Burn, Beautiful Soul
How to begin to express the merits of this book? There are so many thoughts exploding in my head. I could talk about the writing – which is gorgeous and immediate. You’re right in the middle of the horror and gore and violent action one moment. Then the next moment you’re laughing or feeling the gentleness and goodness of someone’s being.
The story abounds with enough archetypes to thrill the soul of any Jungian psychologist. It even has dreams. The main character, Basil, is among other things a demon king who comes up from his home beneath the earth. And he’s not just a demon, but a poet, a copywriter and a hero with a conscience. He’s also aware of his own shadow. He’s refreshing, compelling, smart, loyal, observant, courageous, kind and touching, very touching. He takes exquisite pleasure in bathing in the river and in feeling the breeze. He doesn’t like the dark and he cries when he’s hurt. He tells the truth. There is much more to say about Basil but I will add only this. He’s someone I’d like to know and I miss him now that I’ve finished the book.
There is also some very funny and astute satirical social commentary. Basil’s meeting with Mary Jane Pix when he’s looking for a job is priceless as is Mary Jane herself - both times we encounter her. Then there are the big questions of existence which pass through Basil’s mind. He “ponders the mechanics of time.” And “he asks himself if he’s doing what is intended of him by his maker.” “Each day he finds new reasons to believe the universe has no boundaries.” His dreams make him wonder if he once walked the earth as a human. Yet he’s much finer and has more integrity than many of the humans he encounters in the Nebraska town where he lives while he’s above ground.
I finished Burn, Beautiful Soul yesterday but it’s still very much with me today and I suspect will be for days to come. I am sorry I have only 5 stars at my disposal with which to recognize the merits of this book.
Susan Plunket
Burn, Beautiful Soul
How to begin to express the merits of this book? There are so many thoughts exploding in my head. I could talk about the writing – which is gorgeous and immediate. You’re right in the middle of the horror and gore and violent action one moment. Then the next moment you’re laughing or feeling the gentleness and goodness of someone’s being.
The story abounds with enough archetypes to thrill the soul of any Jungian psychologist. It even has dreams. The main character, Basil, is among other things a demon king who comes up from his home beneath the earth. And he’s not just a demon, but a poet, a copywriter and a hero with a conscience. He’s also aware of his own shadow. He’s refreshing, compelling, smart, loyal, observant, courageous, kind and touching, very touching. He takes exquisite pleasure in bathing in the river and in feeling the breeze. He doesn’t like the dark and he cries when he’s hurt. He tells the truth. There is much more to say about Basil but I will add only this. He’s someone I’d like to know and I miss him now that I’ve finished the book.
There is also some very funny and astute satirical social commentary. Basil’s meeting with Mary Jane Pix when he’s looking for a job is priceless as is Mary Jane herself - both times we encounter her. Then there are the big questions of existence which pass through Basil’s mind. He “ponders the mechanics of time.” And “he asks himself if he’s doing what is intended of him by his maker.” “Each day he finds new reasons to believe the universe has no boundaries.” His dreams make him wonder if he once walked the earth as a human. Yet he’s much finer and has more integrity than many of the humans he encounters in the Nebraska town where he lives while he’s above ground.
I finished Burn, Beautiful Soul yesterday but it’s still very much with me today and I suspect will be for days to come. I am sorry I have only 5 stars at my disposal with which to recognize the merits of this book.
Susan Plunket
Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime
and start saving today with fast, free delivery
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Reviews with images
What a great book!
I LOVED this book! What a descriptive, twisted depiction of the underworld, or hell. When Basil, the main character, comes to the surface, he somehow blends in with the ugliness of real life. How is it possible that such a horrible horrible demonic being could be somewhat “likable”? Maybe he’s not much different than the rest of us. At least that’s my opinion.What a great read. I highly recommend.Julie B.
Top reviews from other countries
Escobar
A gem of a novel that deserves more attention
Reviewed in Germany on February 4, 2021