Hadden’s nightly talks will give you much to think about.
A well written book with interesting and believable characters. The opening chapter quickly draws you in to this powerful fascinating tale. I enjoyed reading this book.