24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Neighborly Psychic Leads the Way!, January 2, 2002
Kaleidoscope is a most unusual novel in several senses. First, the style is quite unlike the author's most famous work, the stories about Mrs. Pollifax. Second, Kaleidoscope creates a series based a book first written 25 years ago -- The Clairvoyant Countess. Third, the book doesn't exactly fit any genre I can remember. Fourth, the main appeal of the book is the way that the heroine cares about her neighbors and seeks to help them, far beyond the call of duty or the requests of solving crimes (the traditional focus of crime and mystery books). Fifth, the book is filled with story threads, many of which are linked together in a way that almost defies description. Sixth, although there is nothing really humorous in the book, you will come away feeling remarkably light-hearted. Seventh, the heroine makes progress through psychic powers of the sort that police are reputed to use in many kidnapping cases, yet the stories use this to advance the plot rather than to rest solutions upon it.
So come to this book with an open mind, and expect to be surprised. If you do, I think you will be pleased.
I liked Madame Karistka very much as a character, and would be delighted if Ms. Gilman were to write a long series of books about her. She has a heart as big as her mind is sharp, which is an unusual combination in a novel these days.
The basic story line is that Madame Karitska has psychic powers that primarily manifest themselves as psychometry ("devination of facts concerning an object or its owner through contact with or to the object") or clairvoyance ("to perceive matter beyond the range of normal perception"). She has fallen on hard times economically and lives in a poor neighborhood where crime is a problem. Through her friendship with Detective Lieutenant Pruden, she is called into cases and able to draw upon the police as allies to solve problems that she uncovers. She prefers to use her powers to add information about the past and the present, rather then the future. She wants people to make their own futures. Her occupation is giving "readings" for whatever the client is willing or able to pay. These readings introduce her to unusual mysteries and strange characters, which add spice and intrigue to the novel.
Does your neighborhood have someone like Madame Karitska who tries to help people solve their problems? If not, what could you do to fill that role?
Help build positive connections wherever you see the potential for them!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
So Pleased to See the Countess Again, March 12, 2002
I actually bought this book new in a hardcover. Dorothy Gilman is one of my favorite authors. Aside from the fact that it just wasn't long enough, I enjoyed dipping into the life of Countess Karitska again. I loved the format of many little stories tucked into the main tale.
I had written to Dorothy Gilman years ago asking for another countess story. She replied that she had been working on one. The wait (25 years) was almost worth it. My preference would have been 25 stories about the countess but it was a delightful story. I devoured it in one sitting. I've loaned it out already but will read it again when it is returned.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Simplistic writing, interesting psychic story, March 21, 2002
Psychic Madame Karitska uses her psychometry (ability to learn about a person by touching something that they owned or held) to help the police and her clients. A wide range of people from all walks of life find their way into her storefront office and Karitska gives them all coffee, tea, or chocolate, then deals with their problems as best she can. Although not all results are positive, Karitska manages to help her clients avoid a wide range of far worse fates.
Author Dorothy Gilman offers a kaleidoscope of human life as a wide range of clients bring their problems to Karitska. Through Karitska, most learn about themselves rather than about their supposed questions--and that, of course, is the point.
Gilman's writing is simplistic. KALEIDOSCOPE is approachable by young readers and may seem somewhat too simple for adult readers. Still, the novel has its rewards and, in many ways, Karitska is a charming character.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
