Don't miss this novel! Recent reviews of To and Fro Upon the Earth: A Novel

Mesmerizing!

This novel was truly mesmerizing. Jay is a fascinating character who McDowell has created with so much insight of the human condition. I couldn’t wait to see how it ended, yet didn’t want it to end.

Keith

Amazon review

Masterful first novel

To and Fro is an uncomfortable journey I found myself reluctant to walk on occasion. It’s universal themes of abundance, injustice and desolation strike such a personal note that I found myself unconsciously experiencing the traumas of the storyline right along with the title character. McDowell often accelerates the narrative to communicate the emotional and social whiplash Jay (the protagonist) was trying to process. This method often left me breathless from scene to scene, successfully creating a mood of uncertainty and cynicism typical of Jay’s experience. Without a second to spare, the ending takes both he and the reader by complete surprise. To and Fro is a masterful first novel for McDowell, who shows great prowess in plot and character development. Well done.

Lisa

Amazon review

Worth reading!

A compelling read, To and Fro Upon the Earth will have readers questioning what it means to suffer, and why it is that suffering takes place. Spanning flashbacks, dream sequences, and other narrative devices, this is a book that can be jarring to experience, but that’s all part of the fun. I found myself curious to find out what Jay’s fate was, as I am sure any other reader will. In particular, I enjoyed the philosophical discourses on suffering. Definitely worth reading.

Sean

Amazon review

Looking forward to more!

This was a fascinating novel, and I could almost not put it down. it is written well, and the character of Jay drew me in, but more than that, it was the mystery of what happened to him? How did he end up like this? What was he going to do? The answers slowly unravelled through the book—some of them shocking!
I cant say I understood the ending completely, yet it gave me a sense of peace, even though I am not sure why. Also, the book jumps back and forth between the past and the present and dreams (I think they are dreams, which I found confusing at first, though not enough for me to give up, because it made me want to know what was going on. I’m looking forward to more novels by McDowell.

Jane

Amazon review

Cover of To and Fro Upon the Earth: A Novel, by Markus McDowell.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the depths of human resilience and the chaos of existence in Markus McDowell’s captivating debut novel, To and Fro Upon the Earth. This poignant and thought-provoking tale follows Jay, a man emerging from a decade of confinement into a world both familiar and alien. As he boards a bus to an uncertain future, his path intertwines with a cast of vivid characters—each grappling with their own struggles and dreams—against a backdrop of sprawling deserts, turbulent seas, and haunting visions.

From the opulent life of a successful businessman to the perilous trials aboard a storm-tossed fishing vessel, Jay’s story is a puzzle of missing pieces, forcing him to confront loss, identity, and the search for meaning. Blending rich prose with philosophical undertones, the novel weaves together moments of despair and hope, drawing inspiration from literary giants like Hemingway and Heinlein. With lyrical references to classic works and a tapestry of real-world details—from deep-sea creatures to historical laws—this narrative explores the delicate balance between order and chaos in life.

Perfect for readers who cherish introspective fiction and tales of survival, To and Fro Upon the Earth is a testament to the human spirit’s enduring quest for purpose.

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