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Ghosts of a Tired Universe
When a heart-broken sculptor seeks justice, he finds himself trapped between two immortals. Soon, their feud becomes his, and everyone around them becomes a casualty.
264 pages, Paperback
First published April 23, 2011
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110 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 2, 2011
Jonas has written what is indeed a mind blowing material that is mixed with poetry in every line.
His piece just made me crazier in the past two days, seeing the world in a newfound confusion, staring at human mortals with the same question that lingers within my head as it all goes through. We seem to be mortals unaware of personal divine potential, or are we seeking to wish it so?
Page after page, word after word, Jonas has really thought well, pondered deep, and injected thoughts, concepts, a whole new philosophy that would never have been heard of, but carries so much weight, carries so much revelation, that this book had to be read again, and again, and again, until the entire truth found in what might seem like fiction to the rest finally gets absorbed, forcefully, by a mind who was never used of such philosophical revelation and confusion. It has opened a new door that has created doubt, color, and leaves a chalky feel in the tongue as you seek water, and thirst that cannot seem to be quenched anymore.
It changes ones view, and it changes even further, seeking to understand the mind of Donatello.
Somewhere along the line, this book can drive the obsessed insane, and the insane to smile a little smile that can change the world.
For somewhere along the line, success, the healing process, needs destruction first.
And its intensity still throbs in my brain per moment, per second, as I seek temporary hermitage from all fellow mortals, to ponder upon what the universe might have been after all.
An intensely philosophical book, beyond satisfying, and the most gratifying.
I thus place Jonas in the same echelon of authors as Gabriel Garcia Marquez, definitely way above Chuck Pallahniuk, but on shoulder to shoulder with Douglas Adams, less the humor, but on sparring wit.
His piece just made me crazier in the past two days, seeing the world in a newfound confusion, staring at human mortals with the same question that lingers within my head as it all goes through. We seem to be mortals unaware of personal divine potential, or are we seeking to wish it so?
Page after page, word after word, Jonas has really thought well, pondered deep, and injected thoughts, concepts, a whole new philosophy that would never have been heard of, but carries so much weight, carries so much revelation, that this book had to be read again, and again, and again, until the entire truth found in what might seem like fiction to the rest finally gets absorbed, forcefully, by a mind who was never used of such philosophical revelation and confusion. It has opened a new door that has created doubt, color, and leaves a chalky feel in the tongue as you seek water, and thirst that cannot seem to be quenched anymore.
It changes ones view, and it changes even further, seeking to understand the mind of Donatello.
Somewhere along the line, this book can drive the obsessed insane, and the insane to smile a little smile that can change the world.
For somewhere along the line, success, the healing process, needs destruction first.
And its intensity still throbs in my brain per moment, per second, as I seek temporary hermitage from all fellow mortals, to ponder upon what the universe might have been after all.
An intensely philosophical book, beyond satisfying, and the most gratifying.
I thus place Jonas in the same echelon of authors as Gabriel Garcia Marquez, definitely way above Chuck Pallahniuk, but on shoulder to shoulder with Douglas Adams, less the humor, but on sparring wit.
October 18, 2011
This is very philosophical book outlining the journey of two friends, Dormius and Charles, although Charles is clearly the focal point of the book. Both men are artists, and as they say great pain breeds great art. Charles is in love with a woman named Mira, who is brutally raped and as a result of that assault loses her mind. This drives Charles into himself more than ever before.
Of course there is more to the story than that. Both Charles and Dormius are both gifted, Charles with the ability to see the universe both past and future, and Dormius is able to look into peoples minds. A man with Charles's talent and the kind of pain that he was in after what happened to Mira ends up being a recipe for the extreme.
I don't want to go into a lot of detail about the path that Charles ends up on, mainly because it would give away to much about the ending, and it would rob you as the reader from going on the journey of discovery that Samuelle takes you on to explain what has occurred. What I will say is the Charles spends a lot of his time exploring what makes the world what it is, and that his journey ends up being more of a philosophical journey for the reader.
I myself, tend not to enjoy books that get overly complicated, or that are hard to follow. This book had moments of being hard to follow, but I think that was intentional by the author, the confusion I felt as a reader was parallel to the confusion that Charles was going through, and when Charles made revelations so did I.
