Peculiar, perplexing, and entertaining
Written: Jun 07 '05 (Updated Jun 09 '05)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: highly cerebral and symbolic.
Cons: The heavy tarot deck symbolism may be lost on some
The Bottom Line: An intelligent book sure to please fiction readers.
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| akyna's Full Review: David Lawrence - 22 Stories: Falling Upward Throug... |
David Lawrence spins a peculiar, perplexing, and entirely cerebral novel that at its heart is all about the nature of the self. Part science fiction, part new age mysticism, and part detective novel, the novel follows Emily and Phillip, lovers, empaths, and co-workers at Virtual Design who worked on a secret company experiment called Project Immersion. But something happened to them during the nine-month project, and not only have they lost their feelings for each other, but all memory of the experiment itself.
Determined to regain control of their memories and emotions, the pair embark on a quest to discover the truth. That quest takes them to, of all places, a corporate party at the 22-story Executive Building. And it is here that the line between science fiction and spiritualism blurs. As Emily and Phillip move from floor to floor of the building, each floor becomes representative of one of the cards of the Major Arcana of the Rider-Waite tarot deck.
Lawrence does a wonderful job of melding the symbolism of the deck into the story, creating a surreal experience that leaves the reader questioning the very nature of reality. My only concern is that readers unfamiliar with the tarot may miss much of the symbolism and meaning in the story. I don’t believe, however, that this would take away from the reader’s enjoyment.
At times dark and foreboding, the book finishes with an almost defiant affirmation of humanity and self-awareness. A great read that will appeal to both fans of science fiction and readers with a more literary bent.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
akyna
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Member: Julie Ann Dawson
Location: Bellmawr, NJ
Reviews written: 27
Trusted by: 3 members
About Me:
Editor of the speculative lit anthology "Bardic Tales and Sage Advice" ISBN 1411660293.
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