title: Radiance: A Novel
author:  Phil Kenney 
description: Although often nostalgic, the book never romanticizes the morbidity on its pages. Its short sentences and subtle repetition build into crescendos of poetry and flourishes of magical realism. A beautifully written, slow-paced reflection on a 20th-century family.<br /><b>Kirkus Reviews</b><br /><br />This literary, poetic and openhearted novel is a tribute to the magic of where we come from, who we love, and ultimately, who we are. <i>Radiance</i>is a compelling exploration of the emotions and spiritual mystery at the heart of family life and personal experience. Phil is able to bring the reader into an intimacy of individual and family dynamics that is only possible due to his deep understanding of psychological life and from the courage to explore the unknown territories of our family and personal shadow.<br /><b>Dr. Larry Christensen, Psychoanalyst and Director of the Portland, Oregon Zen Center</b><br /><br />This is an eloquent and powerful piece of writing. Phil Kenney weaves together heart-breaking scenes with a dying mother, spiritual quests, and the loss of a brother, all of it elaborated by an exposition of the times by way of such cultural icons as Dagwood Bumstead and Perry Mason. There is a Castaneda-like, hallucinatory quality to the last half of the book when an amazingly rich, mystical and profound personal journey is elaborated on with the utmost care. I whole-heartedly recommend this book.<br /><b>Rob Bibler, Artist and former chair of the Chemeketa Community College Art Department</b><br /><br />This remarkable first novel, which is both thought-provoking and lyrical, is a joy to read. It's satisfyingly complex yet completely accessible. The author ponders with us the age-old questions that are part of the human experience, and gives us glimpses of possibilities that come as close to the answers as I've found. Psyches are laid bare in a frank, stingingly honest way, yet with a compassion and care that is touching and tender. This book weaves a rich tapestry that I'll enjoy reading again, and perhaps yet again.<br /><b>Nancy Wolf, Author and Editor</b>
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  RADIANCE
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  by
  
  
  Grace Draven
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Radiance - Copyright © 2014 by Grace Draven.
  
  
  
  
  
  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced,
  distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, including
  photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without
  the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief
  quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses
  permitted by copyright law.
  
  
  
  
  
  Publisher’s Note: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and
  incidents are a product of the author’s imagination. Locales and public names
  are sometimes used for atmospheric purposes. Any resemblance to actual people,
  living or dead, or to businesses, companies, events, institutions, or locales
  is completely coincidental.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  