Loving Soren

a very well-written and interesting book. a bit sad of course, but also greatly insightful. except for the issues of romance and relationships, it also deals with depression. i found it mirrored many issues from modern day life and was thuswise actually wise. i also learned a lot of things about the complex and genious personality of this philosopher, which i found really interesting. i'm glad i bought this book, i intend to read it again sometime, it deals with so many many issues.

O'Neill captures well the angst of Regine whose first love just happens to be Soren Kierkegaard, a wildly intelligent man who battles depression. Based on a true story, O'Neill does a stunning job of integrating a true sense of place and custom along with the tortuous, meandering thoughts of a girl in love with an impossible man. Even in that wrestling, there is hope. And another man who loves her through the pain. If you're looking for a well-written, beautifully crafted novel, this book will satisfy.

I just finished reading Caroline Coleman O'Neill's account of Regina Olsen's version of "Loving Soren" Kierkegaard and I actually hated the thought of finishing the book because I just didn't want it to end. If you are a fan of Jane Austen's writing, then you will absolutely love the mind of Ms. O'Neill. I am amazed at the vision, the implementation of that vision and the sheer romance of her mind. She is a vivid, energetic, poetic storyteller which completely draws you into the time and space of the actual events. I found myself identifying completely with Regina (yet knowing that I could not possibly be more the antithesis). You can tell from this book how much Ms. O'Neill loves life, how much she appreciates people and how much she loves the Lord. It was thrilling, easy reading, romantic and challenging all at the same time. She didn't write this book assuming her readers ignorance, she wrote it celebrating her readers intelligence. I loved her descriptions of both the surroundings and the minds of the characters depicted in her book. Clearly, she took great care and time to give us as close to an authentic account as possible and we are ALL the better for having had the pleasure of sharing such an intimate account of Kierkegaard's life, Regina's heart and Ms. O'Neill's mind. My only disappointment was that I wanted to know more about what happened to Regina -- perhaps that will come.

I couldn't wait to find out what happens to Soren and Regina. This book is a wonderful combination of a good story plus some edifying content. You can pick up on a little of Kirkegaard's philosophy as well, but the philosopy is not handed out in a heavy-handed manner. We read this in my book club, and the discussion that followed was one of the best we've had in 8 years of meeting. The book touches on self-sacrifice, religion, philosophy as well as some great characters. I highly recommend the book.

This is one of those books where after the first few chapters you just can't put it down! I can't imagine the number of dry biographies that must have been written on the subject -- O'Neill cuts through all that to produce a very human story. It says on the inside cover that this is her first book -- I look forward to seeing what she cooks up the next time around. . .