Like The Da Vinci Code, this astonishing novel, "The Strange Odyssey of Peter Sampson," is could cause concern in some circles of society,, as it’s protagonist, Peter Sampson, proclaims: “God has no influence on what does or does not happen in our lives; he doesn’t send Good or Evil down on us; he doesn’t listen to prayers.” (This prompts an angry clergyman in the novel to rage: “Sampson is telling children who kneel down to pray each night that they are wasting their time!” and “You don’t have to be good to go to Heaven. Everyone who lives earns immortality, no matter how they live their lives.” (The religious and secular establishments rail against this statement by Sampson as permitting people to run amok with absolute impunity; they forecast the complete breakdown of society)
A near alcoholic and an atheist at the beginning of the novel, Sampson’s views change dramatically as a result of an otherworldly journey he takes, an odyssey that makes his pronouncements highly credible to a growing legion of followers.
At one point in the novel, The New York Times proclaims him: “The greatest spiritual leader of our time.” Nevertheless, death threats mount against him, and his eventual assassination is widely anticipated.
This novel is a sweeping epic encompassing a romantic and intimate story that chronicles Sampson’s life and loves and his ultimate triumph over despair and hopelessness, a victory of his newfound spirituality over the specter of death haunting three generations of his family.
by Hal Schweig
The Strange Odyssey of Peter Sampson
Book Reviews of The Strange Odyssey of Peter Sampson:
"With a story that could be ripped from the headlines, building tensions
between characters and an angry establishment drives the powerful
narrative. There were times my heart was in my mouth"
- Laura Eckhart, Orlando, FL.
"A spiritual love story...uplifting and full of hope."- Josephine Kelty, Kona, HI.
"One of the most provocative and controversial novels in recent American fiction."-K Tenner, Book Review Editor, The Digest.
NewBookReviews.org Review of The Strange Odyssey of Peter Sampson
New World Press
The StrangeOdyssey of Peter Sampson by Hal Schweig is “one of the most provocative and controversial novels in recent American fiction.” Schweig's story about a failed alcoholic professor and a beautiful “angelic” model who admits to being “sexually dead.” Tells of their other worldly experience that changed them both, and the world's understanding of life after death. This is first a romance, between two very unlikely people, but much more than that. It is a story of hope and faith, which neither had at the beginning of their strange odyssey, and how they found peace and love on their journey... despite the uproar Peter Sampson causes as they go along their way.
Hal Schweig is an exhilarating new talent. His bold leap into controversial subjects shows a bravery and confidence usually reserved for best selling authors, but his skill and talent make it look and feel like he belongs in that group. Bravo! An extraordinary reading experience!
I Give TheStrange Odyssey of Peter Sampson 5 Stars!
Mark Reid,-NewBookReviews.org