A Strong Narrative of Redemption and Hope
By DE
In a journey of self-reflection, Ken La Salle asks the one question we never really ask in marriage do we really know the person we love most. In the heart-wrenching and sometimes comical journey of Matthew (Matt) Murphy, Mr. La Salle shows us through tragedy, anger, remorse, and grief one can find their soul and true purpose in life in the least likely places.
Following the death of his wife, Diva, Matt Murphy has more questions than answers. Did she kill herself or was it truly an accident? Why was Diva where she was? Was she meeting someone or planning an escape? These questions became an obsession for Matt at Diva’s funeral. He sees people whom he has never seen before, has a confrontation with Diva’s friend about how he did not acknowledge Diva’s religious heritage, and his brother-in-law Neal is cool to him. When an elderly woman named Jessica explains Diva belong to their poetry club for almost four years and has him read a poem his wife wrote, Matt begins to wonder what else has his wife kept from him.
After a night of alcohol and mind altering drugs with his brother-in-law, Neal presents Matt with some disturbing information on Diva’s desktop. Apparently, she planned a trip to do 2600 mile hike called the Pacific Crest Trail. Matt had no idea she wanted to do the hike or why she did not ask him to go with her. Anger, frustration, and guilt take over Matt so much he decides to do the unthinkable. He decides to fulfill her last wish and do part of the hike; thus beginning the arduous journey of self-reflection and physical endurance. From Matt’s comical encounter at the hiking store to his obsession with technology, we see a desperate man’s attempt for redemption. Matt’s comes in the form of a 32-year-old woman, Heather, Matt meets within hours of his starting and his ultimate decision to quit the hike. Although Heather has her own reasons for completing the 2600-mile journey, she aids Matt in seeing the beauty of his surroundings while helping him face his own shortcomings.
Mr. La Salle’s expressive-filled writing shows us the frailties of man’s inner demons. His option to having Matt believe the worse in his wife without facts exhibits his true understanding of human nature. With the addition of some colorful characters, (Babette comes to mind) we see Matt’s transformation from an angry, controlling, and somewhat narcissistic man to a man learning to forgive himself as well as others. Even with the unforeseen ending, Heaven Enough is a strong narrative of redemption and hope one should not overlook.
Represented by Loiacono Literary Agency www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com
Published by Limitless Publishing www.limitlesspublishing.net