'Five Stars
Wonderful novel! A real page-turner with very credible characters -- I feel like I have known them. The author shows amazing attention to detail: I am myself an American married to a Dane and have visited most of the places mentioned in the novel, I know how vivid and accurate a description of reality that is meticulously done. Best of all, the book is really thought-provoking. It's also scary to think that it was based on a true story.'
Bill Hoover in Copenhagen |
'I LOVE THIS BOOK
Crescent Varrone’s book, Shadows in Summer, is out of the ordinary in most respects. Using the convenient paranormal leitmotiv of the haunted house Varrone explores the eternal topic of mankind’s struggle with religion and spirituality. His six very credible narrators have been skillfully crafted, but in a most non intrusive way, so as to represent archetypical human approaches to spirituality. The reader will be delighted to encounter the skeptic, the agnostic, the converted, the conventional (Catholic), the charlatan and the atheist as they meander in and out of Varrone’s mind gripping story.
Varrone’s book stands out from other works in this category of literature also by the richness of his language (would make Shakespeare proud) and the wealth of cultural references. Shadows in Summer is also brimming with a kind of intangible literary value that can only be brought about by long cross cultural exposure and a true bilingual ability. These are factors that can never truly be added by pure research. If forced to point out one slightly challenging aspect of the book, it would be Varrone’s penchant for displaying encyclopedic knowledge of facts. But, hey, while reading a book one might as well pick up some factual knowledge along the way.
It took me longer than normal to read Shadows in Summer. Once my wife got a hold of the book she would not let go of it until she finished. Her verdict: 'Jeg elsker denne boken!' (I love this book). Those who know Scandinavian languages and cultures know that 'elsker' is a word reserved exclusively for the exceptional persons and experiences in life. I became quite jealous.'
FIVE STARS!
Espen Gullikstad, Nairobi and Oslo |
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'Smart, Suspenseful Brew
Shadows in Summer is a smart, suspenseful brew, spilling over with interesting information about Danish history and culture. Its compelling characters draw you into their lives and relationships, until you too are haunted by the unanswered questions they face.'
Author Kimerer L. LaMothe, Ph.D.
What a Body Knows: Finding Wisdom in Desire |
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