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21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Masterfully Crafted!!, February 4, 2006
This review is from: The Poet of Loch Ness (Hardcover)
I read this book on the way to work and on my lunch hours. When I had to (reluctantly) put this book down and get back to work, I found myself worrying and wondering about the characters, as though they were real people in real-life situations.
Loch Ness -- the setting for the majority of this book, is a keeper of secrets -- its depth unknown, its denizen(s) equally mysterious -- and Brian Jay Corrigan uses this lush, dark, brooding and mysterious setting to underscore and reinforce the inner-workings of the souls of the citizens of this book.
The Poet of Loch Ness beautifully brings to our attention the question of what REALLY is under the surface of our actions, our intentions, our lives -- who are these people with whom we interact -- people we may have known for a lifetime, or a moment? What looks malevolent may in fact be a blessing -- an act of love so deep, deeper perhaps than the mysterious Loch, that pre-conceived notions about an individual's actions may in fact be far from the truth.
This novel uses a first-person narrative in the form of Perry Miggs' wife Perdita - when she speaks I like the use of Italics (stressing perhaps her vacillation, her weaknesses, and perhaps her health, as well?). I also like the choice of her name -- "Perdita" - sounding like "Perdido", the Spanish word for "lost"). When the novel changes over to a third-person narrative, it still retains the richness of each character's observations and individuality. And these characters, including strong but sensitive Andrew Magruer to odd Mr. Trent, to childlike but stronger-than-you-think Kira, all turn out to have a presence as commanding and mysterious as the Loch itself.
As for Perdita's husband -- is Perry Miggs really a mumbling absent-minded professor? Is he really out to cause someone great harm? Why is he so secretive -- is he a stalker? Is something unsavory afoot?
Lost love, deep love, the supreme sacrifices that only love can make -- are all woven dexterously into these plots and subplots. Even the brogue (which in just a very few places I found hard to follow) interspersed throughout the book adds to this rich broth. And what I would call comic-relief also does wonders throughout the novel to further bring these characters into a fullness of life that is much appreciated on the printed page.
What a marvelously crafted book! I SHALL read it agin, even if only to get to know these characters all the better.
I'm also very glad that the feline character in this book fared well. I have been known to stop reading any book whose animal characters came to harm from the hands of a human.
Andrew Jay Corrigan -- you have masterfully crafted a tapestry of love, resolve, determination and yearning. Kudos to you for enriching our souls.
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18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An eloquent love story from a truly passionate scholar, July 4, 2005
This review is from: The Poet of Loch Ness (Hardcover)
I am one of the very fortunate students of literature who has had the honor of having Dr. Brian Jay Corrigan as my professor, and I would like to share my experience with him with all potential readers of his incredible novel.
I have known Dr. Corrigan for many, many years. He inspired me in my youth to have a love for literature and theatre, and I consider myself blessed to currently have him as my teacher several years after he originally shared his passion with me. I sent him this e-mail when I finished his novel...
"As you know, I am a great lover of books, and have long been looking forward to the release of your novel. I finished it five minutes ago, and immediately had to write you.
I have never been so deeply touched by a book in my life. It is so eloquently written and so lyrically passionate that it made me cry when I was describing it to my husband. I am not normally one who indulges in romance and sentimentality, but your book includes so much more: mystery, humor, passion, and an urgency to live life to its fullest no matter what the cost. It is all the more meaningful to me because I know you personally, and I know of the hardship you have faced in life. I cannot even begin to express how your writing takes my breath away. I read the book in one sitting. Your characters are so heartfelt and deep that one cannot put the book down, for one must know what will happen next. It is unreal to me that the passion you have in life and in class can be translated to the written page as well. I feel very fortunate to have read such an excellent book, and to know the incredible person behind such a work. I cannot wait for the books that follow.
Thank you for sharing your vision and creativity with the rest of the world."
I also consider myself fortunate that he responded to me with beautiful words of thanks. Dr. Corrigan has had to face a very similar situation in reality with his wife. I have never seen a man toil so passionately and with such unending love to make sure his wife thrives in life. His book is even more beautiful when you know him and his struggles as I do.
His book spins magic with words and weaves a web of mysticism while relating a tale of such beauty that it makes one's heart ache. Everyone should allow themselves the opportunity to become lost in the world of "The Poet of Loch Ness"
Heather Crews
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18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A story that will make you realize the power of love, June 12, 2005
This review is from: The Poet of Loch Ness (Hardcover)
Brian Jay Corrigan has crafted a novel with characters that I grew to know and love. He has created characters who are real and experience human emotions that make us understand ourselves a little bit better. Scotland has never been more beautiful than in the author's descriptions of the land and landscapes, and if you have never been to Scotland, you will want to go after reading this novel. The Poet of Loch Ness is an incredible story full of mystery, suspense, humor, sadness, and happiness that speaks to the heart and soul of the reader. After you finish the book, the title of the novel poses an interesting question ---- Who is the Poet of Loch Ness? The novel is a must read, and when you start reading, be prepared, you will not be able to put it down! Corrigan leaves us eagerly anticipating his next novel for he has given his readers a gift of characters we will never forget.
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