Comments (0)The Illumination
April 24, 2009Gary Miconi
Special to the Jewish Times
Jill Gregory and Karen Tintori
St. Martin’s Press 2009, 309 pages (hardcover), $24.95
“The Illumination” is a religious thriller with lots of twists and turns. The book grabs your attention, the plot is filled with suspense and intrigue, and the forces of Good versus Evil are a common thread throughout.
Natalie Landau’s sister Dana was brutally murdered in Iraq. Before her death, Dana sent a necklace to her sister, not realizing its historical and religious background, which dates to the beginning of creation. Natalie thinks she has received a trinket, but the story revolves around the ancient legend of the “evil eye.”
In the Book of Genesis, it mentions the tzohar, an enlightened and precious gemstone. The stone is said to hold “creation’s light.” Those who possess the stone are filled with the insights and secrets of the Torah.
The authors did their research about the historical background information for the book and it really shows in how they are able to give readers an insight into ancient legends, artwork and religion.
The characters within the story line are as diverse as their religion and backgrounds. There appears to be a connection between current events over the past 10 years and some of the political and religious events that have occurred in the distant past. The authors show you some of those similarities with the events in the book.
“The Illumination” combines mystery and magic, terror and fanaticism within a historical background. It moves from the kabbalah to artifacts, from tarot cards to superstition. These connections are made throughout the book and it keeps you wanting to turn the page.
By their word imagery and prose, authors Gregory and Tintori compose a visual work of art. “The Illumination” was very hard to put down and, even at the end, leaves you asking for more. This reviewer found it a very good read and recommends the book to anyone interested in history intertwined with intrigue.