Oh wow! I wasn't sure what to expect with this book. The premise of writing a novel in just twenty-four hours was intriguing, and for a short while, I didn't know where this book was heading. But the story it tells is brilliant. A group of men making their small town into a haven from a not-so-pleasant (or far-fetched) future in the United States shows how easily life can be improved for everyone in small ways. The messages are clear, and the writing brings everything to the fore so simply, as if it's all just common sense. Which it is. The big question through most of the novel, though, is what happened to put Ed Davis on Death Row? The answer is a political nightmare, and one we have to strive to avoid.

I'm not American, but I fully relate to all the problems the SOGs faced in their small town of Elgin, and I just love their pragmatic approach to civic leadership.

Without giving away any spoilers, the ending of the book is unexpected, but so right. This book is well worth the read.

My thanks to NetGalley for a free copy of the book in exchange for this honest review.

#A Matter of Time#NetGalley by Ed Davis

This cautionary tale of fiction shows love, self-examination, honor and incredible energy which results in an explosion of words; an author’s weapon. The readers are warned that politically their freedom is in danger of being traded for security, and they are losing control of their lives.

Ed has been sentenced to death for conducting a gun amnesty in which the gun, as it was being handed over, went off accidentally. Ed describes his last 24 hours. He is alone, but never alone, he is guarded every moment of the time. For escape, Ed ranges in his mind to his home at Elgin, and how the community of friends developed their beliefs. He talks about the Slow Old Guys (SOGs) with passion and love; how they became united in a desire for a competent sensible government, how they became the town council, and the things they did for the good of the community.

I liked that Ed crafted a story which appeals on a personal level by discussing how any of us might rationalize our last 24 hours on earth; and for writing the story in a straight 24 hours, with a video included in the book to prove it. I liked most of all the intriguing, well-imagined story with fully rounded characters.

I disliked the world that Ed described in which discussing ideas was deemed to be dangerous, in other words, no free speech. I commend him for including an extensive discussion of today's political issues and offering solutions. Ed’s story was a pleasure to read; even though I dislike how much the ideologically opposed political parties resemble what we have today, and disagreed with the political viewpoint.

I would recommend the book to a wide audience, especially those who enjoy self-reflection and politics, perhaps not suitable for young teens.