Futuristic Political Thriller Hits Home
Memories of Lasting Shadows takes readers into a vision of the future and a nation that has come to terms with the old norms, seen as part of a dark period, but struggles to determine its present and future course.
Alexandria, VA – Review: Memories of Lasting Shadows
Author: Michael Gryboski
Publisher: Ambassador International – Emerald House
Zebra Rating – 5 Stripes
Fast forward 40 years and imagine a United States of America where laws have been radically reversed, including the political lightning rod, abortion. Divisive protracted debates about this issue ended painfully. Citizens hoped division and discord were finally over. The two most recent generations of citizens are now adults, and America has new normal. But Michael Gryboski’s work goes much deeper than that one issue. The plot and characters wrestle with serious moral principles.
Memories of Lasting Shadows takes readers into a vision of the future and a nation that has come to terms with the old norms, seen as part of a dark period, but struggles to determine its present and future course. The story navigates partisanship, protests, and firebrand speeches fueling politics’ lucrative industry and its product: perpetual ideological conflict.
Gryboski enhances the plot by providing readers more than a glimpse into impressive technological advancements that touch many aspects of daily life, from driverless cars to hydration patches and prenatal medical care.
Regardless of political persuasion, there are deep themes embedded in the story and its characters. Is the perspective of good and evil unchangeable, or can it be manipulated by circumstance? Does the end justify the means? Are humans inherently good or evil? Is personal redemption real?
The two main characters in Memories of Lasting Shadows are deeply divided. United States Senator Benjamin Pettus is a former doctor who practiced when choice was the law of the land. He struggles to preserve his legislative legacy, and to hide his past.
Roberta Sheridan was born and raised in a different time. For her, terminating an unborn child is illegal and reprehensible. She is a devout Christian and principled journalist. At the urging of a colleague who is a self-professed “citizen journalist,” Roberta hears of deep secrets that could derail Pettus in an upcoming election. While investigating, she discovers the truth but is left with more questions than answers. Is the past ever really gone? Are we any different than our adversaries?
Michael Gryboski was born and grew up in the Washington DC metro area. He is a George Washington University graduate, lives in Richmond, Virginia, and writes for The Christian Journal. Michael says, “I’d rather be right than widely accepted.”
I remember reading somewhere that life’s essence is seeking a brighter future, but remembering that the past is forever within us. Memories of Lasting Shadows is a political thriller and an awakening of sorts that captures that thought. A must-read, particularly for those who enjoy spirited debates when ideological views collide. Zebra rating 5 stars
