The In-Between World of Vikram Lall

Book Description

Vikram Lall comes of age in 1950s Kenya, at the same time that the colony is struggling towards independence. Against the unsettling backdrop of Mau Mau violence, Vic and his sister Deepa, the grandchildren of an Indian railroad worker, search for their place in a world sharply divided between Kenyans and the British. We follow Vic from a changing Africa in the fifties, to the hope of the sixties, and through the corruption and fear of the seventies and eighties. Hauntingly told in the voice of the now exiled Vic, The In-Between World of Vikram Lall is an acute and bittersweet novel of identity and family, of lost love and abiding friendship, and of the insidious legacy of the British Empire.

Customer Reviews:

My life simply happened without deep designs; I was an easily disposable commodity.......2006-09-08

This saga of an Indian family living in Kenya, told by `one of Africa's most corrupt men', sketches the (in)direct implication of its family members in Kenya's history.

The Mau Mau movement of Yomo Kenyatta is fighting against the brutal British occupants (`plucking out eyes with bayonets') in order to free Kenya of its colonial regime.
The Indians in that country constitute an in-between world: `we Asians were special: we were brown, we were few and frightened and we could be threatened with deportation as aliens even if we had been in the country before some African people.'
Some stay neutral, but other chose sides and are directly involved in the committed atrocities.
Vikram Lall's idyllic youth comes brutally to an end with the murder of a white family.

After the black victory, the freedom movement and the Mau Mau are betrayed. `That ours had become a country of ten millionaires and ten million paupers. Those who had collaborated with the colonial police were now in all the high posts and had taken the best land and opportunities. ...If you were connected, through family or communal allegiances, even penniless you were protected and favoured.'

Corruption, blackmail, extortion and intimidation become rampant in order to `buy' cheaply the businesses of `strangers.
Vikram Lall becomes a civil servant overseeing big business contracts ...

This book is also a hymn on green Africa with the all importance of rain and a reminder of India's caste (marriage) and religious problems: `Her soul has flown away, it's only the empty body. She'll come back in a new body. I rather preferred the old body. How would I recognize the new one?'

Vassanji's chronicle is an impressive achievement, but not a `feast' of a book; instead Vikram Lall's world is one of racism, fanaticism, brutal power struggle and blatant corruption.
Not to be missed.

A rare piece of literature.......2006-08-30

This novel is presented in the first-person point of view, the narrator being Vikram Lall, an Indian born and raised in Kenya. We are made to understand that Vikram turns out to be a horrendously corrupt individual who bankrupts his nation. However, he begins by recounting his childhood, as a young boy in Nakuru, Kenya. Then we are carried into his young adulthood, as he begins to work for the newly independent government, entering the dark realm of underhanded politics. Throughout the novel, the author brings us back to Vikram's present location (Canada) where he is remembering his past.

My only complaint about this novel is in Vikram's character. A dark tragedy alters his emotions, rendering him to be a passionless man. But that lack of vigor makes him an absolute bore. There were a few scenes where I thought Vikram would suddenly break out of his shell, but he remains restrained throughout, allowing injustices to occur and his desires to collapse. I enjoyed the other characters though, especially Deepa and Njoroge, possibly the most passionate individuals in the novel.

I greatly appreciated the fearlessness in exhibiting race relations between Indians and everyone else in Kenya. The interplay appeared geniune, showing the social hierarchy amongst the races (the British, Indians, then blacks at the bottom). This hierarchy gets flipped after Kenya's independence, leaving the Indians in the middle again. But since the majority of Indians did not support the blacks during the freedom struggle, they become the scapegoats for the newly freed country's problems, leading to mass deportations, etc. Most of the race relations are viewed from Vikram's serene point of view.

I also appreciated the detailed characters, such as Mahesh Uncle who backs the Mau Mau in their fight against the British, and his relationship with Vikram.

Great book overall, excellent for those who want a greater understanding of the aftermath of colonialism.

