In Search of a Brilliant White Cloud

By Simon van der Heym

The search for inner peace is a quest on which many embark. However, life’s pitfalls and turmoil often stand in the way of discovering that desired state, as our beliefs and priorities change with... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1571974202
• ISBN13: 9781571974204
• Release Date: February 2005
• Publisher: Ivy House Pub Group
• Length: 364 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.5" x 1.3" x 5.8"

Customer Reviews

In Search of a Brilliant White Cloud

In Search of a Brilliant White Cloud examines the life and struggles of Eric. The beginning of the story introduces the shy, awkward Eric at the onset of the German Invasion of Holland. At this time, the boy has little comprehension of what a Jew was, why his family are in danger simply because his grandparents were Jewish, or how his life would change as a result of such racism. The constant danger, hate, and uncertainty of life in the next few years force the frustrated and confused boy to draw further within himself making it extremely difficult for Eric to open himself up to love and to the other treasures that life brings for the rest of his life. Though, most of us have not had to endure the extreme pain and suffering that Eric had to endure as a child, Eric is basically a representation of each of us. Each of us has been influenced and shaped by our own experiences. All too often, we close ourselves off from love, possibilities, and living life because of our own insecurities and the inability to see past the trauma to the miracles and gifts that each situation brings. In Search of a Brilliant White Cloud urges us to look at our treasures found in both positive and seemingly negative situations.

Heart-felt!

In this book we are introduced to Eric van Polis, a young Dutch boy whose life is about to change forever. We experience the trauma that is his as his family makes a dangerous escape to Switzerland fleeing the persecution of the Jews at the hands of the Germans. The author does an outstanding job in bringing you into the lives of Eric and his family, allowing you to feel the inward emotions that they are dealing with during this traumatic time, their unbelievable horror and the courage each family member was called upon to give. At the end of this experience you know this family and have become one with their hopes and dreams for the future, and the deep heartbreaks they have experienced. We follow Eric's life as he struggles to understand why he suffered for being Jewish, why his relationships fail and why his life seems to have no meaning. We share with him in failed marriages, father-child problems, career decisions and life in general. In his journey, Eric battles his emotions, desperately seeking answers and longing for a peace he cannot seem to find. Finally after a lifetime of unanswered questions we find Eric at peace with himself, his family, his past and eternity as he is confronted with the battle of cancer. A gift in disguise, Eric learns as he is confronted with possible death, what life is all about. I found the experience that Eric had with the 'white cloud' fascinating and would have liked to have read more details about it. Although I felt the author wrote as much about the experience as he could, I long to know the mystery behind it. It certainly was a life changing experience for Eric, and one that added deep meaning to the read. It is through this circumstance that Eric finally realizes what is important in life, his past shortcomings in achieving that goal and the realization that it is within his own ability to reach the peace he has been searching for, for so long. This work is one mans struggle against the obstacles that life placed before him, his continuing battles and his final conquest. I believe the author finally found his answers and I hope this work will help others to find their peace as well.