Caroline Coleman O'Neill has crafted a wonderful novel reflecting the world of mid-nineteenth century Copenhagen and the Danish West Indies. It concerns the story of the renowned Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard, a man whose speech flustered many and disconcerted the standard theologians, preachers, and Christian believers of his time. Indeed, one might say his words would do the same to many readers in our present age.

The story is told from the point of view of a woman who falls in love with Soren. It is a love that the reader is never quite sure to a certain point if it will be fulfilled, very much like the unpredictable man she is totally besotted with.

Another loves her, however, and he is determined to remain steadfast though he must notice and reflect on where her true passion lies. Fritz Schlegel, her former teacher, will overlook her betraying passion to remain faithful and steadfast, a quality one realizes is juxtaposes with Soren's search for a faith that is deep and has nothing to do with conformity and faithfulness to society's dictates.

The addition of the mysterious, then unknown for cause or cure, disease of depression is also explored as Regina Olson's father and Soren himself suffer from the monstrous shadows that haunt their lives, constantly threatening to debilitate them and upsetting all around them with the alternating darkness and violent outbursts they exhibit.

As Soren and Regina search to find a living, vibrant faith that can surmount life's cruel and sad moments, as well as finding and transcending its pure joys, the reader finds reflection on one's own faith and world is awakened. None remain unchanged from this encounter!

Brilliant, Ms. O'Neill!

Reviewed by Viviane Crystal on August 5, 2005

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