Told with humility and grace, Karma and Kismet is a memoir, a biography, a slice of history, as well as a coming of age that is engaging, genuine, brutally honest and a wonderful look at spirituality, communities and the many people who grace life’s highways.
Born in South Africa where apartheid was in full flourish, to parents who were damaged by the Second World War: his mother experienced the horrific ‘Kristallnacht’ of Austria, and his father was drafted into the Army, serving in Europe. Family life was lived on the edge, never knowing when his father, a man of unpredictable rages, was to lash out.
Dysfunctional in every aspect, Gary Fuchs’ family life was far from happy; brutal beatings by his father, domestic violence and a mother who simply could not cope, saw him being sent by his father to Oudtshoorn Boys High at the age of 13 years, far from his home and family.
Many years later, living in Canada thanks to his uncles who had a thriving business there, having learned many of life’s bitter lessons, he is still wondering who he is and where he fits into anything life, so far, has to offer.
University beckons and with that comes his first Hallucinogenic experience described in clear, almost poetic language. There seemed to be a deeper and wider understanding that perhaps there was a different pathway to follow and one that may hopefully, bring with it answers to so many of the questions he needed to answer.
Michael Shandler describes his life journey into a world of peace and prosperity with a very calm and rare compassion, as he set out on a vastly different life pathway than ever imagined. Moving into the Yogic trend prevalent during the 1960s and 1970s he became immersed in spirituality, travelling to India and then joining a remote community in Canada on Cortez Island.
These early steps saw him meet his future wife and her family who opened their home and heart to him, giving him a loving and accepting family. The birth of their daughters saw change once again, and the charm of living and being one of the organisers of several spiritual homes, centres and events brought with it a growing disillusionment with the varying philosophies, personal agendas and Gurus once admired.
Once again a pathway back to University was opened up which Shandler took, leading him into a world of stability and prosperity. He was present at the death of his father and can now look back over the years without regret or recrimination.
Karma and Kismet is recommended as an excellent memoir told in a very engaging manner.
Karma and Kismet
Reviewed By Janet Mawdesley
Author Michael Shandler
Distributor: Amazon
ISBN: 979-8888243824
Publisher: Koehler Books
Website: https://www.amazon.com/Karma-Kismet-Spiritual-Continents-Consciousness
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