This review was written by Eugene Kernes
Book can be found in:
Genre = Novel, Fantasy
Genre = Novel, Fantasy
Intriguing Connections = Some Type of Romance
Short Description
Excerpts
“It was useless to have the support of numbers if those who held the keys of power closed the door upon him.” – Dion Fortune, Chapter Two, Page 14
“Trained in a tradition that did not fully understand human nature, by men who believed that the race can best be served by those who have no tie or bond of affection, forgetting that it is only by loving an individual that we can learn to love the race.” – Dion Fortune, Chapter Twelve, Page 111
“Unbalanced mercy is but weakness, unbalanced justice is cruelty and oppression.” – Dion Fortune, Chapter Five, Page 285
Elaborate Description
Overview:
Lucas is a secretary who is seen as a forthcoming leader by many, but his behavior appears dangerously reckless by the few in positions of power. What he wants is the knowledge in possession of the seniors in the group, so that it could be used. For that Lucas seeks a secretary. Veronica wants to be employed rather than face the emptiness of a London summer. Among many, Lucas easily selects Veronica without giving it deeper thought as to why the choice was so easy. Veronica begins to learn of her role, but cannot alter her course as Lucas uses some sort of power on her. For in this occult story, knowledge is power. The question is what they are willing to sacrifice to obtain that knowledge? What will be scarified for love? A philosophical tale in which the caricatures of good and evil do not fit, as what matters is the interaction between those who take different paths.
There are many philosophical themes in this book that relate to respecting different sources of knowledge and perspectives. The differences between the theoretic and the practical. Raising the question of who should have knowledge, determine who obtains the knowledge, who should wield knowledge, and how should knowledge be used. All this to highlight the need for various qualities to interact rather than be segregated. As emotions are needed to properly utilize the knowledge. While emotions alone cannot accomplish what knowledge understands.
Problems?
The book is a complex mixture of mystery, fantasy, and romance. Keeps the reader in suspense as to what comes next, as the results of events are unexpected. The problem is that the writing is not always very easy to read. Containing some poor transitions between the various events, which prevents flow.
Questions to Consider while Reading the Book
•What is the raison d’etre of the book? For what purpose did the author write the book?
•What is Lucas’s position in the occult group?
•How do people perceive Lucas?
•Who is Lucas?
•What does Lucas want?
•What will Lucas do if he obtains knowledge?
•Why does Lucas seek a secretary?
•Why does Veronica seek employment?
•How is Veronica perceived by others?
•What does Veronica have in the events that Lucas initiates?
•Who is Veronica?
•Why does Veronica go along with Lucas?
Book Details
Edition ISBN: 9780877284994
Pages to read: 282
Publication: 1988
1st Edition: 1957
Format: Paperback
Ratings out of 5:
Readability 4
Content 4
Overall 5