Samuelle has a lot to say about the world, and offers a lot of commentary to a wide range of topics, the greed of humans, organized religion, and so much more. Ever though Samuelle has a lot to say, it never comes off as preachy. There were times I agreed with what was on the page and times when I didn't, but I always understood where Samuelle was coming from and was able to make up my mind as to how I felt about the topics at hand.
The book is written very intelligently and the intricacies of how the plot is revealed are complex. There is no doubt that this is quality writing. While there are some paranormal elements within the book (both Charles and Dormius have a power, as well as some other elements that are revealed as the story progresses) the book is primarily a philosophical one. If you are looking for a book that makes you think and makes you questions why the world is the way it is then this is most definitely your book. I can say I enjoyed the read and it really did make me think.
Of course there is more to the story than that. Both Charles and Dormius are both gifted, Charles with the ability to see the universe both past and future, and Dormius is able to look into peoples minds. A man with Charles's talent and the kind of pain that he was in after what happened to Mira ends up being a recipe for the extreme.
I don't want to go into a lot of detail about the path that Charles ends up on, mainly because it would give away to much about the ending, and it would rob you as the reader from going on the journey of discovery that Samuelle takes you on to explain what has occurred. What I will say is the Charles spends a lot of his time exploring what makes the world what it is, and that his journey ends up being more of a philosophical journey for the reader.
I myself, tend not to enjoy books that get overly complicated, or that are hard to follow. This book had moments of being hard to follow, but I think that was intentional by the author, the confusion I felt as a reader was parallel to the confusion that Charles was going through, and when Charles made revelations so did I.
Samuelle has a lot to say about the world, and offers a lot of commentary to a wide range of topics, the greed of humans, organized religion, and so much more. Ever though Samuelle has a lot to say, it never comes off as preachy. There were times I agreed with what was on the page and times when I didn't, but I always understood where Samuelle was coming from and was able to make up my mind as to how I felt about the topics at hand.
The book is written very intelligently and the intricacies of how the plot is revealed are complex. There is no doubt that this is quality writing. While there are some paranormal elements within the book (both Charles and Dormius have a power, as well as some other elements that are revealed as the story progresses) the book is primarily a philosophical one. If you are looking for a book that makes you think and makes you questions why the world is the way it is then this is most definitely your book. I can say I enjoyed the read and it really did make me think.
September 10, 2012
There was something about this book that I just did not like. The story itself was interesting, and could have been great! There are layers upon layers in this story, starting with a desert wise man and a journalist, to Donatello and Gray (who's role isn't actually laid out until the very end), and then there is Charles and Dormius (and Mira, who reads more as a plot device than a character). Honestly, they were all kinda assholes (which is fine, but there really wasn't anything redeeming about any of them, and so I just couldn't relate).
I won't go into the plot, since you really should get that from reading the book, not reading everyone's reviews.
The language was flowery, and worked part of the time, but other times it read more like purple prose - extra words for the sake of extra words. More words do not necessarily make the story any better. It just makes it longer. But some times, it worked! And was absolutely poetic (not the actual poetry, that made me feel like I was in some sort of beatnik cafe, complete with bongos).
But with all the different layers of story, and the conflicting story lines, and the language choices - when you put it all together, it just becomes and complicated, confusing story.
If you like philosophical stories, you might enjoy it. If you like layer upon layer of story, you might enjoy it.
I won't go into the plot, since you really should get that from reading the book, not reading everyone's reviews.
The language was flowery, and worked part of the time, but other times it read more like purple prose - extra words for the sake of extra words. More words do not necessarily make the story any better. It just makes it longer. But some times, it worked! And was absolutely poetic (not the actual poetry, that made me feel like I was in some sort of beatnik cafe, complete with bongos).
But with all the different layers of story, and the conflicting story lines, and the language choices - when you put it all together, it just becomes and complicated, confusing story.
If you like philosophical stories, you might enjoy it. If you like layer upon layer of story, you might enjoy it.
September 3, 2012
The writing... it seems so beautiful. But confusing. And maybe even cryptic. For most the first half of the book I had a hard time following the story and struggled to read it. I had a feeling it was telling an amazing story I just wasn't sure what was going on. By the second half I started being able to understand more and that made me very happy because the story was amazing. But sadly, I was so confused throughout so much of the book that I didn't get a real feel for it overall so I can't say much.