A remarkable novel.......2006-06-21

Vassanji tells the compelling story of Virkram Lall, an East African Indian who almost inadvertently becomes involved in several massive corruption scandals in early post-independence Kenya. But the heartline of the story is the thrwarted love-affair between his sister and his best friend, a black African, and Vikram's terrifying childhood experiences and deep personal loss during the Mau-Mau rebellion against British colonial rule in Kenya. The novel is equal parts Kenyan history, love story, and political thriller seen from the unusual point of view of a tightly-knit immigrant Punjabi family.

Vassanji has writen a superb novel. It is moving, entertaining and meaningful, and that is a hard-to-beat cocktail. The style is lucid and even occassionally lyrically beautiful (the childhood part stands out). In many ways it is a complex novel with a great deal of detail but Vassanji pulls everything elegantly together.

Highly recommended for everyone but particularly readers with interest in East Africa and it's remarkable history.

Ugly, but beautifully written.......2006-06-17

In this story Vassanji does an amazing job at creating a dynamic character who is both flawed and heroic, hence the well-suited name. The reader will sympathize and shame Vikram throughout his journey from a carefree childhood that is gradually littered with racial and social complications to an adulthood that intensifies to corruption. This book truly makes one question the delicate line of moral perception. He makes the story even more brilliant by setting it in a socially and politically charged Kenya struggling for independence from British colonial rule.

This book takes patience to read, I don't recommend it for unmotivated readers. (you know who you are, you have a book you bought last year with the bookmark in a perma-sandwich on pg 10). However, if you do you will be rewarded, and I am quite sure you will be impressed how it illuminates the suffering of one's journey. A very memorable and intelligent read.

Africa.......2006-04-07

It was a very educational book, and made me realize that we often forget that africa has much multiculturalism. As in indian i found it interesting to see the views of indians who have left india much earlier than those who came to north america. I learned alot. I found vassanji to ramble on detail at times. but you get used to it.
it was a good book. but it was a long read, andon only character that made me not wanna put it down was Njoroge.

The In-Between World of Vikram Lall. A Novel.

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The In-Between World of Vikram Lall. A Novel.

Manufacturer: Alfred A. Knopf
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000HI67Q6

The In-Between World of Vikram Lall.(Book Review): An article from: Canadian Ethnic Studies Journal

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The In-Between World of Vikram Lall.(Book Review): An article from: Canadian Ethnic Studies Journal
Nicholas Birns
Manufacturer: Canadian Ethnic Studies Association
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Canadian Ethnic Studies Journal, published by Canadian Ethnic Studies Association on March 22, 2004. The length of the article is 1197 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: The In-Between World of Vikram Lall.(Book Review)
Author: Nicholas Birns
Publication: Canadian Ethnic Studies Journal (Refereed)
Date: March 22, 2004
Publisher: Canadian Ethnic Studies Association
Volume: 36 Issue: 1 Page: 144(3)

Article Type: Book Review

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Review of The In-Between World of Vikram Lall.(Book Review): An article from: World Literature Today

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Review of The In-Between World of Vikram Lall.(Book Review): An article from: World Literature Today
Charles P. Sarvan
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Book Description

This digital document is an article from World Literature Today, published by Thomson Gale on September 1, 2005. The length of the article is 1131 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Review of The In-Between World of Vikram Lall.(Book Review)
Author: Charles P. Sarvan
Publication: World Literature Today (Magazine/Journal)
Date: September 1, 2005
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 79 Issue: 3-4 Page: 84(1)

Article Type: Book Review

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Bookclub in a Box Discusses the Novel The In-Between World of Vikram Lall

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Bookclub in a Box Discusses the Novel The In-Between World of Vikram Lall
Mg Vassanji
Manufacturer: Bookclub-In-A-Box
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Book Description

Discusses the novel, "The In-Between World of Vikram".

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Product & Service

Predictable-yes but not that bad

Great Summer Read

Could not put it down!

Two dimensional characters and flaccid plot
Engaging Men
Lynda Curnyn
Manufacturer: Red Dress Ink
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Romance | Subjects | Books
General | Contemporary | Romance | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0373250282

Book Description

A novel about men . . . and the woman who loves them!

When one ex-boyfriend gets married, a girl can laugh it off. With two, she begins to get nervous. But three? Three?

