BEYOND HATE by Jim Williams is an unusual book with much to recommend it, although it is not without some structural flaws. The book opens with Tim–written in first-person–using a chatty, conversational style that slightly lacks confidence and is overly subjective. However, this awkwardness is quickly set aside as the execution of Jenny–who is beheaded chatting with Tim online–occurs within the first five pages, immediately grabbing the reader’s attention. In the next few chapters, readers learn who ‘Jenny’ really is, and Tim liaises with Homeland Security which brings an immediate repercussion. It’s slightly one-dimensional; both the characters and narrative lack depth in these opening chapters and the prose is somewhat lightweight. The consequences for Tim are not revisited further or concluded and the reader does not hear from him again–making it a touch unsatisfactory.
Nonetheless, in Chapter 6, the reader is introduced to Paul Asoph, a Brooklyn-born young man of Lebanese descent. Paul’s portrayal elevates BEYOND HATE hugely. He is a provocative character with an engrossing story that is powerfully told and keeps the reader guessing. His narrative presents an interesting divergence to the received opinion of Jihadists as “barbaric animals”. Paul unashamedly tells the reader that he needs to kill, and this begins in New York. As befits someone of his emotionally dead capabilities, his early voice is credibly detached. This develops as he progresses and there are occasional flickers of cold compassion. Paul’s perspective and callous honesty lend brutal immediacy to a thoroughly detailed journey into the dark heart of terrorist organizations, their methods, ideology and funding. When he is recruited by Mossad to become an undercover agent and is trained as a Jihadist by Al-Qaeda, the book is hard to put down. Equally absorbing are the chapters where he works undercover in Amsterdam. The pace maintains momentum and the characters, Gabe and Claud ‘Frenchy’ Arnot, especially, are convincing. The side angle involving the Italian Mafia is neatly crafted and provides a nicely believable connection to Paul’s previous life. Notwithstanding, this better construct is undermined by a number of typographical errors.
Williams’ epilogue to BEYOND HATE expresses the hope that Paul is not likeable to the reader but concedes he may elicit sympathy. However, Paul’s experiences and singular voice do afford a certain charisma which holds appeal. It is not so much his casual, extreme violence but the lack of self-preservation and absence of empathy that draws the reader to him and essentially gives BEYOND HATE its strength and intrigue, reminding the reader that appearances can be deceptive and there are two sides to every story, however unedifying.
BEYOND HATE is a well-researched, original and, in parts, gripping read, with a compelling protagonist that is well worth a look for fans of action/thriller and espionage novels.
~Rose Auburn for IndieReader