The
Author or The Characters' Short Living Story
By
Facundo Raganato
Published
by Harvard Square Editions
Copyright
© 2014
Pages:
255
It
has been said that writing a book is like giving birth – to a
story, to characters with personalities, to dialogue, to scenes, to
action – all resulting in a climactic end – the birth of a new
book lovingly presented to the world. And along this same line, the
author is the creator, giving life to this new creation through the
written word.
Never
before have I read anything quite like Facundo Raganato's The Author
or The Characters' Short Living Story. It is truly a work of literary
genius.
The
author captures the essence of his own role in the literary process,
along with the roles of his characters and even the reader, who keep
the characters alive as long as he or she is immersed in the story.
It all begins much like Genesis – darkness, nothingness and
infinite space – no boundaries open to interpretation by all three
parties – author, characters and reader.
The
stage is set as six characters huddle in this void, each wondering
who they are, how they got there and what will happen next. Do they
have a past; do they have a future? The author takes the reader along
for the ride as they embark on their journey – each with differing
personalities and perspectives that compel them to think, act and
react in specific ways.
It
is essentially a journey of discovery and self-discovery that tests
their true worth through various challenges. In the process, the
author determines their value to the overall story – killing off
some; saving others. Although this could be viewed as a merciless act
– and some characters actually view it as such – it is vital to
the refinement of the overall story.
At
the same time the author makes use of a multitude of allegories. An
allegory is a literary device wherein
there is more than one meaning. In this case, the author uses his
character's words and actions to reveal deeper spiritual truths.
This
truly one-of-a-kind work is also full of metaphors:
author/creator/God; characters/humans; fiction/reality; characters'
struggles/human struggles; overcoming challenges/life's challenges;
faith in the author/faith in self/faith in a creator; the characters'
search for truth/wisdom in the real world/eventual enlightenment; and
on it goes.
And
as a reader, I could not help relating all of these to both the
physical and spiritual worlds in which we live out our lives. While I
note “God,” this spiritual journey that the characters go on
could easily relate to any spiritual belief and the truths they hold.
As
you read this book, it is necessary to take your time – to fully
understand the symbolism hidden within its pages. For instance, the
over-riding importance of going with, instead of without in our
search for understanding and expansion of consciousness. The value of
meditation and the ability to create one's own story not just on
paper but also in life.
This
is one book that you will want to read more than once to ensure that
its universal truths are instilled in your mind – which as this
reader sees it, is more important than the actual mechanics of the
story that the author has created. We all have much to learn from
Raganato's work. If we could only put the lessons into practice, our
world would be a much better place.
To
pick up your copy of The Author or The
Characters' Short Living Story, go HERE.
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