Invocation

by Bea González

Invocation features two dueling academics in a debate that starts on the wrong foot, then quickly goes viral. Through a series of podcasts, Jungian oriented literature professor Carolina and Spanish cognitive scientist Alberto face off on the nature of dreams, the utility of romantic love, whether a frog must be kissed or flung, and other eclectic topics that ultimately pose the Can an open and honest dialogue between two people with very different perspectives lead to not only mutual understanding but love?

Genres: Psychology

255 pages, Paperback

Published January 16, 2023

Reviews

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story begins when humanities scholar, Carolina reluctantly participates in a televised debate with the inscrutable Alberto, a cognitive scientist. To her horror, the debate goes viral and Carolina’s new boss commissions a series of podcasts. The two academics delve into a rich feast of ideas through explorations of Moby Dick, fairy tales, the nature of dreams, and romantic love. Carolina’s self-deprecating humour and sharp observations make her a funny, engaging protagonist, who is willfully resistant to the charms everyone else sees in Alberto. Scenes between Carolina and her friend Danj made me laugh out loud. At the same time, the “podcasts” are full of fascinating ideas that invite reflection and multiple readings. The rom-com plot and metaphorical exploration is a brilliant combination!

[Anita Ashland · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful book. It starts with a somewhat prickly debate between two academics (Carolina and Antonio) that goes viral and then morphs into 10 podcast episodes where they disucss Jungian concepts, poetry, Moby Dick, Joseph Campbell, Wagnerian opera, and more. I like the friendship between Caroline and Dani and their dialogue sometimes made me laugh out loud. The dash of romance throughout the book was fun too. I would love to read another novel like this.

[Lianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

A professor of jungian theory and her life with friends and family/travel included. Interesting ways of teaching Carl Jung’s theory as she applies it to her life. It’s a love story too.

[Al Owski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Béa Gonzales takes you on a journey through the conflicts of understanding the human psyche. The battle between two views of human behavior is waged by the principal characters of the novel. One advocates for the metaphysical view that behavior is driven by the unconscious, its shadows and archetypes. The other advocates a materialist view that behavior is driven by neurobiology alone.

Béa takes you over the terrain of human relationships. She takes you across Spain from the rugged Atlantic coast of Galicia, to the bustling city of Madrid, to the Mediterranean coast in Valencia. The journey she presents is both inward and outward. She touches on the inner life, career, friendships, masculine and feminine, and romance.

Béa skillful story telling paints vivid portraits of her characters and the landscapes of Spain. It is an enjoyable story and the best part is that you will learn about yourself reading it.

[Emily Croxall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the overall plot and how it’s mostly a feel good book with some interesting topics/opinions. The Jungian/psychoanalytical side of the story was actually really interesting and made me want to read Moby Dick!

I love the podcast format. I think it’s really different and interesting. I also love the POV of Carolina as a 35 ish year old woman and the fact that it takes place in Spain because that’s something totally different from my normal sci-fi/fantasy. I feel like I’m learning a lot but also just enjoying the story which is really what I am looking for in a good book!

[Susan Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

breathtaking

I so enjoyed the author’s knack of writing about life in the way she did, using her sound knowledge of Jungian theory in her weaving of this tale. I was engrossed and entertained from the beginning. She rounded out Jungian depth psychology in her unique way, embracing deep thought in a love story. A talented story teller. Highly recommended.

[Julie King · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable survey of Jungian depth psychology well-situated by the author at the center of an ensemble of characters whose relationships are loving and true to life. A breath of fresh air.

[Luna Essi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book

What a delightful book. Enjoyed every minute of this intriguing tale. So much food for thought and reflection. Highly recommended.