Exploring Vulnerability and Courage in “Samson’s Shadow”

In Ernest W. Cockrell’s profound novel, “Samson’s Shadow,” Ian, a wealthy gentleman – the churchwarden in a parish north of London – has everything except one insignificant item, possessed by his valet, a deficit torn open by the suicide of his bishop. This captivating story, filled with humor as well as anxiety, explores the many emotions men – and women – face as they journey through the self-awareness that emerges with puberty and its relationship to maturity. The inner struggle with all its self-conscious embarrassment is shared with his American vicar as each slowly learns to trust the other with very personal, sensitive information. Ian’s honest confession slowly reveals how his identity involving self-perceptions and self-worth is connected to society’s expectations, which all people automatically absorb from earliest years. Ian’s confessions reveal unexamined feelings, insecurities and pent-up anger inside the vicar, as well, making for an honest – sometimes unexpected – dual journey of discovery. Reading “Samson’s Shadow” reveals how people can become aware of their own shadows – all of them different and very personal – enabling them to build self-esteem in their own lives. This touching story shows that, despite one’s fears, revealing weaknesses in a situation of trust, can lead to growth and self-acceptance with resulting self-confidence. If you wish to know this thrilling story, copies are available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, other book sellers, or his website, so you can dive deeply into this opus magnum book.