Finding release, forgiveness on Whistler's Summit
by JWG
Prairie Messenger, October 18, 2000
Does not every story tell a tale of self-discovery? Does not every journey involve self-confrontation? Does not sharing our lives with others offer us the possibility of escaping the gravity of our own predicament through insights newly acquired? The whole process serves an enlargement of personal freedom, an escape from fate.
In this first novel of Saskatoon's television reporter, playwright, stage and screen actor Jennifer Wynne Webber there are signs of more good things to come. The tale she tells of Miranda Rosalind Tyler's journey from Whistler's Summit to Vancouver moves cleverly and convincingly on several levels. As a TV news producer, Randi exposes some of the quirks and cynicism of the profession and her own disposition. Abandoned by her current companion she is befriended by Indrin Rajiv Krishnayya determined to become a priest. Their relationship helps both of them to come to a better self-understanding.
Central to the story's mystery is Edmond, a Rwandan refugee and the contradictory information regarding his missing brother. What Randi finds out about both Indrin and Edmond and the background to a million Rwandans slaughtered in a hundred days plays a major role in her viewing cynicism as too easy a choice. Unconvinced by Marian apparitions, she wonders what was the point of Medjugorje. Indrin's own gift of faith and his conviction about Randi's positive future make an impact however.
Returning alone to the gondola of the story's beginning, Randi is able to face the new realities of her own life, express some hope for relief and forgiveness, no longer a victim of the gravity of fate.
This first novel is commendable for its convincing style, its credible portrayal of character, critical appraisal of events, beliefs and personal conduct. Sharing the novelist's art and view of life is an enrichment of ones own outlook and lifestyle. -- JWG
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