Philosophy Made Simple

Robert Hellenga
Little, Brown and Company (2006)
ISBN 0316058262
Reviewed by Marcelline Burns for Reader Views (3/06)

I approach a review of this novel with misgivings, fearing that my words are inadequate to communicate its merits. It is a gem to be savored in the reading and in the re-reading. Unlike many books that come my way, it will have a permanent place among other treasures.

The author takes us into the life and the heart and the soul of Rudy. This main character is not a hero of the kind that populates many novels. He is an ordinary, flawed man, a widower, father of three less- than-perfect daughters, a man pondering philosophical writings as he tries to find meaning and direction in a life emptied of reasons for living. We follow him from his longtime home to an avocado ranch in Texas. We share his humorous misadventures, recognize his loneliness, and reflect on his profound musings that are deceptive in their simple language.

Norma Jean, an elephant who paints, enters his life and our hearts. Nandina, a gracious and wise lady, gently loves Norma Jean and Rudy. When Norma Jean and Nandina depart, each in their own way, Rudy is able to finds clarity in his memories of Helen, the wife he loved and lost to Bruni… and loved still.

Dr. Hellenga’s writing buoys his story telling. No sentence jars the senses. Never does one have to re-read to understand. Words meld into images and sounds and scents, and reading is pure pleasure.

The reader who seeks thrills and suspense and breathless sex is advised to pass on this book. The reader who ponders unanswerable questions, who understands loving an imperfect child and accepting a faithless lover … the reader who wonders why we persevere … the reader who thoughtfully lives an ordinary day … ‘you’ will read and smile and weep and be grateful for all it.

Make comment on weblog