Reprinted witht he Kind Permission of Mount Shasta Magazine
Title: The Gift of Gabe: a novel experience
Author: Brian Joseph
ISBN: 1 59330 266 5
2005, Aventine Press
Reviewed by: Michou Landon
At first, The Gift of Gabe seemed a simple, transparent, literal account, an unsophisticated and unpoetically adorned narrative. The title rippled with intriguing layers of meaning, however, one of which was not even revealed until the final page. Thanks to this and my fondness for the subject matter –poetry, pop music, and consciousness—I gave it a chance.
The style of the no-nonsense narrative never really improved on the surface; but the message built in luminosity, through the friction of repetition, building a charge in the protagonist and the willing reader, which began to illuminate the pages and the message of this prosaic narrative from within.
This parallels the observation in the book (carefully presented to the narrator by his unofficial mentor, Gabe) about how lyrics and verse written by the Beatles and other artists can be interpreted as mundane or nonsensical on the one hand and quite illuminated and profound on the other. It depends on the awareness of the listener.
This leads one to the realization that inspired and transcendent poetry -- messages of and from deeper reality or Truth, or the Great Self, God, Spirit, Universal Consciousness, you name it! –can be transmitted whether the vehicle or channel is completely aware or not. Some realize the miracle of the message and their mediumship to one degree or another. Others may never do so.
It brings awesome poignancy to the notion – something many only get glimpses or intellectual grasp of – that everything is “God” and even that which (or who) may seem dead or unconscious is a vessel and a conduit of Truth, Consciousness, Divinity, Pure Being, for those who have eyes to see.
One realizes that it’s in the air. We’re getting it even when we’re not getting it. It’s really only a matter of waking up and adjusting the tuner. It becomes a choice, consciously made, what level(s) we wish to behold and interact with in anything and anyone. There is a non-verbal – unspeakable -- language beyond word or even thought, which accompanies the literal and metaphorical languages we use to communicate, including words and music.
These combine to make an effective conduit that alchemically stimulates mind and emotion. Gabe uses many authors, poets, philosophers, scientists, musicians to demonstrate his points.
The Beatles, for example, had such impact and enduring appeal, not simply because of their chemistry, good looks, and raw talent, but because that combination of qualities made them extraordinarily resonant, potent, instruments, transmitters.
As it dawns that there is much more conveyed than the literal explanations offered in this pedestrian narrative, one wants to take two days off and just bathe in the music. The author laments there is so such soundtrack, which would surely be a copyright acquisition nightmare.
It isn’t about the music, though. It’s about the invisible for which it is a catalyst. The narrative is an impressive bibliography as well, worth owning just for that.
There is a twist at the very end, which, if the events are “true,” seems far more forgivable; but it adds supernatural spin that hardly seems necessary. I recommend the novel either way. Give yourself to the dance.
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