Necessities by Boyd Taylor

What would you do for the one you love? A tale of the betrayal and conniving that happens when a large fortune is involved especially under the thumb of a tyrant patriarch. Keeping everyone in check with the looming threat of losing all. David Lewis had lived a fairly comfortable life. He did not have legs but he was just glad to be alive. He often grieved the loss of his mother and did not want to get over the fact that it was his fault. Thinking about the beautiful Cordelia Lehrer while at war got him through the hot days and tough nights. Thoughts of their one night together got him through his time in the hospital having lost two legs. He knew she would never want anything to do with a commoner like him. So all he had were his fantasies. Cordelia walked up to David’s desk one day and made his fantasies reality, to a measure anyway. She wanted him for a husband. He went all out to ensure her father, the great Kingston Lehrer, had nothing but good things to say about him. By the end of the first meeting, the Chief was ready to have David sire him an heir. The ‘business arrangement’ was running smoothly until one fine morning when all the Filipino workers at the Heath were cleared out. Things only went downhill from there. David’s love for Cordelia was deep and unconditional. Despite her betrayal and ill treatment of him, he still stepped in as her hero. The revelation at the end is shocking but somewhat expected considering human nature. Is there truth behind David’s blackout on the night of Francie’s death? Why was Cordelia, the favorite daughter, absent at the King’s funeral? Is it possible that the double amputee Iraq war hero has been grossly underestimated?

A gripping tale of the ability to do anything for love, Boyd Taylor’s Necessities is a page-turner. The story is a gripping tale of the inner workings of rich families. The author delivers twists and surprises that will have the reader jumping out of their seat in reaction to the unexpected swerve. Grammar is impeccable and the story possesses an effortless flow that causes quite the enjoyable literary ride. In a move that is just pure genius, the author does not immediately reveal exactly how smart David is until the very end. The reader will surely fall in love with David’s selflessness for the woman who does not return his affection. Boyd Taylor has the reader doubt David’s innocence all through his trial.

The author frequently leaves the story path to dig into a character’s personality and life away from the main story. The reader may find this a little distracting, as it seems like he is digressing. However, it may be fun getting to meet the different characters in the book. Boyd Taylor exhibits his excellent skills at cultivating drama with imperfect but loveable characters. It may be safe to assume that making David a double amputee is a way to pay homage to the armed forces and their sacrifices for the good of the country.