One Hand Clapping

By M. William Wythe

In The Truman Show, actor Jim Carrey plays the unwitting star of a television program who tests the limits of his reality, gradually discovering that the real world lies just beyond the boundaries of... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1583483225
• ISBN13: 9781583483220
• Release Date: June 1999
• Publisher: To Excel Inc
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.8" x 0.5" x 5.8"

Customer Reviews

Imaginative, A Good Read!

An offbeat, thought-provoking allegory, this made-up story is written concretely, vividly. Its sequel is being penned, I can't wait. . . Robert Stein, Author, BLACK SAMARITAN, VENGEANCE EQUATION

Is it just an illusion?

OHC is written by a man who has the integrity and ability to both see and solve for himself some of the mysteries of the mind. William Wythe succeeds in laying bare the soul of a tormented man whose search for the meaning of life leads him through psychiatric treatment, therapy, drugs, alcohol and all the pressures associated with turbulent life in the 60s-70s. The main character, Mauris, persists with his illusion of reality until he realises that reality is no more than illusion. The road to self-knowledge is far from straight and leads to the shock conclusion that, "NOBODY KNOWS REALITY", yet still, a shattered faith in human nature is restored.With a personal interest in psychology, philosophy and metaphysics, just hearing about this book instantly made it a 'must read' for me. I've seen comparisons and references drawn to such titles as 'Catcher in the Rye' and 'Celestine Prophesy', both of which I have read and enjoyed for different reasons. In my opinion, 'One Hand Clapping' is, at the very least, those two forementioned titles rolled into one... and then some!This is not a book that you simply sit down and read; this is a book that you experience. You can comprehend the reality of the problems faced by the main character and his continuing, internal struggle with what many perceive as madness. You read this book once and the enormity of it hits you like a bolt of lightning. You read it again, almost judging your own sanity, and then you call a friend to discuss it the way you would a major newsbreaking story.I was fully aware of the sexual content and the fact that 'One Hand Clapping' is an allegory. I was prepared for the adult theme, but pleasantly surprised that it in no way degraded the book or deflected from the storyline. The sexual content is entirely relevant as it metaphorically conveys the necessary raw emotions called upon by the deeper meaning. OHC should be classed as an adult, modern day parable, not simply a book about sex and confusion. It portrays a general disillusionment in society, yet with a genuine understanding of the muddled lives and confused minds in which many are trapped, tormented by a constant search for 'freedom'. The story resolves around the eventual, grateful realisation and acceptance of the true self. 'The truth will set you free', as has often been said in the past. The cataclysmic, potentially catastrophic freeing of the mind can release you to new heights... Mauris could fly. This book has every perceivable emotion from the morbid lows of depression and self hate to the ecstatic highs of love and true happiness.William Wythe merits proper recognition for having the foresite and courage to write this story. 'One Hand Clapping' opens up chapters of real life whether we accept it for ourselves or not. I challenge any reader to experience it and deny that there isn't a hint of their own true self hidden in there somewhere, and would highly recommend the title's addition to the reading lists of anyone wit

"A Must For Boomers"

A great read and a must for anyone who remembers those strange and exciting times (and those who don't or can't, for that matter) the late '60's early '70's. I can't wait for his next one.

Reality in it's true form.

This saga is the tale of a young man growing wise. In it Mauris Wangler is caught in an age of misplaced reality. The late 60, early 70's time period brought out the worst and best in young people. It was a time of enlightenment, rebellion, happiness, sadness, and above all, true soul searching. For those of us who grew up in that era, what we thought we were searching for, to this day, we most likely have not found. The prose in the book is sophisticated and spicy, the characters and their mannerisms well thought out and believable. The Hawaiian setting adds a worldly romance to the plot along with that of the main characters and the mispaced reality that eludes Mauris. Realilty is an individual perception and the story teaches us all that it's our duty to place it where it means the most....in our hearts. Thumbs up, and a 10 rating!

A very savvy and well-crafted novel!

One Hand Clapping by M. William Wythe is an entertaining and engrossing tale about a flamboyant idealist who suffers from a split personality disorder. In this coming-of-age story, protagonist Mauris Wangler searches for the path that leads to wisdom. Although he wants to save the world, Mauris needs more than anything to find a woman who can save him from himself. Like the little boy who cried wolf, he feigns insanity in order to collect welfare, only to end up needing more help than even his therapist imagined. Pulled one way, then another, by conflicting voices in his head, he must finally decide to heed a new voice -- his heart. The provocative premise of OHC: Nobody knows reality; therefore everyone must eventually take responsibility for creating their own. This isn't a new idea, but the author's treatment of it is. Some groups will feel threatened by this message. Anyone with a vested interest in the status quo will resist the notion that their particular take on reality rests on little more than the backs of those who are afraid to think for themselves. If, as M. William Wythe has stated on this web site, freedom resides in the realization that our life dramas are nothing more than stories we tell ourselves, then the author has done us a great service. The characters that populate this madhouse of a story are a memorable and likable lot. Even the villains evoke a certain visceral reaction. The plot keeps you guessing until the final page (whatever you do, DON'T read ahead!). As for originality and overall quality of writing, One Hand Clapping rates a standing ovation!