Angie DiFranco is starting to take it personally. What is it about her that doesn't incite men to plunk down large sums of money in the name of eternal love?

According to her one successfully married friend, men are like tight lids. One woman comes along, loosens him up, leaving him for the next woman to pop off the lid, no problem. After all, would Jennifer have landed Brad so easily without the Gwyneth factor?

Suddenly Angie looks at Kirk, her current boyfriend, with new eyes. Kirk, whose last girlfriend loosened his lid by giving him The Ultimatum. Kirk, who suddenly seems primed to be popped right open.

If the tight-lid theory is true, Angie could be married within a year -- with a little effort. And a little help from her friends . . .

The author of Confessions of an Ex-Girlfriend will utterly engage you with her vibrant new novel chronicling Angie's angst and euphoria as she resolves to mate and make it in Manhattan.

Customer Reviews:

Product & Service.......2007-09-07

My experience with Amazon was fantastic! I ordered my book and it was delivered promptly and in excellent condition. I love the packaging my book was in. I am very particular with the condition of my books and I was pleased to the fullest. I have always been skeptical about ordering books online, but I have to say that I am completely satisfied! Thank You :)

Predictable-yes but not that bad.......2006-10-29

I read "Confessions of an ex-girlfriend" by Lynday Curnyan in September and I didn't think that novel was that bad so I decided to pick up "Engaging men". The book wasn't too bad but it's stick to the chick-lit formula so if you've read a lot of chick-lit novels, you'll probably figure out the ending by the end of the second chapter as I did. But getting to the predictable ending was enjoyable. I enjoyed the characters of Angie, Grace, and Justin and of course I got annoyed at the characters that we readers are supposed to get annoyed at. It was great to read a novel where the main character is an actor and she's not obnoxious like some of the other chick-lit novels where the main character is an actress(such as "You have to kiss a lot of frogs"). I didn't mind Lynda Curnyn reminding us about how great New York City because it is a great place.
So even though I knew how the story would end, I still enjoyed reading "Engaging Men". It was also a relatively quick read for me as I read it in three days. So if you've enjoyed one of Lynda Curnyn's other novels-I'm sure you'll enjoy "Engaging Men" as well.

Great Summer Read.......2006-07-03

Engaging Men is just that - engaging. Curnyn seamlessly guides the reader through the desperate, yet sometimes hilarious, scenerios Angie DiFranco finds herself in when she becomes determines to not let this boyfriend have his lid popped off by another girl. The characters are endearing and the situations are those that any girl who has had her share of dating tribulations can relate to. By far one of the best books I have read thus far!

Could not put it down!.......2005-07-03

I have had this book on my shelf for some time and deicided to give it a shot. I could not put this book down last night and read it in one sitting. I got so engrossed in the characters and wanting so badly for Angie to tell someone to take a hike!
I really think you should give this story a shot. I now can't wait to read Bombshell and Lynda Curnyn's other book Confessions of an ex-girlfriend. I'm definitely going to check out these out!

Two dimensional characters and flaccid plot.......2005-05-04

I had read BOMBSHELL by this author which is actually very good, so thought I'd give this a shot.

Angie is an actor who works for half an hour every morning in her acting gig, then slobs around the house for the rest of the day, before going round to her boyfriend Kirk's house in the evening, scoffing his take out and jumping on him for sex. Get the picture? Basically this character is not likeable, just comes across as self-centred and immature. And then (laughably!) Curyn tries to make a case in this book that we should cheer on Angie's efforts to get her boyfriend to propose marriage. When she finally does get him to propose it is beyond me why he would. Anyhow, apart from the fact I couldn't get into this at all, it is very long winded. Curyn has a compulsion to put every detail of Angie's life into her text, even though at least fifty per cent of said details are neither entertaining nor drive the plot forward.

I'm afraid I had to give this one up after two thirds of the way through, the characters were just so every day and normal and totally stereotypical that I just didn't get anything out of it.

