Taylor Caldwell (1900–1985)

Third book I read in a row on a conflict between Heaven and Hell. Unlike the previous books goal here is not to show how fallout happened but how the fight proceeds between Heaven and Hell after the Fall.

Big L is not shown as a rebel who was misunderstood but as an activist who dedicates his full attention to destruction of man, being he sees as a creation that desecrates his very view of Heaven. What happens is that L starts sending mail to Big G and this soon gets relegated to M from Heaven's end. What starts as a correspondence between two brothers soon escalates into discussions about humankind, their role in the worlds, how easily they get manipulated and ultimately drawn onto the path of destruction.

This is not so much story about Heaven and Hell (although philosophical questions about origins of Evil and conflict with Good are present) but story of Humankind.

Author's thoughts would surely trigger today's PC public, especially adherents to the progressive movement in politics. When you think about it isn't it interesting that today, when we all talk about equality and rights and all those picky elements of modern social progressiveness, people are living in more divisive society than ever, individuals and groups get ostracized within hours if they are against the public opinion, latest development is that their financials (literary means of living) get frozen because of it.

It is as if majority feel need for something, for belonging to something greater, majority feels their lives have lost all meaning (as I said just look at destructive behavior of last few years that indicate complete loss of goals in life except destruction and accepting whatever is currently fashionable and just itching to push around people questioning the majority). Earlier all of these people would flock to religion, but today religion is a big no-no and as a consequence secular institutions and people are watched through the prism of religious zealotry.

Part of the book about Lencia had a greatest impact on me - planet that was destroyed through people being led and finally mentally destroyed through coerced and then voluntary isolation [because of need for absolute security] culminating for all means and purposes in total imprisonment of masses while elites live life of leisure. This rang so close to heart because of last few years.....chilling.

Interesting book. Whether reader rejects the book in its entirety or identifies with parts of the book you will definitely have to say something about it.

Highly recommended.… (mer)

I found this book at the "Friends of the Library" book sale. "Answer As A Man", is the first book by Taylor Caldwell that I have read. The storyline follows the life of Jason Garrity, his family, business partners, and acquaintances. The timeline is the first decade of the twentieth century in the United States. Overall, the novel was pretty good. I enjoyed the history that was interwoven into this fictional novel. The Irish characters and plot were strong and believable. The plot had a lot of twists and turns (some predictable, some not) that kept the novel interesting. The reason for the 4-star versus 5-star rating, is the fact that I felt the novel dragged on at times.… (mer)

"Ceremony of the Innocent" presents a multifaceted plot. First and foremost it is a historical romance. it appears to be a fairy tale come true of a poor house servant marrying into wealth and position. However, appearances are often deceiving. The ultimate question is, what happens when an innocent young woman loves unconditionally and blindly trusts everyone simply because she can’t comprehend the selfish, greedy nature of human beings and has no concept of evil?

The opening scene is in the midst of a church service as the Pastor preaches about “Love and Trust”. Certainly love and trust are desired in life, and a beautiful sentiment… if the recipients are worthy. However, Taylor Caldwell illustrates the tragic consequences of offering undeserved love and blind faith.

Layers of depth in the plot occur as Taylor Caldwell uses Ellen Watson Porter’s innocence and blind faith as an allegory for how the vast population of the United States in their naivety allowed their beloved country to tumble to the depths of despair. “There were times when Jeremy felt that his wife, Ellen, exemplified America herself, guileless, naive, and unwilling to believe in evil and plotters, unwilling to believe that man is imperfect, destructive, and malicious.”

Covering the years from 1900 to 1930, Ellen’s demise occurs in conjunction with the demise of America. As most Americans were loving patriots and trusting in the government leaders they elected, the elite powerful international bankers and financiers plotted evil to bring public disorder, chaos, revolutions, war, massacres, hatred and destruction. Their ultimate goal was to take control of a global government and subjugate humanity, thus intentionally orchestrating world events that resulted in World War I and the Depression. Love and trust, indeed!

Although the plot is ominous and extremely depressing Ceremony of the Innocent is a 5 Star book. Extensive research was required to present all the historical facts and create a realistic picture of life during those years. In addition, Caldwell imposes thoughts derived from Bible quotes (both Old and New Testaments), and various acclaimed philosophers and poets. She has enormous insight and intuition about human behavior. The characters come to life, and poor, poor Ellen - oh how she suffers. If the evil characteristics of cast members seems overly exaggerated perhaps that was intentional - intended to emphasize the negative side of indiscriminate “love and trust”.

In many ways the novel reminds me of Tolstoy’s "Anna Karenina". Ellen and Anna were from different continents, had totally different lives, and vastly different personalities - but both followed the same demise as the downward spiral of their respective countries.

Rated 5 Stars 2023… (mer)