The History Major, by Michael Phillip Cash, is a suspense novella of 120 pages about a college freshman, Amanda Greene, who awakens after a night of drinking and a row with her boyfriend to a world that is not quite the same as before. Her surroundings are familiar but slightly different, people have changed, and she is taking college classes she didn’t sign up for. Is she hungover, dreaming or is something more sinister happening?
It’s hard to write a review this book without giving away too much of the story. It keeps you in suspense, albeit slightly confused as to what is happening (along with the main character), but it does all become clear, so I think cash has done a very good job of incorporating Amanda’s confusion to relate to the reader and bringing it to a clear conclusion.
Amanda is having a life changing journey and history will help her make the right decisions. This novella touches on sensitive issues such as child abuse, grief and trauma as well as friendships and their effect on life.
On first reading I wasn’t sure I liked the book as I couldn’t make sense of it, this was my fault as because of other commitments I kept putting the book down and returning to it days later. So to be fair to the author I found the time to read in one sitting (it is only 120 pages so only takes a couple of hours) and was a much better read and really enjoyable – a story of how learning from past mistakes in history can help shape your future.
So how would I rate it? As always, I find Mr Cash’s work to be well-written and The History Major I found to be thought provoking and keeps you in suspense right up until the end pages. So after finding the time to sit and read it properly I would have to rate it 4½ out of 5, purely for the fact that I think it does have to be read it one sitting to fully appreciate the story. While not my favourite book by this author it is definitely worth taking the time to read The History Major, just don’t try to read with 3-year-old twin boys running around like I did the first time!
Rating: 4.5/5
RRP: £6.99 (Paperback) / £3.99 (Kindle)
Available to buy from Amazon here.
For more information about Michael Phillip Cash visit www.michaelphillipcash.com.
Click here to read my interview with Michael Phillip Cash
DISCLOSURE: I was provided with a free copy of this book for the purposes of writing a honest and impartial review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This review uses an affiliate link which I may receive a small commission from if you purchase through the link.
Click here to read more reviews of books by Michael Phillip Cash