The Wall

By: Joseph Hayes

Narrated by: Stephen Hanon

Length: 14 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's Summary

Miguel Sanchez is a talented and dynamic attorney who has earned a reputation as a passionate crusader for immigration rights. His charisma and his accomplishments have made him a media darling and paved the way for his explosion onto the national political scene. But he is not who he purports to be. He is the nation’s most high-profile illegal immigrant, a secret known to almost no one other than his shadowy handlers. Together, they have an agenda - punish America for its past sins and undermine this country’s prosperity and way of life.

Since childhood, Sanchez has been conditioned to believe in that cause and to do whatever it takes to see that mission through. Now, he is on the cusp of acquiring the power to do exactly that. Only one person stands in his way - his unassuming, conflict-averse childhood friend, Bobby Rivera.

The Wall is an intelligent, fast-paced thriller that combines suspense with a thought-provoking exploration of one of the most controversial, sensitive, and far-reaching issues of our time - immigration. It examines the opportunities, fears, and challenges of recent immigrants and their children. It portrays the changing complexion of America in a way that is sensitive and hopeful. It contrasts life on opposite sides of the border wall, but more importantly, it vividly depicts the walls that exist in the minds and hearts of those trying to assimilate and those who resist.

©2018 Joseph Hayes (P)2019 Joseph Hayes

a great story I couldn't put down

I loved this story. The characters were compelling and interesting, and the story was relevant. I loved Hills descriptions of events and felt like I was a part of the story. I stayed up late to finish it, and it was completely worth it.

It's cold on the wall.

Set on an unnamed island, at an unspecified time in the future, the reader is taken by main protagonist Joseph Kavanah's first person narrative to serve with him his two year's duty on the wall: the National Coastal Defense Structure. This entirely encircles the island. To keep the Others out. Beyond the Wall, no beaches, only the risen sea. Every citizen has to do time on the wall, unless they are accepted into one of the other two military services. Or choose to Breed. Two years in the cold and fear of the coming of the Others. But it's twelve hours a day, two weeks on and two weeks off, so really it's only six months active duty. But it's cold, and if any of the Others get in ....

This very atmospheric book is reminiscent of some old science fiction novels, simply told with great effect, and at it's heart, a warning. A little action, but mostly it is a tale almost of acceptance, resignation, and making the best of what there is. Little by way of explanation, this is a slice of Joseph's life, his thoughts and feelings and observations.
Narration is superbly performed by Will Poulter, who, in addition to reading with clarity and voicing each protagonist individually, really takes on the persona of Joseph, the first person story teller.

My deep thank to the rights holder of The Wall, who, at my request, freely gifted me with a complimentary copy. The book was quirky and exceeded my expectations, left me in the desolate world created inside my head long after completing the story and the neat ending. Not for fans wanting non stop action but for the more intense and atmosphere experiencing reader, not to be missed. It's cold on the wall...
Highly recommended.