Review of Light Goddess

[mrlefty0706]

"Light Goddess" by Cloris Athena is a story about perseverance, kindness, and the journey of realizing one’s potential and purpose. Ori was a young boy bullied and abused by his parents that left him with a very low opinion of himself. When his loving grandmother died, Ori was heartbroken and depressed about her passing and how his life will not go on the way he wants without her in his life. He meets Florithena, the Light Goddess and she gave him warmth, hope and the motivation to continue his musical development learning to be a violinist and artist. The author’s vivid imagination created fairies and other mystical beings that bring joy into Ori’s life. Ori tries to justify his parents love for him even though they abused him. The vivid description of the punishments he received from his father for not becoming a prodigy violinist were upsetting. I suspect the author childhood or her memory of a friend's abuse as a child may have greatly influenced this story and I would need to read the entire book to learn if my suspicions are correct. It is possible that Cloris never talked about her abuse as a child and used this magical story to cleanse the heartbreak she suffered. I imagined that in some ways this story mirrors a young boy that prays to God for help and a stop of the abuse he is suffering. The abuse from parents that have other interests, classmates that make fun of other children and are mentally and physically abusive to other children on the playground during recess or at the park after school. Some may say boys will be boys but parents should encourage the development of a child’s gifts whether in music, sports, poetry, writing or art. Parents should be proud of their children and tell them how much they love and care for them. Punishments for wrong doings should not be severe and never include physical abuse. This is not my typical type of novel but I can see the genius in the writing and while the story could use professional editing I would like to read the entire book.

[Emmanuel Maduabuchi Eze]

Ori's story is touching. Childhood abuse and bullying can be crushing and can alter our lives in ways we never expected. However, I am motivated by Ori's resilience. I look forward to reading more on what happened when he met Florithena, the Light Goddess.

[Ohanele Chinonyerem]

I’m interested in reading "Light Goddess" by Cloris Athena because Ori’s story is inspiring and I love how Florithena’s presence brings light into his life.

[Jessy Edward]

A balanced and honest review. You highlighted the emotional depth and strong writing while fairly noting the slow pace and editing issues. Helpful for readers considering the book.