The Divine Symphony: A Requiem for Love/A Symphony in Sand

Symphony Trilogy

by Calvin Miller

An allegory of Creation and Redemption, combining A Requiem For Love and A Symphony In Sand, recounts the stories of rebellion in heaven and God's choices to man, and depicts a maiden's efforts to redeem herself and her betrothed. Original.

Genres: Poetry

144 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2000

About the author

Calvin Miller has written over 40 books of popular theology and inspiration. A former pastor, he is professor of preaching and pastoral ministry at Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, Alabama. He and his wife, Joyce, have two grown children.

Reviews

[Nadine Keels · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was drawn by the beautiful titles gracing the pairing of biblical allegory novellas in The Divine Symphony: A Requiem for Love and A Symphony in Sand by author Calvin Miller.

I enjoyed the lyrical flow in this mix of biblical fiction, fantasy, and poetry that tells of Regis and Regina, a man and woman at the heart of creation, as well as their Maker's plan for their descendants' redemption.

Granted, it bothered me to see how much time the first allegory spends on Regina's downward spiral and not on Regis's. If he were so strong in the Earthmaker's love and truth and wasn't dealing with his own hard struggle, wouldn't Regis have been strong enough in his convictions not to give up all that was sacred and eat the forbidden fruit when Regina asked him to? Might he have thought there could be another way?

Also, there were times I got lost in the second allegory and couldn't see the point behind certain developments.

Nevertheless, haunting passages would grab me and resonate, like:

Hate is bread—baked slowly
In the oven of our narcissism
And eaten with such haste
That we devour our hands,
And never notice till
We reach to touch what we adore
And find our fingers gone.

My goodness. Think about it.

And of course, given the core of the second allegory, the characters sometimes break into ebullient song about the incomparable Child soon to come to earth:

"The vast Earthmaker, cosmic in His Grace,
Has locked Himself within a little space."

"Let every mountain range declare with joy
The lion roars and God is born a Boy."

Indeed, this author's work sings of tragedy and triumph in a literary symphony that resounds with hope.

[Meredith Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

No words can describe Calvin Miller's magnificent writing ability! I've reviewed Miller's "The Singer Trilogy," and "A Requiem for Love." Now I have completed "A Symphony in Sand," and I was not disappointed. The second installment in his "Divine Symphony" recounts the annunciation and birth of Christ. As in his other books, the language is poetic and beautiful. The retelling is allegorical in nature and is reminiscent of Lewis' Narnia series.
Travare is chosen to bear Earth Makers' son, a "singer" who is destined to free Tarra from the tyranny of Slythe, the World Hater and evil ruler. Travar loves Artisan, a craftsman. Travare and Artisan prepare to marry, but the wicked Slythe plants seeds of doubt into Artisan's heart regarding Travare's innocence. Slythe also plagues Travare, weaving his spells of poison and doubt. Is Travare indeed the "Chosen One," or was she raped?

This inspirational book made me cry and filled me with thankfulness. Praise God for sending His only Son into this hate-ravished world! Miller will make you examine biblical truths from a unique perspective. All the characters are wonderfully depicted: Travare's devotion to Earth Maker, and her fears and vulnerability are magnificently portrayed. Artisan's doubt and jealousy are believable and totally relatable. Slythe's malevolence is frightening. The other characters are equally excellent. Please give this wonderful book a chance. God bless.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I finished it I wanted to start at the beginning again... there is magic in Calvin Miller's writing!

[Esther Large · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love it.