This story is about a sculptor named Charles. After his lover Mira is raped, it seems to be that her mind has been destroyed. With the loss of his lover, Charles sets out on revenge and develops a deep contempt for humans. While out on this journey he discovers human potential, the power of emotions, and secrets of the universe as well as learning about himself and many other things.
This book is outside of the usual genre I read. I don't often read philosophical books. But I do love books that can make you think. If it weren't so darn confusing I probably would have enjoyed it more. Maybe someday I'll read it again and be able to discover all the details I failed to see the first time.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review. I'm only sorry that I don't have more to say.
May 23, 2013
This is a book with mind-bending depth that will mean different things to different people depending on where you are in your journey. I love books that make you see the world in a new way and Jonas' book certainly delivers in this respect. The often poetic narration is a thrill to read. The story will echo in my mind for some time...
June 2, 2011
This book is life-changing. Samuelle writes in an incredibly original style that is both whimsical and deeply concerned with the nature of being . . . destined to be the cornerstone of a new era in literature.
September 5, 2012
I could not follow the plot to well in the beginning of the book. It did get easier as you went along. As I read I kept thinking this is not my kind of book. It was to deep. I like to read to relax and this is not what this book did for me.
June 17, 2011
Love it.
January 3, 2019
A compelling fantasy that bounds across mysticism, theology, and the state of humanity in an elegant and thought-provoking tale. A “must read” for Neil Gaimon fans and a “should read” for everyone else.
In a wasted corner of Arizona that time can’t see, a journalist arrives for an interview more important that he knows. He has been sent to uncover the event now known as ‘The Forgetting’ but is, in fact, the mysterious disconnect of everyone in the world from his or her previous life. Though the journalist is following a lead, the powerful stranger he meets is the only one who can – and will - finally tell all.
The interplay of polar opposition underlies this story at every turn: the perverse cherubs and ‘lurks’; the rise or fall from grace; passion and materialism; and dark and light, to name just a few. The novel is an exploration in mirror opposition that is mysterious, poetic, and even playful. It is verbal burlesque; as each passage reveals more of the story, new layers are exposed that are exquisitely tempting.
The story is fast-paced and well conceived. Amidst a multitude of players and symbolic elements, Samuelle weaves a stylish account with complete control, even as the reader writhes with anticipation to see each piece find its place. The main characters, Charles and Dormius, are authentic and their loyal friendship is rendered with skill and insight. A few secondary characters are done well but are less distinct as the author’s voice overpowers them somewhat. This is easily forgiven, however, as Samuelle writes with vivid and often poetic imagery. If occasionally (rarely) his simile is a little heavy-handed, it is also richly descriptive and entirely commanding. His style is bold and robust, full of poignant questions and meaningful insights.
Ghosts Of A Tired Universe barrels along the edge of darkness in a tale that is at once disturbing yet is simultaneously a release into freedom and exhilaration.
In a wasted corner of Arizona that time can’t see, a journalist arrives for an interview more important that he knows. He has been sent to uncover the event now known as ‘The Forgetting’ but is, in fact, the mysterious disconnect of everyone in the world from his or her previous life. Though the journalist is following a lead, the powerful stranger he meets is the only one who can – and will - finally tell all.
The interplay of polar opposition underlies this story at every turn: the perverse cherubs and ‘lurks’; the rise or fall from grace; passion and materialism; and dark and light, to name just a few. The novel is an exploration in mirror opposition that is mysterious, poetic, and even playful. It is verbal burlesque; as each passage reveals more of the story, new layers are exposed that are exquisitely tempting.
The story is fast-paced and well conceived. Amidst a multitude of players and symbolic elements, Samuelle weaves a stylish account with complete control, even as the reader writhes with anticipation to see each piece find its place. The main characters, Charles and Dormius, are authentic and their loyal friendship is rendered with skill and insight. A few secondary characters are done well but are less distinct as the author’s voice overpowers them somewhat. This is easily forgiven, however, as Samuelle writes with vivid and often poetic imagery. If occasionally (rarely) his simile is a little heavy-handed, it is also richly descriptive and entirely commanding. His style is bold and robust, full of poignant questions and meaningful insights.
Ghosts Of A Tired Universe barrels along the edge of darkness in a tale that is at once disturbing yet is simultaneously a release into freedom and exhilaration.
