The Realm of Second Hand Souls

by Sandra Shea

In a novel that combines elements of magical realism, Zen Buddhism, and the Egyptian Book of the Dead, Novena, an orphan girl raised by her overwrought aunt and among her four male cousins, eventually finds salvation in a series of secondhand shops.

Genres: Fiction

387 pages, Hardcover

First published January 19, 2000

Reviews

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

ugh there was so much filler, I loved the descriptions in the beginning but after awhile it got stale. it's like it told the story and then the next 200 pages was just follow up.

[Veronica Knudson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was one of the strangest books I've read in a while. I would rate it between a 2.5 and a 3. There is no indication of the era in which it is written. The names of the characters are bizarre. The birth process makes it sound like it's from a third world country, but it is clearly more modern times and not 3rd world. Story is of Novena, who goes to live with her aunt and family after her mother's death (in childbirth) when she is 4. One of her cousins (Zan) is a bully and picks on her. Novena gets flashes of people as she handles their former belongings. I kept reading because I'd started it, but strange.....

[Victoria Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sandra Shea's novel "The Realm of Secondhand Souls" is a beautifully crafted piece of literature in a class by itself. Filled with characters with magical names like Catorza, Elegia, Annaluna, Novena, Zan and Whit it flows through time giving it an old-fashioned feel that adds tot the wonder of its words. It doesn't matter that a lot of death permeates the story, because the lives of those affected, give their existence their own glamour and elegance.
The running theme throughout the tale is clothing. How the clothes the characters wear reflect who they are and what they represent when the original owner parts with them. Novena, one of the main characters, even has a special gift for touching someone's old garments and seeing their life unfold. How she acquired this talent, and what she does with it, makes this book unforgettable.

[Laurie's Story · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four and a half stars.... Let me let it sink in a few days..... But definitely a good read. One of those books that I will set aside for a reread.

I don't care much for reviews that tell the story of the book itself, so let me just say that this is a wonderfully, well written, magical book of families, dreams and memories.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got caught up in it, and thoroughly enjoyed it. I thought it was beautifully written. I loved the author's descriptions of emotions and thoughts. It made me think outside of my usual way of perceiving things. The story kept me wondering til the end.

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

very interesting at first but it got a bore half way thru, too cutesy for me. A womans book, Style of writing got old, story was a bit interesting with quaky characters which I should have enjoyed but like I said I got tired of them.

[B.K. Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written story. If you like spiritual in a non religious way, like second hand clothing that retains the spirit of those who wore the clothes... Very entertaining prose. One of my favorites.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!

[Anita Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

strange, in a good way
Concept of referential mania introduced ....