THICKER THAN BLOOD By Arthur Davis Review of the novel by Melissa Proctor June 2008 In “Thicker than Blood”, Arthur Davis’ stirring and thought-provoking prose takes us on a journey through the dark, twisting mind of a man engulfed in anguish and rage as he confronts his worst nightmare. Get to know Andrew Presser, a son and brother who’s facing the prospect of standing alone in the world, with his only remaining kin a man whom he’d rather didn’t exist. With the death of his beloved mother, Andrew finds himself in an unenviable situation. The bitterness and discontent of an unfulfilling relationship with his only sibling boils over in a confrontation that tackles the tricky areas of religion, family ties, and the rights of the deceased. The story sizzles with unconcealed scorn and bitter disappointment, the words fairly burning their way off the page. Witness as Andrew relives memories of his childhood, young adulthood, and finally his present, while struggling to understand where his journey leads from here. Be swept away on the roller coaster of one man’s emotional struggle to reconcile his past and present. The journey may be Andrew’s, but the story resonates on an emotional frequency that is sure to be familiar to the heart and mind of any reader. Once he confronted his denial and he begins to accept the living loss of his brother, when the wounds begin to heal, we are allowed to see a glimpse of hope just over the horizon. The message is clear. Andrew’s life will go on, and he will have the strength to face his uncertain future.