SOLVED. A woman meets a mysterious wise man. He takes her in a boat to various cultures and civilizations. She learns lots of 'life truths.' [s]

[Deanne]

This was a very thick book. Pinkish cover. I'm sure it was an LDS author because so much of the content was Mormon philosophy shrouded in the fictional story. Characters and places were very symbolic of Biblical and Plan of Salvation type things. . I think I read it in the late 90's or early 2000's but it could have been older. I got the book in a pile of books someone gave me, and then I gave it to Goodwill when I was done. I don't think it was well known or by an established author. I don't remember how the lady got to the shore where there was the boat, but somehow she was guided there. Then a boat appears and there is an old guy in it he is mysterious, wise, etc. I think at one point the lady is kind of in love with the man, but it never turned into anything. The one civilization I remember that they visit was the one that was patterned after Satan's plan. The lead guy was forcing everyone to do what was right. In each city or land they met people and had some sort of adventure, or lesson that helped her learn and heal from whatever burden she was trying to cope with. The writing was thick with description and rather tedious. But there were a few passages here and there that held very profound insights. I keep thinking about some of them, and want to see if I remember things correctly.

[Jessica]

It's Tathea by Anne Perry, the only fantasy/sci fi book she's ever written (until she wrote a sequel a couple of years ago). The cover used to be pinkish, it came out in the late '90's, and yes, it's mostly Mormon theology!

[Deanne]

Wow! Thanks Jessica! You are amazing! I never would have remembered the title or author. Now I can start sleeping at night again. Hee hee.

[Ann aka Iftcan]

congrats Deanne. I'll shelve this and move it down to solved for you. Hope you can find a copy to re-read.