A Crucible of Innocence (A Poetic Novel)

Roger W. Forsythe
Outskirts Press (2008)
ISBN 9781432728816
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer, PhD, for Reader Views (1/09)


Mr. Forsythe, with his vivid language, shows the reality of human nature and obstacles we often come upon. With financial and personal concerns, the character Conrad talks to imaginary friends who accept him as he is without any judgment.

Throughout the book, Mr. Forsythe writes stories of Conrad’s imaginary friends and escapades. It is a way for Conrad to be happy and restore his self-esteem. He continues to fight the demons of his life by taking an overdose of sleeping pills. He has been fighting depression for so long, how many times can a guy get kicked while he is down.

As one reads through the stories and poems, you have to admire the author as he has put into words what we all sometime go through. His poems are moving and inspirational.

In his stories about serving under Napoleon, he learns that one cannot retreat- he/she must go on. He spends time talking about God and his plan and when it is your time to go, God will take care of it-he doesn’t need your help. I particularly liked this part as not everyone is familiar with what’s in the Bible, but have developed his or her own theory of what it says.

Mr. Forsythe, a character in himself, has given readers much to think about while reading his book, “A Crucible of Innocence.”

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