Reviews of "Driving Forces"

[5.0 out of 5 stars] Thriller in the Philippines, November 1, 2013

By Jeangnome<http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/A1KN0ITQHJKZN2> (COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO, US)

This review is from: Driving Forces (Paperback)

Driving Forces captures the clash of cultures, politics and religions in modern-day Mindanao in the Philippines. Louise is an American and professional adviser who is excited about guiding a program to educate the children of the island, but she gradually learns that all is not what it appears to be and there is a very real threat of danger and death. Rico, Louise's driver, is at once a hero and a villain when he becomes caught in an illicit affair with a beautiful woman whose family ensnares him in a web of intrigue and terror that will test him to the limits of his strength courage.

I thoroughly enjoyed the lush and colorful descriptions of life in this island paradise, but as the tension mounted, I was unable to put the book down until I knew what driving forces would ultimately seal the fate of the characters. As a world traveler and gifted writer, Carol Fortino will take you on a beautiful and exciting adventure in this semi-autobiographical story of loyalty, deception and bravery.

 

Your new book is FANTASTIC! There are not enough words to describe my admiration and my feelings after reading this interesting story of your life in the Philippines. Your knowledge and insight into the different cultures, religions, traditions and customs and the conflicts between them - a truly amazing memoir.   Annika

 

This story of how innocent people can be pulled into schemes without fully realizing what is happening is set on the Philippine island of Mindanao, which is beset by harsh weather, volcanoes, poverty, and active terrorism. The American-Australian author used her own experiences working for a government education project on Mindanao for a year amidst some deep personal turmoil as the basis for a fictional story about a hired driver who finds himself being drawn into a dark and possibly dangerous organization. In the book she weaves delightful details of her recollections with her knowledge of Filipino life, politics, and religion so that the reader learns quite a lot about the Philippines while following the fascinating story. It is like visiting the island with an experienced tour guide taking you by the hand. The author illustrates how the desperate poverty and often unfair treatment of the muslim minority have led to rebellions, but always keeps her rational, deeply caring standpoint. This book can be seen as a thoughtful cry for peace and understanding between religions and cultures.

 

A lot of the customs and foods encountered in the Philippines are described and the author has kindly attached a glossary of Filipino and Aussie terms at the back of the book, along with a cast of characters, all of which I found helpful. I know now about 500% more about the Philippines than I did before reading the book and enjoyed every minute of this education. Interestingly, despite the real hazards of visiting the island, this book made me very much want to visit Mindanao! The book would probably not be considered great literature, but it is a great read, despite being so educational, and a perfect book for a holiday weekend. I finished it in a day because I just couldn't put it down.

Loretta Jones

 

What a story web you write!  I was completely ensnared all week long, staying up late, getting up early, to find out what happened next.  At no time did the action lag and even if I put the book down the characters stayed in mind waiting and tantalizing me as I did what I absolutely HAD TO do before rushing back to read another page.

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Yep you did it again Carol. . .neat work.  I love the main character.  She's a woman of extraordinary courage and understanding, just like you!  You tackled a tough subject in that book. I think it's more a women's novel than a man's.  Still, it's the women who train the children if they can keep them.  What I really wish is it would fall into the hands of a Muslim.

Vivian Masters

 

 

I want to congratulate you on you new novel “Driving Forces” which I enjoyed very much.  Perhaps it was due to my knowledge of some of the main characters and being part of the Philippine program for 3 months.  Also, a bit of spice added to the story made it interesting to read as well as creating suspense as to what would happen next.  All day, your story has kept running through my mind.

 

Ivo Lindauer 7/14/13/

 

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To: "Arnis Siksna" <a.siksna@uq.edu.au>

Sent: Tuesday, October 08, 2013 7:44 PM

Subject: Re: Alex Miller "Coal Creek"

 

 

Hello Arnis and Mara,

 

Thank you for setting up the meeting and address by Carol Fortino last night.

She was very interesting, and seemed to connect well with the small group. It helped that she and you, Mara, had so much in common and are fast friends. I love listening to authors, and despite being travel weary after a big day at Caloundra, and not having been able to read the book, found her intelligent and personable.

Please pass on to her my appreciation.

 

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