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A review by jeathhp
Buddha on a Midnight Sea - Short Stories by Francesca Hampton
5.0
I spotted this book here on Goodreads in a Buddhist reading list and loved the cover. Just got it from the library and devoured it. I had to smile at the author's preface-- I write ghost stories, and like to put a little note before each story to explain where the idea came from. The preface does the same. I find it fascinating to know the background of each story. Others may pass over this, but I found it helpful and referred back to it.
The title story reminded me a lot of Ray Bradbury's "The Foghorn" in its descriptiveness. The story is about a man whose life has unraveled to the point of despair and the plan to commit suicide by taking a one-way surfing trip out to sea. I at once regretted having to return the book to the library, as I know I'd like to come back to this story again. I am a practicing Buddhist, but have not transcended in meditation to the level of emptiness and clarity as described in this and following stories.
"Secret Journeys of Mary Sullivan" also touched me personally as it involves a woman who slowly realizes that she and her husband have different paths to follow and while travelling on a real trip she has a vision of a different path to follow and is encouraged by the Dalai Lama himself. How lovely it would be if we could all meet a spirit guide who offered up such a definitive direction!
"In the City of the Queen of Angels" is a sad story and to be honest, I'm not sure what to make of the ending. Will have to re-read again in the future.
In Buddhism, there is a lam rim exercise to meditate on your own death, to acknowledge that it is inevitable --to sit with it, face it, and even practice --what will your last thoughts be? Will you remember to be calm and focus on prayers and a good reincarnation? Can you let go of this life or will you cling to friends and things? The final story, "Landing Light" describes a death in remarkable detail-- the gradual letting go and being okay with it, even excited about what comes next. Another story to refer back to again and again.
All in all a lovely collection and I do hope Francesca Hampton has more stories coming.
The title story reminded me a lot of Ray Bradbury's "The Foghorn" in its descriptiveness. The story is about a man whose life has unraveled to the point of despair and the plan to commit suicide by taking a one-way surfing trip out to sea. I at once regretted having to return the book to the library, as I know I'd like to come back to this story again. I am a practicing Buddhist, but have not transcended in meditation to the level of emptiness and clarity as described in this and following stories.
"Secret Journeys of Mary Sullivan" also touched me personally as it involves a woman who slowly realizes that she and her husband have different paths to follow and while travelling on a real trip she has a vision of a different path to follow and is encouraged by the Dalai Lama himself. How lovely it would be if we could all meet a spirit guide who offered up such a definitive direction!
"In the City of the Queen of Angels" is a sad story and to be honest, I'm not sure what to make of the ending. Will have to re-read again in the future.
In Buddhism, there is a lam rim exercise to meditate on your own death, to acknowledge that it is inevitable --to sit with it, face it, and even practice --what will your last thoughts be? Will you remember to be calm and focus on prayers and a good reincarnation? Can you let go of this life or will you cling to friends and things? The final story, "Landing Light" describes a death in remarkable detail-- the gradual letting go and being okay with it, even excited about what comes next. Another story to refer back to again and again.
All in all a lovely collection and I do hope Francesca Hampton has more stories coming.