Deeply spiritual, thought-provoking, and immersive tale of love, spirituality, and cultural survival…
A desert doctor’s unwavering commitment to her community collides with the dark forewarnings of a spirit in Mitayn’s poignant series opener, where silence in the face of looming tragedy could destroy her world and endanger those she loves. Dr. Nerida Green, a compassionate yet burdened doctor serving desert communities, becomes entangled with Aedgar, a “non-physical being” channeled through her wife, Mari. Aedgar claims to have helped create the Earth and warns of an impending tragedy that Nerida must not attempt to stop. A violent tragedy looms, but speaking out could destroy Mari, herself, and those they hold dear.
Mitayn builds tension masterfully as Nerida wrestles with the potential devastation of speaking out against Aedgar’s warnings and the personal cost to her family and community. Set in Central Australia, the novel captures the stark beauty of the Anangu lands and the profound cultural and spiritual connections tied to Uluru. Mitayn’s prose vividly depicts the red desert sands while weaving in Aboriginal lore. The story balances its mystical elements with an unflinching exploration of community struggles. Through characters like Angus, Blossom, and Claire, the novel addresses critical issues such as youth suicide and systemic neglect with both clarity and sensitivity. These stories are woven into a broader critique of the social and political structures that perpetuate inequality, yet the novel never loses sight of the humanity at its core. The book’s spiritual dimension, particularly through the motif of channelling and earth consciousness, adds a unique and thought-provoking layer.
At its heart, the novel centers on the nuanced and tender relationship between Nerida and Mari. Their dynamic, shaped by personal struggles, cultural intersections, and the harsh realities of their work in the Mutitjulu Community, is complex. Through Nerida’s introspective journey, Mitayn juxtaposes the rationality of science with the profound mysteries of spirituality, demonstrating how these worlds can clash and coexist. Her layered storytelling critiques the systems of power that exploit individuals’ beliefs, especially within organized religion, as seen through Aedgar’s reflections on his past, while also exploring themes of love and spiritual transformation. Claudia Jocher’s evocative photography enriches the narrative, grounding it in its striking physical and emotional landscapes. At time, the prose veers toward density, demanding patience from the reader. Furthermore, the richly described settings and characters may feel overwhelming for those seeking a lighter narrative. But for readers invested in deeply textured storytelling, this novel offers a rewarding experience.
This is a thought-provoking journey that challenges the boundaries between science, spirituality, and the human spirit. Readers in search of a deep dive into the complexities of human experience will find plenty to reflect on in this ambitious work.
Pub date June 14, 2023
Gain Knowledge to Grow Energy
ISBN 978-1922612052
Price $38.27 Hardcover, $22.99 Paperback, $5.99 Kindle edition
