Sum it up in one word - wow!
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I could review this book in just one word: wow.
It's exquisite, breath taking, thought provoking, sentimental, heart warming - do I sound like a cliche? I mean every single word!
I had to take a train to a meeting yesterday - the journey took just over an hour and a half and in that time I read this book from cover to cover. At 161 pages its not a particularly long book - but I have a feeling that if I hadn't finished it by the time I reached my stop I would have just stayed on board until I did.
This is the story of Cecilia; a young girl who lies ill in bed as her family celebrate Christmas downstairs, in the knowledge that Cecilia will not live to see another Christmas. I don't know how old Cecilia is, or what illness she has, but it didn't seem important. That's not the focus of the novel - it's about the interactions between Cecilia and her angel; a 'boy' by the name of Ariel who likes to talk about life and death and the differences between Heaven and Earth, angels and humans.
The conversations between Cecilia and her angel, and the interactions with her family subtly change as time passes, from feeling anger and denial, to hope and despair, as Cecilia finally reaches a calm acceptance of what will happen to her.
This novel is unlike anything I've ever read before, it made me think about so many things, about our bodies and our health and our families and the things we take for granted. About the differences between Heaven and Earth and whether there really are such things as angels.
This is a really difficult novel to review - the only thing I can say is - lay your hands on a copy, set aside a couple of hours, curl up in a chair and experience it for yourself.
Oh and make sure you pick up Through a Glass, Darkly by Jostein Gaarder - it seems to be a popular book title for quite a few authors!
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beautiful and throught provoking
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i first read this book as a 15 year old. i have read it several times since and the words and imagery still engulf me now. through a glass darkly explores life, death, and the universe in a wonderful way. it is a tale told in a gentle way, there is no need for sensationalism, the story is beautiful. it is simple yet thought provoking, it is accessible to readers of all ages. as i get older and read it again, i think more and more about the words on the page and their meanings. each time i feel something different. read it.
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I have read some rubbish in my time but this..........!
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I am amazed that this book has had so many rave reviews, some having read this book several times! Once was bad enough, I am not a heartless person, pages and pages of this young girl dying talking to an angel who asks her what its like to taste, to feel, to eat, what does cold feel like. Talking about what it would be like if there was a third sex, how so many pages were filled up with nothingness is beyond me, no wonder Cecilia is ready to die after having this angel bore her to tears night after night, I couldnt wait for the end to come myself, as it meant I had finished the book. I was missing paragraphs out at the end as they said nothing. If I hadnt have paid good money for this book I wouldnt have got past the first 30 pages, also you hope that it will get better, trust me it doesnt. It has got to be the worst book I have ever read. I would feel guilty giving it to a charity shop for some poor unsuspecting reader to buy.
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A lovely, little story
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This is very different from Sophie's World, but it does have one thing in common - it deals with life, death, the universe and everything. However this is much more spiritual. I loved some of the ideas about angels, e.g. that they do not need wings because they do not have flesh bodies to lift like birds do. I won't say too much as this might spoil some of the magic. It has a place on my bookshelf as a beautiful, spiritual and ultimately uplifting story. It isn't a morose read but it does deal with death and loss like we all have to. Suitable for older children and adults.
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Through the glass darkly
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If you are comparing this book to the breadth of Sophies World, then you will be suprised.It is entirely unlike it. This book reads with childlike simplicity, having a storyline to match. However, if the reader has the capacity and feeling to look inside and within the simplicity, they will be rewarded with a few cameo's of depth and inspiration, together with exploring, and expecting (!), a little part of childlike imagination, that should always remain forever within us all. I have never, ever cried over a book. I did this one. If you want a book to involve you with such simplicity and ignite feeling, then this is worth a read.
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