August 28, 2012
My review of Ghosts of a Tired Universe by Jonas Samuelle
Rating 4****
This book was provided free from the author in exchange for honest literary review
This is a story of Charles and his sidekick Dormius. It follows the two from a stint in a juvenile detention center on through adulthood. Both are artisans, focusing on sculpture and poetry/writing respectively. Their common threads seems to weave a strong but unlikely friendship.
After a brutal rape on his love Mira, which leaves here scarred for life and institutionalized Charles seems to drift in more of a dark place in his life. He uses his paranormal gifts to spend much more time in reflection and cause and effect world related problems. As you delve deeper into the novel you see that it is actually Charles's journey into himself that is the true focus of the novel.
While the author is cryptic at times and somewhat hard to follow, I understand the purpose it. This book envokes a sense ofbeeflection both worldly and of self. It is way out of my normal genre and I was pleasantly suprised to have enjoyed it. This is some of the most intricate characterization and symbolism that I have ever read. While it is eerie at times it's not truly dark which I liked. Overall good novel and excellent philosophical read.
Rating 4****
This book was provided free from the author in exchange for honest literary review
This is a story of Charles and his sidekick Dormius. It follows the two from a stint in a juvenile detention center on through adulthood. Both are artisans, focusing on sculpture and poetry/writing respectively. Their common threads seems to weave a strong but unlikely friendship.
After a brutal rape on his love Mira, which leaves here scarred for life and institutionalized Charles seems to drift in more of a dark place in his life. He uses his paranormal gifts to spend much more time in reflection and cause and effect world related problems. As you delve deeper into the novel you see that it is actually Charles's journey into himself that is the true focus of the novel.
While the author is cryptic at times and somewhat hard to follow, I understand the purpose it. This book envokes a sense ofbeeflection both worldly and of self. It is way out of my normal genre and I was pleasantly suprised to have enjoyed it. This is some of the most intricate characterization and symbolism that I have ever read. While it is eerie at times it's not truly dark which I liked. Overall good novel and excellent philosophical read.
September 24, 2011
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. The book is more philosophical than what I would normally read, but the author writes in such a fluid way that it was easy to follow and enjoy.
A journalist is sent on an unusual errand, to interview someone who may be able to explain "The Forgetting." The Forgetting is a disruption between peoples' lives that causes them to forget about their previous lives. The book takes off from here, following two immortal men who both aim to change the fate of the universe.
The characters are very interesting to get to know. Each has something different or quirky to offer the reader. Every character has a sense of deliberation, purpose about him/her. The author obviously chooses his words carefully; the book seeks to educate the reader, if anything, not influence. The book was not too difficult to understand or follow, the reader will enjoy the lighter parts as well as the heavier. This book will take the reader to a different level of thinking if the reader allows it, not your everyday book. Adult readers would enjoy this novel.
February 29, 2012
Ghosts of a Tired Universe follows two immortal men through time as they try to alter the fate of humankind and, ultimately, the universe.
This book was perhaps a little too deep for my liking. I kept finding myself slowed down while trying to digest the book's complicated themes and unnecessarily large words and long sentences. At first, I was confused by the chronological and narrative shifts, but I eventually caught on. That said, the plotline and characters of this novel were truly unique, and I found the concept rather intriguing. This book is worth a re-read now that I better understand the characters.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to review it.
This book was perhaps a little too deep for my liking. I kept finding myself slowed down while trying to digest the book's complicated themes and unnecessarily large words and long sentences. At first, I was confused by the chronological and narrative shifts, but I eventually caught on. That said, the plotline and characters of this novel were truly unique, and I found the concept rather intriguing. This book is worth a re-read now that I better understand the characters.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to review it.
October 7, 2011
"There are worlds where passion means more than action. There are places where time has no meaning, and anything is possible. When a heart-broken sculptor seeks them out, existence itself may crumble under the weight of his pain."
magnificent- brilliantly written literary novel. A true work of art as well as literature. A MUST READ
RICK FRIEDMAN
FOUNDER
THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB
magnificent- brilliantly written literary novel. A true work of art as well as literature. A MUST READ
RICK FRIEDMAN
FOUNDER
THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB
August 12, 2011
This was an entertaining read, not great but good.
June 18, 2011
Samuelle's writing is brilliant. I loved it from beginning to end.
December 23, 2011
Blah. Didn't finish.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews