The first book of Daniela Norris which I had read was “Collecting Feathers: Tales from The Other Side“. The book took me into a storm and changed my view of “The Other Side”. “Recognitions” is the first Novel by the same author.

“Recognitions” is a book written in first person narration by Amelia Rothman. But the story soon bifurcates into two other main characters Adele Durant and an African Shaman, as the characters emerging from Amelia’s hypnotherapy. The story swings between the three characters, initially with no relevance. Gradually, as the story unfolds, each of the characters show their relevance and bring out the complete picture.

The concept of the story is more of self enlightenment and self actualization. It plays around the concept of “Things that are meant to be”. The writing style is simple and elegant. Daniela ensures that the reader is at pace with her narration and has no difficulty imagining the situations playing in the book. The descriptions of people and places are given in enough detail to create a picture but not that it feels dragged.

The characters vary their complexity depending upon the situations they are placed in. The characters, although from different eras, blend well with each other through out the story, and bring out the best in the theme.

By the end of the book, a feel of being enveloped by hope takes over. ”Recognitions” is a book I shall definitely recommend everyone to read. It has a smooth flow and simple positivity to it. The upcoming parts in the Trilogy definitely have something to catch up to, as this one surely has set a benchmark.

recognitions