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This second book in The Carpenter and The Apprentice series continues the story of Danat, Solomon. Jonah, and Asbat as they undertake a journey to find Solomon's paternal family. Solomon is a twelve-year-old war orphan. "Solomon's desire for peace and his concern for others was pure and heartfelt. It was consistent. It was simply his way." Danat is Solomon's protector and is fulfilling a promise to Solomon's mother to get him to his father's people. Jonah is the strongest and most able of the group. Asbat is a seasoned traveler whose knowledge of the land helps lead the group to their destination. Regardless of the dangers they will inevitably face, all are dedicated to Solomon and their quest to find his father's people. Those dangers become more real when Danat is arrested and imprisoned for a crime he didn't commit. Solomon locates Danat's cell, and he speaks to him through a small window. With a heavy heart, Solomon and the group realize that Danat is now beyond their reach and, at Danat's insistence, continue their journey.
As the three remaining travelers continue onward, they spend much time contemplating and discussing the lessons learned from the man they refer to as "The Carpenter." This teacher has touched the hearts of each group member, and they find strength in remembering his philosophical discussions. Danat, too, finds strength in remembering the Carpenter's words. Though Danat suffers greatly, he is compelled to share the knowledge he has gleaned from the Carpenter with the other prisoners and even with one of the guards. Solomon finds comfort in visions that tell him Danat is still alive. As the group continues the journey, they find many of the people they meet are happy to help them. Will Danat survive his time in prison? Will the group find Solomon's family? And what valuable lessons will they learn on their journey?
Zacaroli's novel is reminiscent of the spiritual quest found in Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist. Solomon, much like Santiago in Coelho's fable, encounters danger and friendship along his journey, and both discover much about themselves through the quest. Solomon is gifted with visions that help them along the journey. His mother and father accompany the group as spirit animals. The hawk and red fox lead them along the right path through the mountains. Though Solomon is unsure of the reception he might receive and is constantly worried about Danat, the animals comfort him. As the group continues, they spend each night discussing the Carpenter's teachings. These conversations are the heart of this novel as they address the implications of the teachings. Solomon is brilliant and intuitive, which makes him the perfect vessel to share this knowledge. Each of these main characters is fully envisioned and believable, and all are devoted to Solomon and the Carpenter's teachings.
The author integrates aspects of Christianity, Buddhism, and indigenous teachings, making this a truly unique and thought-provoking novel. She beautifully blends these philosophies so that they seem to have always been interconnected. This melding together of philosophies is impressive. Readers will find much to contemplate as they take this journey with Solomon and friends. Their faith remains strong even as they face dangers. This novel will leave readers contemplating its lessons and philosophical teachings long after the book is finished.
Using her experience as a psychotherapist and her dedication to spiritual growth, the author takes a unique approach in writing this novel. The discussions of the Carpenter's teachings present a depth of understanding and inclusion not always found in such literature. Her descriptions of the terrain and the people the group encounters place readers directly alongside the main characters. One can almost feel the dark, dank prison and depravity of the prisoners or the heat of the desert as the group makes its way north. Zacaroli is a master storyteller whose ability to incorporate philosophy and adventure in this remarkable novel is admirable. Those who enjoy a good story that makes them think are bound to love this one. It's an adventure readers won't regret.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review