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Illumination Night by Alice Hoffman
Book Summary InformationAuthor: Alice Hoffman Edition: Paperback Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published) Published: 2002-02-05 ISBN: 0425183262 Number of pages: 272 Publisher: Berkley Trade
Book Reviews of Illumination NightBook Review: A Book that Illuminates the Heart and Mind Summary: 5 Stars
This is one of the most beautiful and haunting novels that I've ever read. Hoffman's words flow out with so little perceived effort, almost carelessly rendering our most minor and most deep-seated fears, hopes and dreams in so mystical yet so pragmatic a manner. She combines mysticism, psychological insight and magical realism so that the three get immersed as one. What occurs is a poetic structure of intensity in the simple and benigh aspects of human existence. The ordinary becomes bizarre, what is on the surface appears freakish and things that we are terror-ridden by are actually commonplace. What is obscured becomes highly visible.
The novel is about a couple who live on Cape Cod. The husband, Andre, refurbishes antique Norton and Ducati motorcycles. His wife, Vonny, is an agoraphobic, bound to their home by an invisible 'force field'. Their son Simon is mysteriously short and unable to grow. The story is also about a teenager, Judy, with uncontrollable desires that can be destructive to Andre and Vonny; a giant named Eddy who keeps his distance from humanity until he meets Jody; and Jody's grandmother who jumps from her porch, mistakenly thinking she can fly.
The novel examines families, relationships and bonds. It has a beauty and haunting quality that is like a tragic song. It was a gift to me to have read this wonderful book. Like in Fortune's Daughter, the beauty of Alice Hoffman's writing overwhelms.
Summary of Illumination NightBeginning on the night of the Grand Illumination, a festival of lanterns held each summer on Martha?s Vineyard, this novel is a modern chronicle of a marriage and a bittersweet exploration of an extraordinary passion. Illumination Night follows the lives of a young blond giant who is as beautiful as he is frightening; an old woman at the end of her life whose last mission is to save her granddaughter?s soul; a family torn apart by a wife?s fears and a husband?s unrealized desires—and the high school girl who comes to Martha?s Vineyard against her will, who steals husbands and cars, and who will bring everyone together in a web of yearning, sin, and ultimate redemption. Both riveting and reflective, this is a story of ?parenthood and friendship, self-protection and generosity, dream and disillusionment? (Newsday) that brings to light the talent that has made Alice Hoffman an acclaimed bestselling author.
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