The third read for ......
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THROUGH A GLASS, DARKLY by JOSTEIN GAARDER.
As Cecilia lies ill in bed, and her family prepare for Christmas knowing she will not recover, an angel steps through her window. But Ariel is no ordinary angel - at least, he does not conform to conventional ideas of what an angel looks like and says. He likes nothing better than to sit around and chat about life, death and the universe. Through A Glass, Darkly is a spiritual and thoroughly engaging series of conversations between Cecilia and her angel. As the weeks pass and winter turns into spring, subtle changes take place in the relationship between Cecilia and her family, as she swings from feelings of anger and denial, hope and despair, to a calm acceptance of her lot. She is preparing to leave .....
..... Outer back cover.
FIRST SENTENCE: They had left the bedroom door open.
MEMORABLE MOMENT (Page 79): "Don't you think it's just as strange to be an angel?"
"We've discussed this already. The difference is that we've been here all along. Besides, we know, we'll never fall into the empty void like a spent soap bubble. We simply are, Cecilia. We are that which has always been and always shall be. You come and go."
As Cecilia lies ill in bed, and her family prepare for Christmas knowing she will not recover, an angel steps through her window. But Ariel is no ordinary angel - at least, he does not conform to conventional ideas of what an angel looks like and says. He likes nothing better than to sit around and chat about life, death and the universe. Through A Glass, Darkly is a spiritual and thoroughly engaging series of conversations between Cecilia and her angel. As the weeks pass and winter turns into spring, subtle changes take place in the relationship between Cecilia and her family, as she swings from feelings of anger and denial, hope and despair, to a calm acceptance of her lot. She is preparing to leave .......... Outer back cover.
FIRST SENTENCE: They had left the bedroom door open.
MEMORABLE MOMENT (Page 79): "Don't you think it's just as strange to be an angel?"
"We've discussed this already. The difference is that we've been here all along. Besides, we know, we'll never fall into the empty void like a spent soap bubble. We simply are, Cecilia. We are that which has always been and always shall be. You come and go."
MY THOUGHTS: With an almost child-like, old-fashioned simplicity, Through A Glass Darkly is beautifully spiritual, philosophical, insightful and sentimental and yet never mushy.
The story of a young terminally ill girl (Cecilia) who, one Christmas, is befriended by an angel (Arial) the story is complex in so far as it takes a look at what it is to be human whist at the same time exploring life after death which though never overtly 'preachy' is told from a fairly religious point on view that might not appeal to everyone.
The story of a young terminally ill girl (Cecilia) who, one Christmas, is befriended by an angel (Arial) the story is complex in so far as it takes a look at what it is to be human whist at the same time exploring life after death which though never overtly 'preachy' is told from a fairly religious point on view that might not appeal to everyone.
The sign of a good writer that they can awaken so many emotions, provoke so many reactions, I thought the author did a particularly good job with Cecilia in that on the one hand (despite/because of her illness?) I found her to be a bit of an unlikeable spoilt brat and yet on the other I felt so much compassion for her and not just because of her illness.
A great read for older children/teenagers, as an adult reading this I felt that some of the issues could have been explored more thoroughly, this is never the less a wonderfully thought provoking, in many ways, life affirming novel.
KEEP IT OR NOT?: One of husband dearest's books, this shall remain on our shelves.
A great read for older children/teenagers, as an adult reading this I felt that some of the issues could have been explored more thoroughly, this is never the less a wonderfully thought provoking, in many ways, life affirming novel.
KEEP IT OR NOT?: One of husband dearest's books, this shall remain on our shelves.
11 comments:
Sounds amazing, Petty. I was at first simply reading through because I don't generally enjoy 'angel' books. But I read the first line of your thoughts, and I felt I have to read this. :)
I love a book that a) holds up over time and b) can be enjoyed by all ages.
Looks like an excellent read with the conversations between the two protagonists the high points. I think I would love this one! Have a lovely day Tracy :)
Now this one really captured my attention. The title is familiar somehow too though I know I've never read it. Hmm...adding to my wish list now. Thanks for the great share!
GLad you enjoyed it. I've been curious about this one.
I'm going to go search Amazon. It sounds lovely.
It is a beautiful read and complememnts her other work Sophie's World so well.
I haven't read this author before, but I have Sophie's world sitting on my shelves. I should get to it someday. :)
I love Jostein Gaarder, since he's Norwegian I usually read his books in the original language, but I haven't read this one, I'll have to put it on my list :)
Love the sound of this one! Really enjoyed your review!
I don't know. I tend towards happy, fun books during Christmas.
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