Invisible Men: Finding, Engaging, and Inspiring Men in Therapy

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Invisible Men: Finding, Engaging, and Inspiring Men in Therapy
David Grove , and Rhonda Burnaugh
Manufacturer: Zeig, Tucker & Theisen
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Psychoanalysis | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Book Description

Why is it so difficult to engage men in the therapy process when a family runs into difficulty?

The reasons are many, but the upshot is singularly unproductive, even destructive. And yet it continues to be a problem for therapists -- and families.

Invisible Men offers insight into the problem as it manifests across numerous specific situations. More important, the authors demonstrate a host of innovative approaches to making men an integral part of the solution picture. Ample case material brings the perspective to life, taking it from theory to application.

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Engaging Sam by Ingrid Weaver

Sam is a one man charmer
Engaging Sam (Men In Blue) (Silhouette Intimate Moments No. 875) (Intimate Moments , No 875)
Ingrid Weaver
Manufacturer: Silhouette
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Romance | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0373078757

Customer Reviews:

Engaging Sam by Ingrid Weaver.......2007-04-10

From back cover: At first Audra McPherson didn't recognise the man who had burst in her moonlit bedroom. She had never seen her reclusive neighbour so close, or so naked. Sexy Sam Tucker was hardly the quiet businessman she'd imagined. He was actually a cop, and his cover would be blown - unless she posed as his fiancee.

Audra had catered enough weddings to know that smitten couples couldn't keep their hands off each other. But did Sam have to make their "engagement" so realistic? His passionate kisses almost had her believing they were destined for wedded bliss...

Good read. Characters are believable and their troubles draw you in and keep you reading until the very end.

Sam is a one man charmer.......1999-02-16

Sam is one of the sensitive 90s male wrapped in a macho cop's body. The sparks between him and Audra are the hottest I've read. I love both of them and have read it 12 times!

Engaging With Fathers: Practice Issues for Health and Social Care

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Engaging With Fathers: Practice Issues for Health and Social Care
Brigid Daniel , and Julie Taylor
Manufacturer: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Social Work | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Family Health | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

Fatherhood | Family Relationships | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1853027944

Book Description

Fathers are often marginalized or ignored in child protection practice. This reflects an uncertainty within society as a whole about the role of fathers in their children's lives. Engaging with Fathers is a guide for social workers and health visitors on how to broaden their practice to include fathers and stepfathers, whether or not their behavior is abusive or problematic. The authors' approach is based on theoretical analysis and explores attachment theory, feminism, anti-discriminatory practice and nursing ideology as they have influenced social work. From this they provide suggestions on how to assess the potential risks and the potential assets fathers may offer, and positive examples of what can be done in childcare and health visiting, drawn from real practice. They set out a theoretical framework that takes account of the reality of the situations practitioners face, draw up a model for intervention, and demonstrate the implications for practice.

Engaging with Fathers is written for the busy professional and avoids jargon. Each chapter contains summaries of the main points, examples of research, exercises, key issues to consider and suggestions for further reading. While developing practice with fathers, it remains firmly focused on what is best for children.

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How to Start Engaging Conversations on Women's, Men's, or Family Studies with Wealthy Strangers: A Thriller
Anne Hart
Manufacturer: ASJA Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
General | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
General | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0595444075

Book Description

Sicilian-American Women's, Men's, and Family Studies Professor, psychoanalyst, and night radio talk show personality, Anna Falco's dad always told her that the lower our self esteem, the more we want to be someone different from ourselves, and the more we want someone different from ourselves. He made a point that the higher our self esteem, the more we want someone like ourselves.

Anna Falco added something more to that: her belief that couples with self-respect will respect each other. Not one of Anna's clients came from families where the husband and wife or child and parent respected one another. That could be one huge reason why family wars grew into world wars.

Now family wars had become full-blown race wars in the streets of Los Angeles. Skip an octave, and old hatreds of differences fanned flames between the 'haves' and 'have-nots.'

She offered to trade the wisdom of age for the energy of youth. But it all boiled down to honor between family members. Anna explained the difference between self-esteem and self-respect.

Being an older woman reminded Wrenboy (the troubled court-appointed street teen that she had adopted) of a mother hen capable of caging his freedom. Her lined face reminded him of his own mortality at a time when he felt invincible and desperately lonely for a loving family.

