What is the essence of life?

Essence is defined as the most important quality or feature of something that makes it what it is.

Essence of Life is the story of Jack Green, a young man born into the harsh environment of early settlement, an outcast from his family. He struggles to find his place in life. Feeling frustrated and ostracised, he journeys into the unknown territory to find where he belongs. To find himself and the essence of life itself.

Jackson Mclean is an accomplished author based in Cairns, QLD, where he lives with his wife and five children. His latest novel, Essence of Life, emerged from his own profound journey of self-discovery and reflects his deep interest in archetypal characters inspired by Carl Jung’s work. In his writing, Jackson masterfully weaves the complexities of the hero, the innocent, the orphan, the caregiver, the explorer, and the lover into the fabric of his characters, creating a rich tapestry that explores the essence of human experience. His narrative invites readers to explore their own paths alongside his vividly drawn characters, making his stories not just read but lived experiences.

Customer Reviews

5.0

3 reviews

John R

Just like a double-barrelled shotgun with the fingerprints of its characters, Essence of Life offers two blasts. One is a relatively straightforward shot at a plot that may fit a classic western-style story; the other shadows the central character’s emotions as he travels from child to adulthood. The author intertwines the two to explore intricacies of deep feelings and relationships, and how they may create a pathway to heroism. Anyone who enjoys a ‘good read’ will not be disappointed; those looking for inspiration to deal with their own emotions may get some valuable tips from the 16-step pathway to Enlightenment, starting with Shame and working through: Guilt, Apathy, Grief, Fear, Desire, Anger, Pride, Courage, Neutrality, Willingness, Acceptance, Reason, Love, Joy and Peace. At least they’ll see Jack’s footprints in the sand. References and allusions to social settings, such as pioneers’ respect (or lack of) for indigenous communities and ever-present commercial greed, also impart messages from the author’s mind. Holstering the gun, the book stands as an intriguing collection of perspectives.
Jessie Rumney

This is such a wonderful story, it took me on a journey. I found it easy to read and a book all of its own. Self help mixed with fiction. Highly reccomend for the seekers of the world!
Jefto Pierre

Essence of Life by Jackson McLean tells the story of Jack Green, a boy growing up in a new settlement where life is hard, and expectations are heavy. Jack’s father is in charge of the town, and people look up to him, but he’s tough with Jack at home. His mother clearly favors his younger brother, Julian, so Jack often feels overlooked. From a young age, he doesn’t really know where he fits in. When he leaves home, he runs into trouble in town and out in the wild. He faces danger and also has to deal with the weight of his father’s name. Slowly, he learns to listen to others and accept help, even from people he didn't really trust in the past. He eventually learns the value of standing up for the things that truly matter. When he returns home, he must face his mother and brother and make a choice that will affect his future. Ultimately, he must decide who he wants to be and where he truly belongs. Essence of Life by Jackson McLean is a historical adventure novel set during the colonial era. This book shows the daily life of the frontier while telling Jack’s story. It touches on the dangers outside and the tensions at home. Through his experiences with his parents, other settlers, and the local tribes, Jack begins to understand that life isn't just about following the rules—it is also about understanding people and himself. The author writes in a way that makes it easy to picture everything without the story feeling forced. In fact, Jack’s growth strikes me as very believable. Reading this book made me think about how learning from our mistakes is part of life. Jack’s struggles come across as realistic, which makes the story stand out. It’s a powerful tale, and I recommend it.