The initial introduction to the character around which most
of the book is centered, Maxwell Hayes, does the man a bit of injustice; it is
not until further into the book the reader sees the true depth of the man. A drifter by nature, Maxwell is on a quest
for something, although not even he knows what it is. The reader gravitates to wanting him to find
a ‘home’ for himself, while still having Maxwell maintain his sense of freedom
and values of what is right in the world.
It is easy to forgive this man for any of his wrongdoings because we see
his intentions are pure.
Freedom is a key theme in this book, as several other characters
are also fighting for that right. One of
the most endearing characters, Bishop, a former slave, wants to see nothing
more than for his children to go to college and have the opportunities he never
had. Sadly, his dream for his son comes
to a tragic end, yet he still perseveres, bringing forth admirable resolve.
The distance between those ‘who have’ and the ‘have-nots’ is
very wide and articulated well in this novel.
Yet, the reader finds that not even money can buy true happiness; as the
well-off characters fight demons of their own.
The novel leaves you rooting for the underdog, whatever social status
the particular character may have.
Kasenow’s vivid descriptions of Galveston and his minutia of
details of this era aid to make this book a very realistic read. The depiction of life after the Civil War and
the intricate details of the city of Galveston during this period create a
period piece for the readers to place themselves into this time. Kasenow does a great job of exploring the oppression
and injustices of this time period and balancing it out with the friendships
and human goodness which is found in his characters. For readers interested in a book capable of
transporting them into the past, with original insights to how day to day life
was lived, combined with a memorable character, The Last Paradise is a wonderful book to read.