Would he fear her strident voice hammering him back into childhood? Or would he accept her globetrotting to repair the world with kindness? In his search for power and autonomy, he concluded it is easier to rebel.

Men Engaging Feminisms: Pro-Feminism, Backlashes and Schooling (Feminist Education Thinking)

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SOME COMMENTS FROM THE BOOK'S DUST COVER

Men Engaging Feminisms: Pro-Feminism, Backlashes and Schooling (Feminist Education Thinking)
Bob Lingard , and Peter Douglas
Manufacturer: Open University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Feminist Theory | Women's Studies | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Education | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0335198171

Customer Reviews:

SOME COMMENTS FROM THE BOOK'S DUST COVER.......1999-09-15

For readers concerned with the current debates about boys' education and gender justice, this is the best guide available. Bob Lingard and Peter Douglas have written a book that is judicious, very well informed, carefully argued and creative. It combines a commitment to equality with a practical concern for good schooling. R.W. CONNELL, UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

Lingard and Douglas have produced a brilliant contribution to the tradition of men's pro-feminist theory and politics. This is that rare treat: a theoretically sophisticated and politically balanced intervention into an important and contentious public issue. Especially useful for teachers and educational theorists is their account of how men's negotiations with various conflicting feminist theoretical agendas play out for issues about educational policies and practices. SANDRA HARDING, UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES

"Men Engaging Feminisms" is a most engaging book, challenging both men and women to consider afresh their political commitments and practices. It argues against those who would resist such considerations about changing gender politics and it openly commits to a pro-feminist stance which is robustly argued. It is a must for all interested in issues of social justice and is particularly important for those concerned with issues of gender equity in schools. MIRIAM DAVID, INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION, LONDON UNIVERSITY

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Two Titles By Lynda Curnyn: (1) Bombshell; (2) Engaging Men
Lynda Curnyn
Manufacturer: Red Dress Ink
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Contemporary | Romance | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000TPKH68

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Philadelphia, [Feby. 7th] 1813. [Honourble] sir, desirous of engaging the patronage of the enlightened and most distinguished men of our country, I submit ... annunciation for a subscription list
Charles Peter Harrison
Manufacturer: C. Harrison?
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

United States | Americas | History | Subjects | Books | 19th Century | 20th Century | 21st Century | African Americans | Civil War | Colonial Period | General | Revolution & Founding | State & Local
ASIN: B0006F0KX6

Book Description

The savage war between two mighty families has ravaged the kingdom both wish to rule—spawning treachery within the ranks of the Renné and Wills, drawing the brave, the innocent, and the malevolent alike into the bloody conflict. But a far more terrible consequence has arisen from the carnage—for Death himself has been roused from his dread domain . . . and is preparing to walk the world again.

Customer Reviews:

Yeah. Too bad........2007-03-25

I loved The One Kingdom, the first book in this series. The Isle of Battle, however, gave me serious pause. I had hoped that The Shadow Roads would return to the freshness and attraction of the first, but no such luck. Sadly, I have to agree with the reviewer that The Shadow Roads only compounds the mistakes of the second book.

It seems to me that the biggest mistake Russell made was that he could not figure out on which characters he should focus. Part of what made The One Kingdom so nice was that it seemed like the beginning of a nice coming of age story with the focus on Tam and his friends. I was happy with that. The best epic fantasy is all coming of age stories of one sort or another. Unfortunately, in book 2, Russell shifts the focus to the more powerful and eternal figures.

In the third book, he compounds the mistake even further and dilutes the time and attention he gives to the Whist-- easily the most engaging and real of the eternal characters.

Finally, by book three, so many characters are introduced that it is difficult to keep them all straight, let alone care about them. Even though Tam still is given a small role at the end, it is little more than a nod to the fact that he had to be included in order to round out the series.

Like I said, too bad. I'm honestly giving this three stars instead of two because of what it could have been. I would have a difficult time recommending the series.

End of a terrific fantasy trilogy........2006-09-13

A satisfying finale!

