By CHRISTINA F. KENNISON
Special to the OBSERVER
Brenda Ivino writes plays, short-stories, novels, owns Dream Arts Production, LLC, and holds interest in ghosts and reincarnation. She has a daughter and states at the beginning of "The Shadow of You" that it's based on real experiences. Readers cannot help but be intrigued. Some may possibly be reassured about their own encounters with Ivino's claims. Either way, it's a fast read; pages turn themselves. The writing is fluid and scenes poignant. Readers will race through pages eager to learn more.
"The Shadow of You" is about a divorced writer with a teenaged daughter who longs for more than the passion she currently has with her husband from a previous life. Monika never could forget him, not then as Snow Goose from a Navajo tribe, or now as a writer. Oh, she felt lucky and Hawk reminded her of their past as husband and wife, and she even recalled the exquisite details, but she longed for him in the flesh and blood. She wanted things like him taking her hand to be in this life, for him to really walk through the door.
Monika had lived in daydreams until Hawk came along. Now, she knew how happy they'd been in their other lives. Things weren't perfect between her and Hawk, but Monika believed herself fortunate until he began to come to her less and less.
Funny thing about the present - sometimes it's connected to a past life. Reality becomes a secret known only by two. "The Shadow of You" is both the title of this book and how the main character feels about her past Native American lover in non-human form presently.
This book addresses reincarnation, the continuation of love, and unexplained ironies. Ivino confesses her belief that the soul takes a new body captivating readers further, personalizing her character's longing. Interesting, fun, and a captivating story. For those who believe and for those who don't.
Christina F. Kennison, a book reviewer, is a South Dayton resident.
