“Hermit” is an exquisitely written ethereal story about Gabriel, a man who has chosen to eschew society and live a simple life of meditation and study. His only companion is a stray and very independent cat, Nisarga, who he calls “N” for short. Unlike Gabriel, Nisarga is fully involved with the world around him and leads a life that is a counterpoint to Gabriel’s life of non-involvement. Early in this story, we learn the effect of Gabriel’s self-imposed isolation:

“Gabriel felt less real, less involved, less a part of things in the world. He did not feel himself to be a person, but a kind of witnessing awareness only.” And, later, in a flashback to a thrift store purchase of a coffee mug we see a description of Gabriel’s reality: “...a mug he found sitting alone on a discount-store shelf – a ceramic version of himself...”

Yet, that is okay with Gabriel; he doesn’t see that as a negative thing. However, his quiet and predictable world is shaken just a little when the young, whimsical, Theresa, a college student on summer break, enters his life. Theirs is a May-December friendship, a joyous and eye-opening interlude for the reclusive Gabriel and searching Theresa. She is a vivacious person who is fully involved in the world around her, curious as a kitten and as friendly as a puppy. Gabriel finds her fascinating and compelling. He begins to feel long-buried emotions and yearnings, the very foundations of the not-so pretty life he had left behind.

Author Joel R. Dennstedt skillfully takes us inside the head and heart of his protagonist, within which he introduces the reader to spiritual theories and truths that make one stop and think, ponder and digest, and then exclaim, “My gosh! That is SO true!” Especially intriguing is the question presented early in the book, “Who were you before you were born?” How many of us have pondered that? And, yes, that question is answered beautifully later on, and you, the reader, will be thinking about it for years to come!

I highly recommend “Hermit,” not just for the splendid lyricism of author Dennstedt’s narrative, but also for his intimate revelations of the God-given beauty that lay deep within our souls.

Moreover, what the heck, as an added bonus, he shows us a great new way to prepare English muffins.

Joel. R. Dennstedt in his novella Hermit, takes the reader on a personal journey of renewal and self discovery through the eyes of a person steeped in the experience of life but also imprisoned in the desolation of the self. This is a book that tells its story through a lens that relegates time as a redundant way to account for a life well lived. Dennstedt bring to life this reality through the intense closeness of an old man and a younger woman. The two sole protagonists in Hermit connect in a way that transcends the material trapping of everyday wants and desires to give us something closer to a relationship that is dependent upon total respect and empathy for the other.
The Hermit is not a light or superficial text. It takes risks – both in theme and language. However, Joel Dennstedt puts into play a complex narrative that leaves the reader intrigued at the ‘plague of thoughts’ that are generated by the old man as he attempts comes to terms with his life and his relationships.
I can absolutely recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the deeper aspects of human interaction and how events in life occur within a temporal rift of interconnection.