Imagine: A Novel

by Richard Anthony Harris

This is a love story. The story of the world before, but mostly after the day Imagine becomes possible. A tale of dreams and a revolution in love. Imagine a world of reason, intelligence and cooperation.A world with no borders and no countries. A world with no religion but full of spirit and consideration. A place where love, trust and faith dominate. A place where knowledge is shared freely and possessions are not important. Remembering a fabulous song but this time it's a story. Imagine will change how you think about the world.

363 pages, Paperback

Published December 29, 2020

About the author

Dr Richard Anthony Harris, that’s me, can be a bit of a dreamer. On the one hand I am a busy Vascular Surgeon to real people. On the other a daydreamer and writer who fell in love with words quite a while ago.

I live in Sydney Australia, one of the most beautiful places on the planet and I’m deeply appreciative of my surrounds, my family and friends.

I set about writing Imagine and a second book on the Thursday and Friday of what had previously been a somewhat disorganised and frustrating week in the life of a surgeon. Loving this profession but yearning to set some dreams, some adventures and some love down on paper.

So Thursday became Imagine and Friday became the second novel that will also be born shortly.

Reviews

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone knows the song Imagine by John Lennon right? Well Richard A. Harris is a dreamer because he has imagined a world where there is no religion, no countries, nothing to kill or die for and he has come up with an intriguing way in which this could come to pass. The world after I-day (the day when everything changes) is an intoxicating paradise where everyone works together and all are seized by a desire to create and reorder for the common good. All food is delicious and sustainably sourced, travel is easy courtesy of non-existent borders and giant magnetic hyperlink things that zoom you to wherever you want to go and knowledge is king.

Each chapter is almost its own short story, explaining the effects of this new Utopian order on different characters around the world. I smiled at the wealthy Texan executive with a fat belly who, upon being subject to the I-day harmonics, moves to Nepal, makes artisan barrels, runs a marathon and becomes a guru and expert on the love-making of the gods.

The author has clearly put a lot of thought into how this would all play out and I really can’t fault his vision of the ideal global society. A pandemic could of course throw a spanner in the works but I guess everyone would cooperate and use their collective knowledge to produce a rapid cure. I thought it was a really original story, full of ideas. At times it read more like an explanation or a background piece for a larger, more dramatic story. There are lots of characters, some we meet again in subsequent chapters but most are little cameos so I did get a bit confused with all the names and whether they were new to the story or not. Mostly though, I enjoyed the pace and the novelty of the imagined world, where we all live as one.

[Annie Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done dad. What a huge accomplishment publishing this book, particularly whilst juggling a busy workload in your “real career” and maintaining a social life after a tough year.
The concept of the book is creative, unique and beyond imaginative.
Each chapter was set in a different city around the world and elements of each city were well captured-making me long to travel again.
I enjoyed the characterisation although I was a little lost within the various short stories at times.
Overall, it felt nice to enter a utopian world with no concept of borders, currency or religion but of love, freedom and peace.. maybe one day? We can only imagine..

[Asiah Malik · Rating 5 out of 5]

At a time where one cannot travel, every chapter of Imagine takes you to a different country. That was one magic of this book. Of course the other magic was the idea, the thought, the dream, born from the song. The author beautifully takes the idea of harmony and love, something so needed today and wove it into a story. A song that made us all think that it may be possible, came to fruition with Imagine.
- Asiah Malik

[Iris E · Rating 5 out of 5]

You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one.
John Lennon, Imagine

Richard Harris's novel is not only a book, it's a dream.
Based on Lennon's song Imagine , Harris takes these few inspiring revolutionary words and pours life into them.
His book is a love story, a journey , a time travel, back to ourselves, to how life was supposed to be in the first place, and maybe can still be.

It challenges us to think differently , out of the box,to believe, to hope, to rebel everything history told us we should do, we should be.

It dares us to open our eyes and see what we are missing, and suggests what we can do so we live a life worth living.
The journey goes through unforgettable characters and breathtaking landscapes around the world.
Harris's descriptions are so explicit, accurate,clear and detailed, that you can almost smell the scents and taste the foods, hear the sounds and feel completely present in the plot.
You find yourself immediately connected to the ideas presented in the novel, and though utopic, you find them simple, realistic , reachable and practical.

Richard A Harris is a vascular surgeon. He has dedicated his life to healing people.
It will take more than one book to heal this entire world, but it sure is a good place to start.

It's a highly recommended book to those of us who still dare to dream.
A must read to politicians and leaders of all kinds, who sadly sometimes forget how to.

Walt disney once said: If you can dream it, you can do it.
Can you? Will you?

[Richard Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I might be a little biased (being the author) but I would really recommend this book. It's a very novel concept. Inspired by one of the greatest works of art ever, revolutionary in nature, John Lennon's song Imagine, the novel itself takes you on a journey across the world with the harmonies of the song in mind. Imagery and dreams are intricately woven in a number of love stories that intertwine and roll back on each other like the chorus and verses of a song. It is an easy read for a beach holiday or in front of a warm fire. You can read it twice to get to the deeper meanings and dreams of the novel. I hope many people read it because I think it has a purity of message which is all about love. There is a villain or two, there is drama, it is not a perfect world but one full of evolution, revolution, peace and generosity.

