Customer Reviews

Our Name Is Melancholy : The Complete Books of Azrael (Book and Pamphlet)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I am a huge fan of raw channeled work. But even this one raised my brows more than a few times. The poetry in this book is nice, the art work gothic and dark which I liked as well, but it's a hard read at best. There are a LOT of grammar errors in this book. It appears to be self edited by Leilah Wendell AKA Westgate Press, but I have to give her an A for the effort there.

This is a hard read, even for someone like me who holds several doctrines. It is an intimate portrayal of the author and the "Death Angels" relationship. I could have found it plausible had she given some form of validating information, but she did not. You would think that "Azrael" would have given her at least one outstanding futuristic validation, but atlas there are none. I also found the rituals in the back for Necromancy a bit unnerving. This certainly isn't a book for the weak hearted or closed minded :P .

With that said I am giving this book three stars for it's poetry and art work. I would buy at least one future work from this author if she could provide some form of validation in it.

Our Name is Melancholy is a strange book, because it's more than just a book. In one sense it's a declaration of love from Leilah Wendell to Azrael, the angel of Death. On the other hand it's a declaration of love from Azrael to Wendell. It's also a biography of Wendell's life and childhood, how and why she founded Westgate and opened the House of Death in New Orleans. Furthermore, it has attributions from Wendell's husband Daniel Kemp. And, it's filled with spiritual discussions about the true nature of Death and what happens when our lives on earth finally come to an end.

Does this confuse you? Good, because it really IS confusing. Put shortly, Wendell's relation with the angel of Death, which she has met both physically and spiritually (whatever that means) is quite unusual. Azrael is her one true love; but in this life in this body she's married to Daniel Kemp, who she lives with in the House of Death.

Not surprisingly, Wendell isn't afraid of death - after all, she and it shares something so special that she's unable to really describe it in words - but still, Our Name is Melancholy is definitely not a pro-suicide book. What Wendell tries to explain is that we don't really have any real reason to fear death, since it's not an evil thing in itself. Whether or not one chooses to believe in this is up to the reader, but the message isn't very much different from other books of the New Age that all talk about how this particular life on earth is but one of many lives).

Hmm... Well, that might be, but the truth is that in case you don't really care much about the New Age in general and spirituality in particular, then Our Name is Melancholy probably isn't the right book for you.

However, the declarations of love that appear throughout the book are written in very beautiful English. The words chosen by Wendell, Azrael (through Wendell) and Kemp are all very delicate and exquisite, and most of the time it feels as if one is reading a collection of love poems. The authors are very skilled in what they're doing, no doubt about that, but is this enough for anyone to invest in the book? Maybe, maybe not. Westgate has published other works that are real collections of poems, and if it's poems you want, than maybe these books are a better choice (for instance Eros in Exile). But in case you want to learn more about Wendell, Kemp, their view of Death, and the House of Death, then the book can be worth looking up.

This is one of the very first books that I ever bought regarding Azrael when it was first published! The vast information that graces the pages is invaluable, and the purest knowledge behind the writing is unbeatable. Leilah Wendell has put together a fabulous package here, and it more than worth a few reads if one is interested in Death, Azrael, The Grim Reaper, or just how to commune with an Angel. If you seek information regarding the Azraelites, this book is for you.

Leilah Wendall has woven a tome of wondrous beauty and magic, sharing with us the true nature of the Being known as Azrael, the Angel of Death. Taking us back through many lives lived, and shared through the eyes and words of this mighty Angel, we come to know Him not as a fearsome creature of mythical legend, but a compassionate Being willing to take us within the gentle and cold embrace of His wings. Their hauntingly penned words gracefully intertwine allowing one to see past their deepest fears surrounding the mystery of Death as we know it. This is truly a compelling book and unlike any I've ever before encountered. With a great love and wisdom shared, and lushly illustrated, 'Our Name is Melancholy...' is a wondrous read to soothe the searching soul.

This book is still as original as it was when I first read it, 10 years ago. With a truly open-mind, and a desire to know know more of Azrael, one will certainly enjoy this wonderful writing. Those who are not into the "Darker Side" of life will most likely not appreiate, nor even understand the writings. But those who love the cemeteries, the angels, and Death in a complex way, certainly will appreciate this writing. So, it is truly not for everyone, but certainly for those who know of and understand Azrael. I would highly recommend this book to those with open minds, and those with the desire to explore new "religions and philosophies". I am very happy to say that it is part of our vast book collection.

This book changed my life...for the better! I was severely suicidal due to a serious illness (I will NOT recover) I was afraid of my eventual death, but after reading this book, I am at peace and I have made peace with my own passing, my family, etc.

Thank you, Ms. Wendell for this inspiring treasure!
You don't have to be in my situation to appreciate this wonderful book. It's message could heal mankind if just given a read by all.

I have read this book several times now since its ORIGINAL version in 1988, and it continually rings true! This is truly the most inspirational, devotional and important book of the new age. Time to allay our fears of death and extend that Great Angel our welcoming embrace. I recommend this book for all seeking the truth about the Angel of Death, His mission on earth, and beyond the veil of flesh. I eagerly await the updated third edition!

The artwork and design are the only real contributions. The content? Well, Leilah Wendell has enshrined herself in the glorified role of the messenger of a messenger. Amusing. Her divine identity, Na' Haliel (haliel is just Leilah spelled backwards), does not seem to offer much. And her soul-mate doesn't seem to have much to add. Also, to call this work the "complete books of Azrael" is misleading. You do not get the complete story... you get her complete story. I didn't pay for this book, and I don't think anyone else should have to. Take yourself out to the movies instead.

it is a very beautifully written book. I cherish it and its very informative in how to create a bond between myself and azrael. its definately a majickal text and extremely romantic. I would recommend it to anyone who has a fear of death. hail azrael

[..] "The Complete Books of Azrael" is penned by an author second to none. The artwork is wonderful....I've not seen a better artist.....her writings ring quite true. If you were only allowed to choose one book here @ Amazon.com I would choose "this" one. My hat is off to you, Miss Wendell. Check out any and all of her books... I guarentee you won't be sorry.