This series by Sean Russell is one of the best fantasy reads I've had in ages. It has everything I enjoy in this genre; love, hate, betrayal, friends/enemies in unusual places, unexpected twists and turns and a liberal dose of magic throughout this work. The conclusion to this epic good versus evil struggle ends with a much anticipated and long awaited battle that will, I think, leave most fantasy reader satisfied.(and maybe wishing for more)

What separates this trilogy from so many others is the quality of the prose. Russell writes with an impressive descriptive style and is able to give us a range of characters that go from easily likable to just plain despicable(and lots in between). I found this novel hard to put down and often read late into the night.

The SINGLE negative (and loss of ½ star) for this book (and the entire series) is the fact that there is no map; a map that would have made following the travels of our heroes so much easier and enjoyable.

All in all, a great final installment for this epic fantasy trilogy. Easily recommended for all fantasy lovers. 4 ½ Stars.

Not the Best Effort.......2006-08-09

It was hard for me to believe that the Swan's War books were written by the author of Initiate Brother. The first two books were pleasant and interesting enough that I bought the third, The Shadow Roads." Unfortunately, I found that instead of reading a story about endless war fueled by the weaknesses of human character, as detailed in the first two long novels, I was reading about a supernatural love triangle, which caused endless war as a side effect. The climactic resolution was effected by characters who had less than 10 pages of development out of a thousand, and all of the subplots and story lines were revealed as irrelevant.

If I had not previously read outstanding work by Sean Russell, I would give up on this author.

Out of Control.......2006-07-09

Oh, how good you could have been, dear "Shadow Roads." You could have been awesome. Even after "the Isle of Battle" was a letdown you could have been amazing. Instead, we got everything that made the second novel bad, but twice over. Characters in the group completely disappear in the group yet again, sometimes for pages, and when they do pop up, there is almost no character to them, just a name and dialogue. Even Alaan suffers. The "whist" is so serious and plain in his delivery here that the trickster archetype that so many people love is completely removed. And the other characters didn't have a chance.

Poor Fynnol and Cynddl again. The original group of four worked so well for Russell in the first novel, he never should have expanded it beyond a couple more. Eber, Llya, Rabal, Slighthands, all those characters just never stuck like the first ones.

The other major problem of the second novel also popped up. The "are we close to him or are the others closer?" Which is just boring. It drags the pace down. The same feel can even be found in the Prince Michael part of the story. So often his is just "are we going to get caught? But no we found a hideaway. And another. And another." Argh! Its suppose to be suspenseful but its not because in Russell's world, no one dies really. Or if they do, its very anti-climatic, or they come back to life. Its worse than Jordan with the Forsaken.

The one bright point of this novel is Carrel Wills and Llyn Renne, both of which are very sweet characters. Though at times it gets too sappy with Russell's love of the melodrama. Every scene of these two is good, has been since the beginning, which is why its so bizarre that after the first few chapters they just disappear until the very end of the novel to wrap things up. Yes, they were kind of out of the action, but they could have been more involved. Especially if Torren, Dease, and some of the others would have stayed instead of going off and getting lost in the group of more interesting characters.

Novels are like chess in some ways, you have to put your pieces in the right places and you have to sacrifice some to win. Russell wouldn't sacrifice any and he wouldn't put them where they could have been useful, that was this novel's biggest weakness, and thus, the biggest weakness of what I believe could have been a great High Fantasy series.

Final Thought: Unless you are really into metaphor and melodrama, you probably should stay away from the trilogy.

He lost me.......2006-03-09

To have taken the time to read the first two books, and then to stop reading 1/3 of the way through this one is a huge disappointment to me. The book sat on my nightstand for days and days, untouched, and I finally realized I had given up.

In a lengthier review of The One Kingdom (to which I gave three stars), I said that the reader needs to know what's at stake in order to be drawn in to the story. We didn't learn what was at stake in The One Kingdom until we were well into the story, and I'm absolutely certain that Russell lost readers because of it.

My "at stake" comment applies to this book even more. Suddenly, almost out of nowhere, the stakes change. Death and Time are introduced, and there is an immense fear that Death - a realized character in the second book - will escape and roam the world. Something that nobody wants to happen.

