Latest update April 7th, 2025 6:08 AM
Book Review…A Unique gift that brings lasting comfort
Book: I See Dead People by Jane Ross
Reviewer: Dr Glenville Ashby
Having a conversation with the dead is an unnerving thought. Some call the indulgence fantastical, or even diabolical. But to author Jane Ross, it is an unusual gift, an art, a blessing that has brought comfort to the “unquiet” dead, not to mention families of the deceased.
Ross’ philosophy is culled from the pioneering work of psychiatrist, Dr Carl Wickland, that posits that a parallel world of the dead exists. It is in this zone that the dead are unaware or unwilling to accept their transition or new existence, and are mired in disillusion and confusion. They roam, trying to capture our attention, ever seeking some kind of resolution. It is believed that these rudderless souls are in need of our assistance. But only a handful of us are bestowed with the gift to offer solace. Ross reluctantly accepted her mission as a spirit release therapist.
She chronicles her mystifying journey as a psychic medium receiving impressions telepathically from the dead. She is reluctant, sceptical, at first, but restless spirits, eager to tell their story, will not give her respite. Her friend, John, a healer, is more adventurous and eager to explore this sudden unfoldment of events.
Ross eventually capitulates and accepts her life’s purpose. Eventually, Ross and her friend work in tandem, helping lost souls move from their harried earthbound existence into the light.
Ross will have her fair share of detractors. Orthodox theologians will denounce her as a victim of beguilement from wily spirits. Atheists will find her work incredulous, unscientific and fashioned by a hyper-imaginative mind. Maybe, there is some validity to this criticism. In essence, Ross could prove more credible if only she had been more archival and exploratory in verifying the claims of her spirit friends.
Of course, she needs little to convince the growing number of New Age practitioners and spiritualists whose unyielding mission is to proclaim the reality of the hereafter. Ross will also find support from those who, perchance, experienced a paranormal phenomenon.
Undeniably, ‘Dead People’ adds to the nebulous yet emotionally charged discourse on the spirit world. Is mediumship an authentic gift? Is our interaction with the “dead” part of a villainous ploy by evil spirits that leads to our perdition? Is there really life after death? Is Spirit Release Therapy a far more effective way to remove lingering ghosts than the edgy and confrontational approach of traditional exorcism?
More importantly, Ross’ narrative begs the question: why do we embrace the mediumistic gifts of religions’ historical figures, but marginalise or debunk the worth of their modern day counterparts?
Undoubtedly, Ross’ thesis demands further study, if only for the nagging metaphysical themes it explores.
Feedback: glenvilleashby@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter@glenvilleashby
I See Dead People (How I Learned To Help Earthbound Spirits) by Jane Ross
Copyright 2013 Jane Ross
Available: amazon.com
ISBN- 13:978-1493766925
Rating: Recommended
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