Murphy's Path

by Madeleyn Questman

Fate has interesting plans for Patrick Murphy. Patrick Murphy, a student struggling to finish a doctorate in English, has always done what the people around him expect him to do. His path in life is pretty much set, until he meets Hero, a strong-willed, worldly psychology student, who unsettles everything in his life, including his own beliefs. Hero follows her own path. Will Patrick have the courage to forge his own path as well?

554 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 28, 2016

Reviews

[J R Questman · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Murphy’s Path’ is a simple yet well-written tale of self-awareness and growth in a contemporary setting. The story revolves around Patrick Murphy, a brusque and unsure graduate student who sets himself up for failure and disappointment through the choices he makes. Having lived a somewhat sheltered life, he finds himself challenged by an assertive female student whose ideas and attitudes make him uncomfortable. As his feelings for her grow, so do the predicaments he must deal with, and when he finds himself boxed in, he realizes that he can choose to be different – but only if he’s willing to give up his preconceptions.
What makes this story a little different is that the author uses a variety of settings and characters that defy what is expected. We come to see the characters through their actions and their self-identities, which are not always the same. Through their different languages, we come to know the characters better, an to understand the dynamics between them, which makes for an entertaining read that rises above similar introspective stories.

[Robert Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great first novel. The author relies on a straightforward language style that focuses on the relationships between the characters in a very realistic way. These aren’t perfect relationships; their interactions are full of drama and self-interest, disinterest and envy, longing and humor. The main characters have ranges of traits that make them accessible and likable, while the author makes sure that there aren’t any ‘perfect people;’ everyone has his or her own flaws which make them appealing – or not. Their emotions are tangible: they have their small daily triumphs and their huge disappointments, allowing us to feel what they feel and understand their joys and frustrations. We’ve all known a Patrick, or a Bianca, or a Dante, and the author strives to provide us with an understanding of their motivations. And having a glossary at the end helps.