The Milk of Paradise.

The Milk of Paradise

Todd Crump

Nightrain Publishing

8200 Shenandoah, Austin, TX 78753

www.themilkofparadise.com [phone]

0977800806 $18.99 360 pages

"The Milk of Paradise" is a gripping, disturbing novel about an addicted physician's struggle against self destruction. The seduction of morphine, also called "the milk of paradise," is graphically described. The author's background knowledge as a trained physician is evident throughout "The Milk of Paradise." Frequent brief passages describe or illustrate common somatic symptoms and underlying possible diagnoses or causes. These illuminate the development of the novel and do not in any way detract from the flow. It is a kind of reader introduction to something like medical thinking, which permeates the whole narrative. This makes it all the more frightening when the protagonist, Dr. David Madrigol, slides ever deeper into the chilling haze of narcotic addiction. His love for a beautiful social worker at first seems to have potential to help him rescue himself, but ultimately he blames himself for her death and chooses another more deadly mistress yet again. The final redemption is difficult to believe, but it is as good a resolution as any to the terrible existence of the addict. All the thinking and cravings and patterns of response of the body are graphically described, so that the reader experiences a convincing part of the addict's life. It is a terrifying book, yet vital to experience. More writings are anticipated from this talented author.