Review of “Astra” by Cedar Bowers

This novel relates an unpleasant story in a very interesting manner. The story unfolds through the eyes of ten people who encounter the central character during her life. By unpleasant, I don’t mean it is a tragedy; in fact, it is a relatively benign tale of the life of a person with a problematic childhood. What makes it so interesting is seeing Astra through multiple perspectives. However, she does appear in all of the chapters and participates in dialogue. The picture that emerges is complicated by the biases of the characters who interact with her, but it is not a happy image.

Despite the interesting story that unfolds through multiple points of view, sometimes it seems that the characters sound similar; the underlying theme appears to be self-absorption, which can seem cynical but is probably realistic. Astra doesn’t do what people want her to do. Different characters respond in unique ways as they contribute to the story.

I was somewhat disappointed by the ending because I expected this complex image to be shattered when Astra speaks for herself in the last chapter. Nevertheless, this story isn’t about plot or character development, but instead about how others see Astra. I didn’t like her, but the woman who appears from this kaleidoscope is realistic and probably representative of a large number of single mothers with disturbing histories.

I am glad to finally recommend a novel after so many disappointments.