That's when he lost me. It's when he angered me. It's when I stopped reading the book, because I just didn't care anymore. When a writer doesn't let his readers know what's at stake until the last book of a trilogy, he/she has committed an "epic" mistake.

If there was some good stuff in the last two thirds of the book, well, I guess I missed it. But I don't regret it. There are only nine (now ten) reviews for this book. It seems that he lost more than this reader along the way.

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

At some point in our lives, many of us will find ourselves sitting at the bedside of a dying loved one. Thanks to Megory Anderson's Sacred Dying, we now have one of the most important and eloquent books available on tending to the dying. Anderson offers readers rituals and interactions to soothe and support a dying person as he or she crosses over into death. Even in situations where there is a specific religious ritual at hand--such as summoning a priest for the last sacrament--there are still many hours (and even days) that can be used to make a dying person feel spiritually and physically comforted and prepared.

As the founder of the Sacred Dying Foundation in San Francisco, Anderson provides real-life examples and strong storytelling to cover all aspects of dying, including how to help someone let go of "unfinished business" and how to massage a dying person to help them let go of their body. Anderson lists the tools for rituals (such as holy water, incense, and markers and paper for writing final thoughts). She even devotes an entire chapter to music--a powerful tool in healing and transcendence. Anderson offers a lovely book that covers everything you need to know to help a dying person feel deeply cared for, whether you choose to read poems aloud from the final chapters or simply sit in silence, holding the hand of a loved one. --Gail Hudson

Book Description

Death may be inevitable, but dying alone or in fear does not have to be. Sacred Dying is theologian Megory Anderson’s essential testimonial and handbook for creating a dignified, peaceful, and more sacred end to life. Anderson includes a section with many prayers and poems from various traditions, and shows how to use personalized and creative rituals to help those dying prepare for their death and to bring a sense of peace, reconciliation, and acceptance both to themselves and to the loved ones they leave behind. She discusses all aspects of this final transition, including how to help a dying person put “unfinished business” to rest; using massage to help the dying let go of his or her body; and how to use music to help the dying focus on specific times, places, or events. For this first-ever paperback edition, she adds a chapter on what can be done after death to help move the soul along. Intended for those who are going through the death of a loved one as well as those facing death personally, Sacred Dying facilitates creating a setting where death is experienced as it should be—with honor, respect, and sacredness.

Customer Reviews:

PRACTICAL GUIDELINES FOR THE LAST TWO WEEKS OR SO OF A PERSON'S LIFE.......2007-04-28

SACRED DYING offers guidelines for helping a dying person die peacefully. For example, let the patient (dying person) guide you, rather than imposing your own wishes. Focus on their needs, not your own; put off your own sorrow (you can go through that after they die, and they no longer need you).

FOCUS ON THE DYING PERSON, and let it be THEIR special time--their last few days or weeks on earth deserve to be honored, as a kind of celebration of their life; let them be surrounded by love.

In fact, one family sang a "happy birthday" song (even though it wasn't the person's birthday)--since there is no song for dying (and dying is a rebirth into a new life, the realm of the spirit).

PEACE--LOVE--LIGHT: key words for end-of-life celebrations/rituals.

Since dying is also a letting go, and saying good-bye, having family members present can aid in reconciliation and forgiveness of old grudges.

Music, reading aloud from sacred scriptures or poetry the patient likes, cleaning the room and bathing the patient, all help create an atmosphere of sacred specialness. (In fact, in my own life, when I was sitting with a dying women as a Hospice volunteer [excellent preparation for when my own loved ones die, I believe], I recited the 23rd Psalm ["The Lord is my shepherd...he makes me lie down in green pastures," etc. after I offered to recite it and the patient was open to hearing it.) Often family members gather around the sick person's bed and say, "Thanks for what you did for me...the trip to the ocean..." or whatever the two did together. It becomes a thanksgiving to the person, and for their life and what they've done. (It does help to bring in an outsider--a family friend--since the family members are usuallly too full of emotions to think of, or set up, a final celebration/ritual.