[Ellen Pepper · Rating 5 out of 5]

"In the sunlight, they were blessed."
IMAGINE is an embarrassment of riches, a panoply which covers all aspects of life. Inspired by John Lennon's song Imagine, this book is about love - both Agape (αγάπη) and Eros.
IMAGINE being able to freely travel and work anywhere in the world - no passports needed.
Friendly welcomes extended by everyone, everywhere.
A world filled with compassion, peace and abundance for all.

Very pleased to have read it.

"There was only one religion here, and that religion was simply love."

IMAGINE by Richard A. Harris, a novel
richardaharris.com

[Prashant Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine:A Novel by Richard A Harris is a novel inspired by one of the most famous songs of John Lennon's 'Imagine'.

We all have a desire to live in a world where there is peace,harmony,equality, no religion, no boundaries, no violence or say an Ideal World. But the question is that is there any possibility of the existence of this Ideal World in Real Life?

Author through his book takes us on a journey of our Ideal World,that has become after I Day, I Day is the day when everything changed for good reasons.

The book successfully covers the story of how I Day happened and what were it's effects and how the world was before I Day and how it become after I Day through 19 chapters.

This is one of the most important book that everyone needs to read right now as it gives us hope and a feeling of love. The book overall had been a great read. The details provided were the bonus. Its a must read.

[Amanda Peirce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with this story immediately. Such beautiful, descriptive language that painted the most palpable scenes. In today's world, this book was exactly the inspiring, fanciful tale of hope that I needed.

[Ben Benyamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Imagine Love and Peace." This book is a very special creation, and will take you on a journey to imagine a world at peace, where people act with compassion. Where war is no more, where the swords have been turned into plowshares. In reverence to, and to the great compliment of, one of the greatest John Lennon songs, Imagine, the author paints the details of what the world would look like if the lyrics of Imagine came true. This means no countries, borders, religions or other marks of division, and love among humanity. Sharing, equity, love. In spinning his tale, the author takes us to places around the world to experience the peaceful global utopia that would exist. Any skepticism is quickly displaced by the overwhelming positivity of the message of hope, and by the beauty of the writing, which shines and sparkles through to the last word of the novel. The author also treats the reader to a wonderful tour of international destinations. These parts of the book contain superb descriptions and enveloping scenes. By the end, the author reveals not only the paradise the world could someday be, but also shows the contents of his own heart and most wise and inspiring soul. Brilliant book! A must read.

[Margarita · Rating 5 out of 5]

To write a review of such an extraordinary book is a massive responsibility because nothing I could say would do it justice.

The book is simply beautiful from start to end. Grasping attention at every chapter.
The imagery, powerful and detailed, plays on your five senses: the vibrant colours of Rio, the intense flavours of Middle Eastern cuisine, the joyous sounds of peace celebrations in Syria, and the smell and warmth of love in South Africa.

IMAGINE The Novel is a book that takes you on a journey to the four corners of the earth. A novel that allows you to daydream with each sentence, paragraph, chapter. One day you're catching up with friends in Chicago and the next you're saving lives in Nova Scotia.

IMAGINE The Novel- a book that calls on humanity to live as one in peace. So let's #turnontheharmonics

❤️

[Alana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richard Harris’ Imagine has been the most insightful and interesting read of 2021 for myself. Harris has been inspired by a classic song exhorting mankind to a higher calling. He has succeeded in envisioning a world of greater things. Just like the song, the novel captures in chorus and verse in universal love, an adventure in dreaming of the brighter way of being human.

This is a great read, I would thoroughly recommend it.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Imagine this. A world without countries. A world at one with itself. Imagine.”

Imagine a world where having the time to enjoy a good novel in the tub was the norm.

This wonderful book by my dear @richharris2 couldn’t be more timely. After a year of fear and challenge during the pandemic and ongoing political and social unrest, this uplifting story, inspired by John Lennon’s song, is a most soothing balm.

Check it out! Available at Amazon and wwwrichardaharris.com.

@imagine.a.novel

“Religion no longer formed a nidus for the incoherent discrimination between humans, and no one valued one spiritual belief above another, with tolerance and curiosity being the main focus.”

[Beth]

I truly loved this book, it was like a giant hug for my heart and my mind. In the midst of this tumultuous year it’s exactly what I needed. I can’t wait to read more of his work.

[Pat Backley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A remarkable book that will stay in my mind for a long time.
The song “Imagine” sets the tone, but this author has done so much more. He has padded out the lyrics so that we can not only imagine, but actually see and feel this glorious new world.
I would highly recommend this beautifully written novel.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book!
I'm going to buy it for all of my friends. The perfect weekend read of hope, love, travel, and adventure!

