Book Review: Carnal Sacraments (Second Edition)
Title: Carnal Sacraments (Second Edition)
Author: Perry Brass
Publisher: Belhue Press
Date of publication: March 17, 2014
Number of Pages: 319
ASIN: B00J2HU50C
Carnal Sacraments by author Perry Brass is a Historical novel published by Belhue Press. The novel is set in the year 2075. The novel is set. This renders Carnal Sacraments a futuristic hue.
The novel elicits a range of thoughts and questions. What if, someone gets an elixir? What if, someone gets a golden ticket to immorality? What if, a price one would have to pay? Through the life of the protagonist Jeffery Cooper, the novel, acknowledges all the ‘what ifs’.
Jeffery Cooper is a marketing wizard. He gets the chance of a lifetime. He will remain young forever! In return, he delivers products in the worldwide market that are instant hits. The concepts he comes up with, have to be a perfect one. To attract the loyal clientele, Jeffery’s ideas have to strike a chord, every time. Jeffery exceeds the expectations of ‘The System’. ‘The System’ is a secret organization that handpicks geniuses like Jeffery, controlling every aspect of his life. A certain secret potion keeps his body young. He barely looks in his thirties. In actuality, he is in his early eighties.
In spite of having everlasting youth, Jeffery sometimes feels age catching up with him. He suffers from frequent panic attacks and the recurring snapshots of the past. ‘The System’ is an intrusive unit that monitors each and every move of its beneficiaries. Jeffery goes through various health and mental checks to keep maintaining his recipient state. He meets his art loving psychotherapist, Tony Rosenputter weekly.
Jeffrey feels an attraction for Tony. He acquires abhorrence for the mysterious attacker who’s stalking him. Jeffrey’s life takes a thrilling turn with these radically opposite sentiments. Will Jeffery realize the curse of having an elixir? Or will he alleviate himself into a supreme individual, which even he could not imagine he’d be? The ending of the novel is befitting yet shocking.
The author Perry Brass touches various issues through his novel. He insinuates about the relationship one has with their own selves. The author exhibits the association one has with the environment. He reciprocates the universal feelings of romantic love, fulfillment and security. Brass assimilates ambition, the fear of death and the human tendency of ignoring ageing. He explores the role of governance, regime or a system in our lives. Most importantly, Carnal Sacraments is sympathetic to the human desire to leave an indelible mark on the society- the easiest means of living forever.
Carnal Sacraments asserts the age-old truth that time is indefatigable. Science can progress and humankind may evolve. The global climate may alter, and the ozone layer may deplete more or in turn stabilize. But time can neither be conquered, manipulated nor usurped. Time always wins.
Carnal Sacraments by author Perry Brass definitely left a deep impression on my mind. Volunteering to read the book was a fulfilling experience. The uniqueness of the plot is applause-worthy.
My rating for Carnal Sacraments by author Perry Brass is a four star.
Carnal Sacraments: A Historical Novel of the Future Set in the Last Quarter of the 21st Century, Second Edition by Perry Brass
My rating: 4 of 5 stars