A fascinating book that emphasises the historical context and really delves into what the symbolism of events, objects, tasks, and the nature and actiA fascinating book that emphasises the historical context and really delves into what the symbolism of events, objects, tasks, and the nature and actions of characters meant or may have meant to Homer's original audience. Much of these meanings are not immediately apparant to a modern reader, and I have not come across many of these points before. It was all very helpful to understanding these epics! A highlight is Eirene S. Allen's translations sprinkled throughout the book: they have a wonderful clarity and rhythm, and offer the opportunity for Allen to explain her process for choosing certain english words and phrasing; explaining in the process the broad meanings contained in the originals. All this mkes for a valuable book that I recommend to anyone interested in understanding Homer and the Classical Greek world....more
An insightful and profound description of the lifeforce within nature and the construction of different planes of reality. Discussing planetary influeAn insightful and profound description of the lifeforce within nature and the construction of different planes of reality. Discussing planetary influences of the Zodiac, nature spirits, elementals, angel-beings, and a vast expression of the lifeforce that infuses the world and cosmos beyond our immediate range of perception - and does not neglect to discuss the negative aspect of creation. I particularly admired the following quote: "Look always for the spirit behind or within all form. Become en rapport with this God-life in everything. Realise it in the air you breathe, in the water you drink and bathe in; see it in the sky, in the winds, in the air; see it in the fire. Cultivate this inner gift; call it, if you like, imagination, but remember that imagination is the bridge which will take man across physical matter into the etheric and indeed into the celestial world."...more
Lucid, extensively researched, thoughtfully organised and clearly communicated. Daimler presents a focused picture of a complex topic and handles thatLucid, extensively researched, thoughtfully organised and clearly communicated. Daimler presents a focused picture of a complex topic and handles that complexity with immense skill and a light touch....more
I recommend anyone interested in the subject add this book to their library as soon as possible. I differ from the author in my philosophy regarding aI recommend anyone interested in the subject add this book to their library as soon as possible. I differ from the author in my philosophy regarding animals but regardless, I found this such an intelligent, lucid and elegant approach to the overall topic: describing the beautiful, brilliant and inspiring creation we live within....more
A vivid and skillful re-creation of the ancient world in which the author imagines a real-life Jesus and brings him into clear focus as a man both humA vivid and skillful re-creation of the ancient world in which the author imagines a real-life Jesus and brings him into clear focus as a man both human and earthly but also extraordinary in his psychic power and his compassion – and believable as a spiritual wayshower who truly walked among us. The journey of Jesus in this story leads us through many of the ancient cultures of the time – with highlights for me being time spent in a Himalayan village and temple, a memorable visit to the Oracle of Delphi and a mystical experience in the forests of Albion. All the cultures and people encountered are so believable and it just makes for such a lively and engaging storyline. Mother Mary and Mary Magdalene take prominent roles in this tale and are both fully-rounded characters in their own right. I quite love these two women as they are here presented. I found the approach to the conflicted and troubled characters of both Judas Iscariot and Pontius Pilot to be very thoughtful and compelling. Most compelling though is the characterisation of Jesus himself: from a gifted, caring and humorous youth through to times of doubts and uncertainties, until he unfolds into his true greatness. In its original perspective on the traditional Biblical version of events, this is a tale that stays with you and causes you to reconsider many aspects of the events that you may have taken for granted.
This review contains my honest opinions, even though the author is my mother! I simply would not have reviewed it at all if these were not my honest opinions. I was greatly impressed to read what she had written - I already knew she is a great writer (I have read her written-first-but-to-be-released-later title, Imagining Nefertiti) but was I very surprised and proud at how gracefully Natasha approached such a grand and overwhelming tale as that of the life of Jesus....more
Fascinating and credible - I so enjoyed the journalistic approach and the equal balancing of the theories covered. The author's presentation of her joFascinating and credible - I so enjoyed the journalistic approach and the equal balancing of the theories covered. The author's presentation of her journey through the mystery and meeting all the interesting characters (past and present) is engaging and approachable - the author is very present in the story, an element that benefits the telling. (The audiobook narrator also does a great job and is easy to listen to.) I particularly love the ending, that last line - what a brilliant summary of a tumultuous and entangling saga....more
It is so easy to believe in this novel, to believe Belding Brown's interpretation of the personalities and events involved. To see how Margaret MaherIt is so easy to believe in this novel, to believe Belding Brown's interpretation of the personalities and events involved. To see how Margaret Maher's gift for imagery and way of seeing the world would enchant and influence Dickinson. The characterization of Emily Dickinson herself allows her to retain her mystery but seemed to me full and lively and understandable. The last section of the book is a treasure (oh, that cupola scene!), it had me in tears, it was heart-opening and beautiful. An immersive book and one to read if you have a curiosity about the Irish experience in the US, about the lives of maids, about Emily Dickinson, or a love of words and imagery and lyricism....more
Echoes of Home sparkles with details and vivid impressions of the characters, land and cityscapes: immersing the reader deep within the story. Nordun Echoes of Home sparkles with details and vivid impressions of the characters, land and cityscapes: immersing the reader deep within the story. Nordun remains the endearing and insightful heart of the tale, yet all the main characters carry their own force into the story and are believably multi-dimensional. A deeply moving story - quite harsh and beautiful simultaneously with phrases of such wisdom that you will want to make note of them to re-read later. ...more
A striking novel with a striking narrator who the reader feels close to – thanks to Ailish Sinclair’s masterful use of first-person present tense narrA striking novel with a striking narrator who the reader feels close to – thanks to Ailish Sinclair’s masterful use of first-person present tense narration: bringing Morragh’s perspective and spiritual essence to life with both lyricism and stark impact.
Morragh’s sister, Onnagh, is a turbulent character. Honestly, I became so frustrated with her (proof of the author’s strength of characterization). I had sympathy for where her perspective and her anger was coming from but became so frustrated with the lengths she took it to.
In the three books I have now read by Ailish Sinclair (now cemented as one of my favourite authors) the storyline always manages to cover tumultuous, vast and fast-paced plotlines while being simultaneously rich in emotional and character development. She always seems to be breaking my heart in the most strangely uplifting and hopeful way. Go figure!
Sisters at the Edge of the World (love that title, and the cover is perfection) is a rich tale of lives caught up in a changing world. Eye-opening, heartbreaking and beautiful....more
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