Splendor

by David Zindell

Having grown up under the threat of the Cuban Missile Crisis and annihilation through nuclear war, the author set out on a lifelong journey to discover why a nearly godly race known as human beings seems doomed to destroy the world. To solve this great dilemma, he tried to find a new way of living that he calls splendor. He pursued this elusive quality, like many of his time, through knowledge, adventure, spirituality, success and love. (And, of course, through sex, drugs and Rock ‘n Roll). His quest would take him from the terror of death in the Grand Tetons to the wonder of life in the birth of his daughters to writing visionary fiction in celebration of both. Along the way, meetings with Robin Williams, Timothy Leary, Ken Wilber, and others famous, infamous and unknown, helped to shape him in different ways. This is the story of how a writer seeks experience and how that is translated into literature – and how writing itself can be an expression of splendor. It also tells how his work has been a dialogue with all the hopes, conceits, frustrations, failures and glories of the true Greatest Generation that some call the Baby Boomers. Whatever one thinks of the millions born beneath the shadow of the atomic blasts of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the author argues, the fate of the earth now lies in their hands – and in those who come after them. For their uncompleted task of overcoming the destructive forces of power, pride, wealth and war holds a lesson for all of us: that only through returning to the great dream of our youth and reclaiming our essential splendor will we fulfil our destiny to lead the way into an almost unimaginably brilliant future.

ebook

First published May 9, 2015

About the author

Biography at Wikipedia.

Reviews

[Kalin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pre-review, 16 Dec 2015:

This is ... this is ... wow.

(Too many words trying to get across only ten fingers.)

On the one hand, I wish I'd realized Splendor was out earlier. On the other, it's coming just in time to make my holidays ... well, splendid.

Now please excuse me. I'm off to create my Smashwords account. :)))

P.S. I just noticed this is (going to be) my review No 300. All part of the grand jubilee. :)))

P.P.S. And yes, I am this happy: :)))

~ ~ ~

Interim notes:

~ How many of you have felt like this when they were nine years old?

I ... cannot remember. (I cannot really remember my nine-year-old self.) But when I read David's memories, they feel like I've lived through them myself.

Where does this connection begin? Does it end--ever?

~ This one I dedicate to my fretting lady friends. ;)

(Am I being sexist? Well, I simply don't know any guys who worry much about their fat surpluses.)

(Am I being smug? Maybe. With this swift metabolism of mine .... I don't mean to be, though. I, just like David, would merely like anyone to build their relationship with themselves on love, not loathing. "Merely," heh.)

~ ~ ~

Review proper, 4 Jan 2016:

https://choveshkata.net/forum/viewtop...

[Matthew Tait · Rating 5 out of 5]

An autobiography every bit as evocative and transcendent as Zindell's fiction. Personally, I'd always been curious about the man behind the words ... and Splendor presents insights not just into Zindell's life, but apprehensions into the dark heart of mankind itself.

[Pat Morton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful insight into the life of one of the most brilliant authors which takes you from his moment of splendor in childhood to his pursuit of recapturing it through many varied means. Impossible not to empathise with his trials and admire his ability to endure.

[Alessio Piergiacomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rated the book with 5 stars because I loved the series of Neverness/A Requiem for Homo Sapiens, so I was intrigued to learn more about the author. The book might be less appealing to someone who is not familiar with David Zindell, I would rate in that case maybe 3.5 or 4 stars.

Personally I am happy to have learned more about how the idea of transcendence very powerful in the other books came into David Zindell's Life, and what he wanted to create and to transmit to his readers when he started writing.

And oh god, I found quite few surprise in the book. I was already aware that his books, despite being beautiful and profound, are not that successfully commercially, but I couldn't imagine the repeated financial hardships and other types of struggles he encountered in his life. I really wish him the best and I hope to read some new enlightening novel from him soon.

[Les Morton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A unique reflection of a flawed human and his struggle to speak all the beautiful words in an ordinary world. At times hard work but despite some hubris a lovely read.

[Chris T · Rating 4 out of 5]

An insightful and bittersweet account of the author's life that charts his journey from wide-eyed youngster in the 40s and 50s through to the man of present day. Whilst introspective it doesn't shy away from the bigger issues - socio-economic and political concerns through to the future of humankind and everything in between, this book casts a very wide net. This wider context is necessary as Zindell asks how his developing world view, his personal philosophy, aligns with the world. In doing so he invites the reader to ask themselves the same questions. Whether you agree with Zindell or not he will make you think and may very well change the way you do so.