Another recommendation is sitting overnight with the just-deceased person's body, a spooky, absurd, and alien idea at first to many people--but all who do it end up glad they did. It helps the living adjust to the fact that the loved one really has died. And just as important, the author feels--and I agree--it may be quite helpful and important in aiding the soul of the dead person to move on, leave earth, and go heavenward ("towards the Light," as some people say can be helpful...this is my own experience, not necessarily mentioned in SACRED DYING).

I cried when I read of the youth in San Francisco with AIDS, alone and abandoned by his family. Many of the stories brought tears to my eyes. I feel they helped me emotionally clear the air, so when a loved one dies, I well be more ready to help them leave in peace and hope, with less fear and more optimism, than otherwise would be possible.

I also recommend BEYOND DEATH by Stanislav Grof (worldwide artwork depicting the soul's journey in the afterlife). And for a difficult death where psychedelic therapy (legal, safe) might help, see THE HUMAN ENCOUNTER WITH DEATH, coauthored by Grof.

Also I wonder if Kenneth Ring's HEADING TOWARDS OMEGA, as well as Betty Eadie's EMBRACED BY THE LIGHT, and other near-death-experience books might inspire the susrvivors of the deceased...and help the living to better adjust to their recent loss of a loved one, giving them hope to go on living, and facilite their return to a full, abundant, and satisfying life. (Just as the departed soul in presumably enjoying in the afterlife.)

Finally, one year or more after a person's death, their living relatives and friends might find Raymond Moody's book REUNIONS of some interest. (It tells of using mirrors to contact the deceased loved one, and since it was while gazing into the mirror while I was shaving that I unintentionally felt my just-deceased Grandmother was saying, "How light and warm it is here, compared to where you are!" [It was an overcast, chilly December morning in Burlington, Vermont where I was at the time], I conclude Moody's mirror method--used for thousands of years--might prove workable. [Sensing my Grandmother was reassuring...to know she was comfortable, safe, and well in a place filled with light and beauty...I imagine like an open grassy glade at the edge of a forest.])

A "must read" for all human beings.......2005-06-08

This is one of the books I recommend as a "must read" for all human beings! I only wish I had found this book years ago when I was helping a loved one navigate her own death. I was so ill equipped, mentally and emotionally. I would have done things so differently-- this book has made me view the dying process (and the possibilities for making it incredibly special) in a whole new way. Megory Anderson is the modern day Elizabeth Kubler-Ross. I now give this book to friends on a regular basis.

Embracing the end of life.......2003-12-15

Megory seeks to bring meaning to the end of life. She encourages the reader to make dying a sacred event. One way she creates this sacredness is with rituals. Megory includes in her book a wide range of Scripture, Sacred Texts, and Poetry to aid in creating this sacredness of space and participants. This is a good resource to have on the shelf when we have the opportunity to help others embrace the end of life.

As you leave us.......2003-09-18

Megory Anderson's book 'Sacred Dying' creates a need where none may have existed--the need to plan our own departure from a world we may hate or love but seldom are ready to leave. Unfinished business, the need to say thank you and sorry, accounts, the desire to have one chance to improve, take revenge ... The list is endless. And the need to be able to choose one's hour of departure, in the way one would like needs to be acknowledged and addressed. Megory has certainly addressed some of these needs but perhaps her being located in the Western world has left out those who live in another continent but who nevertheless will be leaving one day or another.
As the Yaksha asked Yudhistir, the eldest of the five Pandavas of the Mahabharat ( in which the Bhagvadgita is found), "What is the greatest miracle?" The wise Yudhishtir's answer satisfied the Yaksha (but that is another story). The answer was, and is "The fact that all of us are mortal and yet we believe we are immortal and spend all our lives accordingly".
I wish that Megory would address the needs and customs of those who belong to other religius persuasions so that we may accordingly benefit.
An excellent book indeed!

Moving and uplifting, with practical advice.......2002-09-04

Sacred Dying offers that hard to find balance: compassionate advice on a very emotional topic written in a clear, clean and easy to understand style. The stories of patients and families are very moving and uplifting. There are lots of practical guidelines for those of all faiths to make the end of life experience what it should be - beautiful!

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