Bardo- Krandall Kraus

Bardo was one of the very first novel which introduced me to the notion that our lives may not be determined by our sexuality or our defenses but by the experiences which bring us to the moment we stand in. It was amazing to see a gay male character portrayed simply a backdrop to a life he makes no appoligies and allows conscience to be our own judge... Krandall Kraus draw much of the inspiration and a large portion of the book from principles layed forth in the Tibetan Book of the Dead. Bardo is literally the moment between all things the pause of movement, the moment you are neither breathing in nor out you are not alive nor dead. in 332 pages Kraus takes us on a journey through the last few seconds of a mans life. Everything EG could be, has been, could have been or become lives as his memory and in the bardo are recalled in more of a dream like state.
In the opening chapter we learn our main character is dying, Kraus continues on to explain Bardo and the White room existence our story is set in. with characters named the Boy, EG and AD we are transported on one of the greatest and most spiritual journeys ever captured in a novel. Many criticize Kraus for his daring and some times erotic and disturbing imagery however to me these moments in which the most cruel of all humanistic consequences occur are presented as questions upon humanity and conscience of the reader, they to play a more hypothetical role in the life's story, and may too they represent the evil we all possess. Scenes of rape or incest are difficult subjects to read however when used correctly Kraus is a master of the intended dissociation in order to allow the reader to process it's own action.

This novel will always hold a special place in my heart and on my bookshelf, and if i ever get it back, it's place is still waiting empty. (come back to me)