"Insightful, and innovative use of Buddhism to solve the mystery"
Besides his American medical training, Manhattan
psychiatrist David Sussman studied in Asia so not
surprisingly he uses many Buddhist concepts in his
practice. Still his eastern flavored methodology has not
stopped David from being a bit jaded, as he feels he has
heard every psychosis known to mankind until Laurel Hunt
visits him. She begs David to treat her Connecticut art
dealer husband, Hugh, who allegedly has had a breakdown
caused by his belief that he is literally "burning up."
Shockingly she believes a malevolent force is assaulting
her spouse. David rejects Laurel's plea, but consults with a friend Ara
Havakian, who abruptly says the word "KUNMA". Not long
afterward, David finds Ara dead. Stunned, feeling guilty,
and now unable to resist, David begins to investigate Hugh,
Laurel and the couple's son. He also looks into the word
Kunma, which he finds out is Tibetan for "thief of the
soul". David digs deeper into the puzzle though he
questions his beliefs while he wonders about past lives. KUNMA is at its best when David explores Buddhism while
seeking answers to the enigmatic Hugh. Once David feels he
knows what is going on, the plot becomes a standard
thriller especially the ending. David is a delightful lead
character and the Hunts will intrigue the audience. Though
a slight feel of disappointment will occur once the plot
westernizes, readers will appreciate this interesting,
insightful, and innovative use of Buddhism to solve the
mystery. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted May 18, 2003
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The myths and legends of the Tibetan Book of the Dead come
alive in this brilliant first novel by the world-renowned
director of stage and opera.
Laurel Hunt walked into the office of David Sussman
enveloped in a grave beauty that took his breath away. And
then she announced that her husband, who was currently in a
mental institution, was not crazy but in the grip of
something monstrous.
Dr. Sussman had ministered to his patients' fantasies,
neuroses, and psychoses for a good number of years; he'd
studied in India and Tibet; he'd seen and heard it all
before. Or so he thought.
This case would take him, against his will and in the face
of every scientific law he held dear, into the realms of
reincarnation and Buddhist myth. But these realms were not
the bottom of this mystic enigma-only in the Tibetan Book
of the Dead would David Sussman begin to find the answers
he sought. As murder and madness stalk him, the evidence
leads David to a conclusion his sanity refuses to
accept . . . until the mists of Time and Space open to
reveal the monstrosity that has come to claim him as its
own-the Kunma.
A stunning first novel that takes the reader deep into the
unknown regions of mind and soul and into the very heart of
the darkness that lives in every human being.
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