Suza Scalora

I don’t normally review non-fiction, but when emailed by Suza Scalora asking if I would like to review Evidence of Angels, I thought I would give it a go. As I have an idea for my own fictional story regarding angels, Evidence of Angels is classed as research.

This review is going to be a little different from my normal reviews, as I feel I need to explain a bit about me for you to understand my views of the book. I was baptised Church of England when I was younger, and I went to a Catholic school, but I lost my faith along the way and I am now an atheist. I am of the opinion that, although I don’t believe, if other people find peace or joy from their faith, that can only be a good thing. I am fascinated by religion and the people’s beliefs, and I’m envious of what people get from their faith.

I was quite interested in reading Evidence of Angels; as I said, I’m fascinated by what people believe, and was looking forward to reading Suza’s story. It’s full of joy, hope, and peace of mind, and I’m sure those with faith will find it a book full of miracles and comfort. It’s a wonderful story, and the idea that there are all these angels that one can call on in times of need is just lovely.

Even those without faith who have no interest in spirituality will still find enjoyment in Evidence of Angels; the striking photos are just amazing! Suza is a professional photographer, all the images in the book are her own, and one could look at Evidence of Angels as an art book as well as a spiritual book. The photos are absolutely magnificent, so bright and colourful, and just so beautiful. Suza was nice enough to include a note to me on a promotional postcard when she sent me the review copy, and it’s just gorgeous! It will definitely be going on show. This is the type of book you would pick up time and again, if just to look at the wonderful photos.

I could be wrong, but my interpretation of the book is that Suza's story isn't supposed to be a story of "this is exactly what happened", but a story of a fictional journey written to explain an internal journey, so it's half fictional half non-fictional; you're not supposed to believe the words written as fact, but as Suza's spiritual truth. To explain what I mean, it's made clear that the photos have been set up, as explained in the extract below, from an interview with Suza which was included with the review copy, where as the story claims the photos were taken of what was actually physically there at the time.

"I use photography as a tool to communicate something, which is very difficult to see with out human eyes. The photography of angels are representations of the angels I have experience in my own life... The reason I titled this book Evidence of Angels is because photographs are evidence. And quite honestly, some of the best examples of 'proof' lie beyond something that we can hold in out hands because it transcends the material world. Rather, it is a deep sense of knowing within your own self that something larger and more beautiful than we can imagine exists in this world."

Evidence of Angels is such a beautiful book with Suza’s photos and certainty in her beliefs and the existence of angels. It’s a great book, and brought a smile to my face.… (meer)

I actually had trouble starting this book, but not for the reasons you're probably thinking. Every time I picked it up, I was just so overwhelmed and awed by the beauty and inspiration of the images that I found that I couldn't help but look through the book at all of them, missing the words. I couldn't bring myself to read because the images were just too beautiful. Each image was vibrant and colorful; each image absolutely took my breath away. The angels in each of Suza Scalora's photos are so realistic and full of light that at times I felt myself believing that they were real angels that she had somehow managed to miraculously catch on camera. And who knows - maybe they were.
When I finally made myself sit down and read the actual words on each page, I was not disappointed at all. The message that Scalora is sharing with us through her images of angels is so beautiful that I almost cried. Angels do exist. We are never alone. Sometimes help and/or comfort comes in odd or unexpected forms.
When asked why she wrote "Evidence of Angels," Scalora's response was "My intention was to create a book which could transport the reader to a place of hope and courage within his or her own self." She succeeded. Every time in the futre that I feel lost, in need of hope or courage, I am sure I will turn back to this book. Just seeing those angels in such average places, watching over everyone, will, I am certain, instill in me the hope and courage that I need.
This book inspired me.
I haven't seen any of Scalora's previous books, but now I will be on the lookout!… (meer)