[Phyllis Bruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book IMAGINE by Richard Harris had me excited to read, realizing it was his first book. The Dedication was sad, but getting into the book, I knew it was a book i would want to read. The print was Bold, the spacing was just right for me.
He takes you on a trip to various Countries, to experience the Struggles People go through when their Rights and Freedoms are taken away. The separation from each other, the goodbyes with the uncertainty of ever meeting again. But with so much of his Hope and Imagination, he showed us the Joy and Happiness that can be had, when people meet as one, loving each other with no barriers. Sharing their Cultures with each other, making lasting Friendships. This is Richards Imagination and desire, like many of us, for a Free, Happy, World. Interesting Book, I enjoyed the entire Book, especially the Romantic parts, felt so real. Look forward to your next book Richard.

[Kd · Rating 5 out of 5]

The day everything changed for the better ! imagine is a vibrant message, a humanist fresco painted with a colorful gaze. Chapter after chapter, recounting the adventures of women and men of good will. Supported by logic and correctness of mind, an exploration of great breath of fresh air, from which we are, of course, still very far. A nod to MIster John Lennon and his song Imagine, one artist inspiring another, so flows. Docteur RIchard Harris offers us in this first opus, his touching vision. A fictional novel where we like to slip a flower between our favorite pages and answer the epilogue, on the blank page, can you imagine ? Yes, i can imagine.

[Lauren Blau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magical Tale of a perfect world
The author, clearly a dreamer. has married his love of music with his love of words. He paints detailed and beautiful pictures with his writing. His research and attention to detail in terms of place and world issues are extraordinary. This book is a gift at any time but particularly at this time in history where it allows us to travel the globe freely in an ideal world

[Sean Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine tells the story of a world where love, reason and opportunity are the driving force. Greed and selfishness are left behind so that people from all walks of life have the chance to thrive. The characters and places around the world are brought to life with vivid imagery that draw you in to want to know more. While reading the book it made me hopeful for a world that could be, while also reflecting on the world we have. Love your work Dr. H.

[Samira Issa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great novel to read, very detailed… A must read!

[Cher Bonfis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just finished reading Richard A Harris’s book ‘Imagine’ A Novel.
Presidents and world leaders should be made to read it too.

John Lennon, who’s name is still so famous, that, hundreds of thousands
of, devoted, followers still buy, and love his music today. Over two hundred
artists have recorded the song ‘Imagine’ which was written half a century ago.

I really do not think it fair to summarise Richard’s story, for he spent
months of his time thinking it out, and writing it down, so that I,
and you, could read it. Just as the title suggests IMAGINE is what the
author does.

In the early part of the book the author imagines a way
in which, all human kind, can leave the conflicts, and the arguments, behind,
and live in harmony. Then, as the stories unfold, he imagines the possibilities
for us, Homo Sapiens, if we would only stop fighting each other.

In a passage about South Africa is this quote “Once fear was removed
from the equation.” That struck me with force because, it seems to me
that many people live in fear, I would go further, I think most of what
happens on earth happens because people are afraid.

In the very first chapter there is a scene with Yoko Ono and John Lennon. The question
John cannot answer is “do you think we will ever have a world that is really
like your song?” John responds “I don’t rightly know.” I came to a
sentence, and I wondered if, when John wrote the song, he would have imagined
this emanating from it. “Water consumption actually fell for the cattle as they ate
more of their nutrients and fluids in the rich grasses of the fields dedicated to them.”
Then this struck me, for it made me remember a
conversation I had in school, about discovering peoples natural abilities.
“There was equal education, and that accompanied recognising differing talents and gifts.”

I have one more quote, and I love this one. “The entire globe wanted to experience a Russian winter and the Russians couldn’t wait to experience the whole world.” Although I really am not so keen on a Russian winter myself.

As I travelled the pages I kept wondering if Richard Harris would go off
at some tangent and tell us how the system, for removing human conflicts,
was installed and maintained. What were the limitations, if any? Or what objections would be raised? Would people try to sabotage? What were all the technical details? Would it turn into another story ‘us verses them’? What was the downside? He did not do that. He kept on the message and from that it is easy to see the compassion which is embodied in Richard A Harris. A man who has spent his life repairing and caring for sick people and a surgeon.

Oh..... except the part where a nuclear bomb is dropped on Canada! Canada, yes!....... You really have to read this book!

He weaves back and forth along a time line, and shuttles about the planet, imagining what happened, in different places, at different times.
If I asked you to ‘Imagine’ would you say ’what’? Richard listened to Lennon’s song and he has done exactly what it told him to do.....
Imagine.

Are five stars enough? Probably not!

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story takes you on a tour of different countries through the eyes of individuals .. pondering ideas of peace and generosity.

It’s bold in the way it thinks outside of the confines of political boundaries.

Imagine areas that were once war zones being appreciated for their natural landscapes and intricate cultures being seen for their unique beauty.

Imagine sharing ideas and innovations for the improvement of all people.

A parallel in tune with John Lennon’s song, “Imagine.”

If such a world could exist, it must first be imagined. The author explores the possibility.

[Dave Stokes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked Richard's utopian extension of the themes in John Lennon's song: Imagine. With so much reality and true crime content around, it's nice to read an idealistic viewpoint. Music really does soothe the savage beast, and peace and harmony are worthy goals for our planet.