Tags
1964, Anthony Hopkins, Audrey Rose, Faith, Frank De Felitta, Ivy Templeton, Life After Death, Reincarnation, Susan Swift
Born 1959. Died 1964. Born 1964.
Intriguing, no?
Frank De Felitta’s 1975 novel, Audrey Rose, captured imaginations. The movie version starring Anthony Hopkins and newcomer Susan Swift followed in ’77.
I’ve read the book–corny dialogue, stilted prose, and a temptation to skim that was hard to resist. IMHO
But the premise?
Reincarnation?
Ah. Now that was something. As a line of dialogue from the film depicts, the tale of Audrey Rose is ‘a vast cosmic drama.’
So the pages kept turning. Was Ivy Templeton truly the reincarnated soul of a little girl that had died in a fire? Was reincarnation real? I had to know. And I could not let go of the hope, impossible as I knew it was, that at the end of the book a definitive answer would be revealed.
I believe in life after death; I come by that belief through Christian faith rather than Hindu. I believe we come from God and return to God. Yet if I believe, as I do, that all things are possible through God, then who am I to discount past lives?
Perhaps we are not meant to know, but rather, we are meant to believe.
After reading the review of Audrey Rose that you linked to, I think the tag line is the most intriguing part of the book/film.
Snort. You would be right.
Sherry, the belief in past life goes so far back into human history, it would be difficult for any of us to document the “exact” beginning. Many faiths believe we not only have an afterlife, but that often the afterlife is our return to what we see as this life.
Reincarnation and the true nature of the afterlife? Did you read Brian Wise … ever hear of The Search for Bridey Murphy or Casey? I first read Bridey Murphy in high school and the subject has haunted me since. Kind of makes our fear of death a mute point.
BTW that trailer is hair raising
I have not heard of either case, Florence. Thanks for referring. I feel life after death is a fascinating subject, no matter your perspective.
To be clear: Hair-raising trailer? Yes. Hair-raising plot? Absolutely. Hair-raising read/watch?
Not so much.
IMHO
Here’a a book and movie that I’ve missed. Great premise. It is interesting how many people have memories of people and places they’ve never been. Makes you wonder.
The premise is awesome, Jessica. Stellar, actually. I’d love to see a reincarnation storyline in the hands of Stephen King. King would set the subject on fire!
Ok, that trailer creeped me out with the pounding piano and childish screaming. And then it gets a PG rating??? I think I need to rent this movie. I can’t believe I never heard of it before. Looks awesome. And…ridiculous. But mostly awesome!
The movie has its moments. And, no matter what, you’ve gotta love Anthony Hopkins.
That was one scary movie. I remember reading the book when I was brave about scary things.
Jesus said it is done unto you as you believe (maybe not verbatim) but makes a person wonder.
Back-in-the-day when I did a college paper on reincarnation, I devoured books with documented accounts of people who knew things (including defunct languanges) they could not have learned during their current life.
That’s when I chose not to disbelieve in reincarnation. I hope it’s not heresy to suggest we mere mortals can’t know the definition of heaven and hell any more than we can wrap our heads around infinity.
Go on. Sit under the stars at night and try to wrap the universe in a neat package with an ending. I’ve tried. Even a void is something, right?
I take my philosophical thoughts off to Holy Roller Burrito duty at church now.
Gloria, congratulations on your new appointment! (See below.)
Past lives and reincarnation – fascinating stuff. I find that while I can’t wholly commit to believing, I don’t discount the possibilities exist, either. I’ve got questions. Lots of questions. Anyone have the number or email for the Reincarnation Dept.?
Since Gloria did the research, I vote to appoint her Chair and President of the Reincarnation Department. You may email her at…