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Through a Glass, Darkly

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Through a Glass, Darkly by Jostein Gaarder is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that follows the conversations between a young girl named Cecilia, who is terminally ill, and an angel named Ariel. As Cecilia grapples with her impending death, the interactions between the two characters touch upon deep philosophical and theological issues, exploring themes of life, death, faith, and the universe. The novel beautifully weaves together the perspectives of a mortal human and a celestial being, creating a touching narrative that challenges readers to contemplate the mysteries of existence.

Through a series of dialogues, Gaarder skillfully delves into the complexities of human emotions and the nature of spirituality, all while maintaining a sense of charm and sensitivity in his storytelling. The book presents a unique blend of fantasy, philosophy, and faith, inviting readers of all ages to ponder on the profound questions about life and mortality, making it a compelling and engaging read that leaves a lasting impact.

Characters:

Cecilia and Ariel are central characters, representing a human perspective and an angelic viewpoint, engaging in deep conversations about existence.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is straightforward, poetic, and philosophical, catering to both younger audiences and adults.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around Cecilia, a terminally ill girl, who engages in profound conversations with an angel named Ariel about life, death, and the nature of existence.

Setting:

The setting juxtaposes a sickly human environment with mystical, celestial themes.

Pacing:

The pacing is brisk and conversational, allowing for a quick read while engaging with complex ideas.

Notes:

Cecilia is a young girl with cancer who befriends an angel named Ariel.
Ariel visits Cecilia to comfort her as she faces her imminent death.
The story is a series of philosophical conversations about life and death.
Cecilia records her thoughts in a notebook, capturing her reflections on life.
Ariel wants to understand human experiences and emotions, which leads to their deep dialogue.
The book presents a unique view of God as being reflected in every human being.
It is written for a younger audience but covers heavy topics.
The narrative explores the themes of existence, creation, and the concept of Heaven.
Cecilia's character embodies a mix of innocence and depth, making the story poignant.
The writing style is simple but conveys profound messages, making it accessible to all ages.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book deals with sensitive topics like terminal illness and death, which may be triggering for some readers.

From The Publisher:

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 springboard for a spirited and thoroughly engaging series of conversations between Cecilia and her angel.

As the weeks pass and winter turns to 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...

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