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Dark Star chronicles the spiritual journey of rock musician Everett Lester from an abusive childhood, to rock stardom, to life of dependency on drugs and a psychic to finding true freedom as a Christian. As Everett’s fame and involvement in evil increases, a young Christian woman, Karen Bayliss, feels prompted to pray for him and send him letters. In her letters, Karen makes it clear that she is no fan of Everett’s music or lifestyle but she also tenderly offers him the gospel message. Everett’s life spirals out of control, his girlfriend dies of a drug overdose and his level of drunken violence on stage increases. Seeking answers for past and present pain, he becomes more and more dependant on his personal psychic, Endora Crystal. As Everett grows closer to Karen through phone calls, Endora, who is entrenched in New Age mysticism, feels threatened and fears losing her position as Everett’s “spiritual” advisor.
The book has the potential to be a fictionalized journey of just another rock star’s struggle toward sobriety, but what makes this story compelling is the narrative structure. Mapes moves back a forth in time from biographical events to the memoirs Everett pens in prison while on trial for Endora’s murder. The author sets up a high level of suspense as he slowly reveals the details that have brought Everett’s life to this point of being on trial for murder. Mapes does a good job of creating reader sympathy for the rock star by showing scenes from Everett’s less than Leave it Beaver childhood. The use of first person works well to help us understand and identify with Lester.
The book has strong message about redemption and the power of prayer. Lester’s motive are understandable. Even though Mapes makes it clear as to the level of depravity in the rock star’s life, he never becomes overly graphic. The level of conflict and suspense kept me turning pages. I honestly didn’t know how this one was going to end. As a reader, I really liked Everett and wanted good things for his life.
My biggest concern with the book is the fairy tale romance that takes place between Everett and Karen. The romance seemed forced and a little too soft focus. Someone with the kind of background Everett has would need to be discipled and counseled for years before he was ready to date. After years of sexual immorality and using women, as if by magic Everett know how Christian courtship works. If Karen is the well adjusted Christian she is portrayed as, I don’t think she would fall in to Everett’s arms so quickly after his conversion. Everett’s spiritual healing and maturing happens almost instantaneously. The story can stand without the romance. It would have made more sense to have the praying character be the father Everett never had or a platonic female friend willing to help Everett with his growth as a Christian. The message that it is okay to jump right into a romance after becoming a Christian is destructive. Mapes brings to light that rather than condemn celebrities, we ought to pray for them. I think that is a point well made. Dark Star works as a suspense and character driven story, but not as a romance.
Reviewed by Sharon Dunn
for The Road to Romance
June 22, 2005
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