9780375406324 - Lying Awake

Lying Awake

Mark Salzman's 'Lying Awake' is a profound exploration of faith, doubt, and the search for spiritual authenticity. The novel centers around Sister John of the Cross, a Carmelite nun whose mystical experiences and visions bring her to the brink of divine ecstasy. However, when a medical diagnosis threatens to explain her spiritual gifts as mere symptoms of a physical condition, Sister John is forced to confront the very foundations of her faith. Salzman masterfully weaves a narrative that is as much about the mysteries of the human brain as it is about the soul's yearning for connection with the divine. The setting of a cloistered monastery in modern-day Los Angeles adds a unique contrast between the ancient traditions of monastic life and the contemporary world's scientific rationalism. 'Lying Awake' is a beautifully written, thought-provoking novel that challenges readers to consider the intersections of spirituality, science, and personal identity.

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€10.95
GOED
Auteur Mark Salzman
ISBN 9780375406324
Taal en
Bindwijze Hardcover
Tags faith doubt spirituality novel Mark Salzman

'Lying Awake' by Mark Salzman is a compelling narrative that delves deep into the complexities of faith and the human condition. The novel's strength lies in its nuanced portrayal of Sister John's internal struggle, which Salzman renders with empathy and precision. The prose is elegant and restrained, perfectly suited to the contemplative life it depicts. However, some readers might find the pacing slow, as the story prioritizes psychological depth over plot-driven action. The medical subplot introduces a fascinating tension between empirical evidence and spiritual belief, though it occasionally feels underexplored. Despite these minor shortcomings, 'Lying Awake' is a remarkable achievement, offering a poignant meditation on the nature of divine experience and the sacrifices required by a life of devotion. It's a must-read for anyone interested in the intersections of religion, science, and personal crisis.

In 'Lying Awake,' Mark Salzman presents the story of Sister John of the Cross, a Carmelite nun whose life is upended by her intense mystical visions. These experiences, which she interprets as direct communications from God, are the source of her greatest joy and spiritual fulfillment. However, when she begins to suffer from severe headaches, a medical examination reveals a brain condition that could be causing her visions. This diagnosis forces Sister John to question whether her divine encounters are genuine or merely neurological phenomena. As she grapples with this crisis of faith, the novel explores themes of belief, identity, and the search for truth. Salzman's sensitive portrayal of Sister John's journey offers a deeply moving reflection on the challenges of maintaining faith in the face of doubt. The novel's climax, in which Sister John must decide whether to undergo a life-altering surgery, is both heartbreaking and uplifting, leaving readers to ponder the mysteries of the human spirit.