Heather’s Bookshelf: The Relaxists
Author: Alton Spencer
Released: 08/20/22
Genre: Philosophical Novel
“Years later, when asked if she felt culture framed or colored one’s experience of inner reality, she replied, ‘Yes, to a degree, of course, each individual will have a unique experience of inner dimensions, inner realities, of their own soul; but first and foremost we are all one hundred percent human, and there will always be certain common threads in our experience of our transcendent nature.’”
“The Relaxists” introduces Edward Slowbe as a sixteen-year-old who has a psychic experience which leads to an epiphone about his understanding of human nature and the world.
Twenty-five years later, Edward writes The World Within, and it becomes an international sensation. In a time of cultural and philosophical revolution, Slowbe’s book sets the world on fire and his interviews further confront those connected with traditional views or religions.
He and his friends and colleagues- a remarkable group of artists and philosophers- find themselves in situations where they are able to discuss and debate ideas and concepts commonly accepted and how these affect the world.
Trigger Warning: alcohol use, discussion of religion and religious ideas
This book was so much different than anything I have ever read before. The author describes it as a philosophical novel, and it is quite fitting. It reminded me at times of studying the work of Socrates/Plato and how I had to read some, sit and digest it, and then could move on to the next section. Needless to say, this is not a book you sit down and read lightly or in one sitting. Ultimately, the story follows the protagonist, Slowbe, as he and his best friend, Seven, interact with different people and philosophies around the world in a time of a seemingly philosophical renaissance. Slowbe has his own demons including his difficulties with alcoholism, which he discusses on/off throughout his travels, but it is more with his interactions with others that his philosophies and ideas are developed. The author did a great job in describing events that led up to the current storyline, basically coming up with a history to back the current situation and philosophical era. I wish there was a way to have focused more on the events leading up to the renaissance and how everything came to be as I feel this would have helped more with plot development and pacing as well as allowing the ending to feel more complete.
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
OVERALL REVIEW:
A philosophical novel that focuses more on ideas than plot. The elements of new history makes this book most intriguing.
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