[Pippa's Progress] [By: Parke, Simon] [October, 2012]

by Simon Parke

Times have changed since John Bunyan wrote his classic Pilgrim s Progress, telling of Pilgrim s journey up the Hill of Difficulty and through the Slough of Despond to the Celestial City. Yet people in their millions still seek meaning in their lives and speak of journeying towards a goal. Everyone on earth seeks a heaven. This is the story of the journey of Pippa, a 21st-century Pilgrim. Simon Parke s witty and insightful modern-day re-telling of Pilgrim s Progress follows the original s premise of a pilgrim s journey to heaven, but this time through the trials and temptations of our secularised, postmodern culture. With plenty of advice and direction, not all of it helpful, from the likes of Glossy Mags, Shaw Thynge and Dee Straction, Pippa s epic journey along the Path of Yortether includes stops at Headspin s Hallucinatory Mental Circus, the Rock of Hidden Self, the city of Socialmeja and the village of Lower Bile.

Paperback

First published October 1, 2012

Reviews

[Hilary Lawrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taken aback

I expected this book to be a light hearted story about Pippa, or Pilgrim, finding her way to heaven with characters along the way to help her in her winding path. And it was, in parts. However I did not expect such profound and sometimes disturbing uncovering of the human condition, such depths that I could relate to, such wisdom along the way. I highlighted many passages and am looking forward to reading it again, as I am sure I will discover more gems that I overlooked on my first reading. Recommended.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

A wonderful thought provoking tale about heaven, hope, love and the many obstacles in between. The writing is humorous, tender and at times brutal. The "characters" are varied and raise many important and often overlooked traits within ourselves and the world around us. This allegorical tale will keep me pondering for some time to come.

[Ruth Innes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written with much to ponder in each chapter.