Bernini's Elephant

Albert Einstein's law of energy states that it cannot be created or destroyed, only changed from one form to another. Kat, a middle-aged marketing executive, ponders this law while touring Italy's antiquities, including Pompeii, where volcanic ash remains in the shape of a woman. She reflects on the ancient woman's fate and her own, and decides to abandon her travel companion and sometimes accomplice to link up with Franco, a street artist painting in the Roman twilight near Bernini's sculpture of an elephant. Kat learns that Einstein's theory holds in everyday life, as murder undetected remains murder after all.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 254 pages
Publication date: 01 May 2023
Publisher: Guernica Editions,Canada

Albert Einstein's profound observation that energy cannot be created or destroyed, but only transformed from one form to another, sparks a deep contemplation among Kat, a middle-aged marketing executive from Vancouver. As she embarks on a captivating tour of Italy's ancient treasures, Kat's mind wanders to the profound implications of Einstein's law. In Pompeii, the remnants of volcanic ash bear witness to a tragic tale of a woman's futile attempt to escape the wrath of Mount Vesuvius. Kat, a widow burdened by guilt, ponders the ancient woman's fate and her own. Seeking solace from the consequences of her past choices, Kat abandons her travel companion and sometimes accomplice. She finds solace in Franco, a street artist painting in the enchanting Roman twilight near Bernini's magnificent sculpture of an elephant. Engaging with Franco as his patron seems like a straightforward endeavor, but Kat soon discovers that Einstein's theory holds true in the everyday fabric of life. She realizes that she cannot escape the consequences of her past decisions, no matter how inconspicuous they may seem. Murder, once committed, remains a murder, a haunting reminder of the irreversible nature of actions.

As Kat's journey unfolds, she grapples with the weight of her past decisions and the consequences they have brought upon her. She reflects on the choices she has made and the paths she has taken, realizing that every action has a ripple effect that extends far beyond her immediate surroundings. The ancient woman's story in Pompeii serves as a poignant reminder of the human capacity for both resilience and destruction. It prompts Kat to confront her own demons and strive for redemption, seeking a way to atone for her past mistakes and create a better future for herself.

Through her interactions with Franco and her exploration of Italy's rich cultural heritage, Kat begins to understand the interconnectedness of all things. She realizes that the choices she makes today have the potential to shape the world tomorrow and that every action, no matter how small, holds significance in the grand tapestry of life.

In conclusion, Albert Einstein's law of energy transformation serves as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of life and the consequences of our actions. Kat's journey through Italy's ancient treasures provides a poignant backdrop for her contemplation and self-discovery. As she grapples with the weight of her past decisions, Kat learns to embrace the transformative power of empathy, forgiveness, and personal growth. Through her interactions with Franco and her exploration of Italy's rich cultural heritage, Kat begins to understand the interconnectedness of all things and the importance of making choices that align with her values and aspirations.

Weight: 390g
Dimension: 228 x 153 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781771837842