Gichi Manidoo
Gichi Manidoo
by Charles J. Musser
Gichi Manidoo is a book of
self-discovery that puts forward the idea of a magical realm that exists within
oneself and could be reached through sleep, dream or introspection.
The structure of the
novella is that of a complex frame story, a fact that creates the illusion of a
‘mirror within a mirror’. This means that there is a surface story, the love
story of Federico and Marie, which also includes Elizabeth’s story that
comprises the story of Aiyana and Nanabosho as well. There are two more stories
comprised in the surface story that mingle with Elizabeth’s: Marie’s diary and
Federico’s memories.
Charles J. Musser creates
two types of characters that constitute the essence of two worlds: the magical
and the real one. The magical realm can be easily viewed as the equivalent of
the inner world. Here, human beings and animals, that might have the role of
guardians, are searching together the supreme balance between body and soul
using various means such as: music, dreams, stories, journeys.
The open ending offers an
extra dose of mystery to the story, sustaining the feeling of hope that true
love overcomes any obstacle, even though it has to be fulfilled through death.
Full of symbolism, Gichi Manidoo is the perfect book for every reader
interested in magical realism.
Andreea Padurean

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