Set during three separate time-frames, "The Last Whisper" is a sweeping novel exploring the power of compassion, determination, hardships and ultimately sacrifice. The story stretches across time and space as it introduces the undying love between its two main protagonists, Francis and Celeste. He was a cellist and she was a ballerina when they first met in New York City during the late 1930's. Both at the very young age of 16
Camille Saint-Saens' 'The Carnival of the Animals' is what brings them initially together. Its powerful theme from "The Swan" becomes the backdrop of their love story as they navigate through the tumultuous waters of life. Their young love gets tested in ways unimaginable to human introspection. With time, the biggest challenges for them were physical barriers, principled ideals and emotional constraints.
This epic love story would be meaningless without the context of music, art, history, tradition, religion, politics, sports, nature and friendships. "The Last Whisper" captures the cultural background of two nations: America of Ford cars, jazz music, Coney Island, Brooklyn, Subway rides, Yankee Stadium and small cafes; Albania of old and yet, strong traditions, stuck in a world where communism was the most unfortunate and unforgiving accident happening to this small, beautiful nation in the southwest portion of the Balkan peninsula.
Using these two nations as a backdrop to their love story, two nations separated by physical distance and deep ideological differences, the author explores various relationships. He explores the relationship between two lovers: one Albanian-American and the other Czech-American. He explores the relationship between two best friends: one Albanian-American and the other Kosovar-Albanian. He explores the relationship between two ideologies: one western and the other totalitarian. He explores the relationship between two opposing truths: one pragmatic and the other idealistic.
But most importantly, he explores the relationship between a musician and a ballerina, the two central characters in this epic love story, who meet and fall in love with each other, time and time again. Their love for each other will withstand the trials of life for the next 60 years.
This epic love story becomes a reminder about the universal power of compassion. It demonstrates that we can defy our limitations and restrictions. Nothing is impossible! Nothing is unattainable! One can overcome improbability!
As we approach the finish line, we are left nakedly exposed to the universal truth that humanity is so powerful and yet, so brittle. In the end, we are overcome by the power of love. As you all read this epic love story, you may also find little pieces from their lives that resemble your very own. After all, we are all connected to each other by our shared duties of compassion and our ability to forgive.
