The Life of Jesse

About the Book

Jesse undertakes a journey in pursuit of the big questions: Why are we here? What is the purpose of existence? Jesse’s fantastic journey into the land of Skritsan leads her to Shagen, the Great Wisdom, who helps her to an understanding of the Great Composition. Jesse meets several compassionate characters, which appear in the form of gentle creatures, like Tohei, the mouse who guides her, and Nuvish, the tortoise who protects her. These characters lead Jesse and instruct her in her inner journey. Then she returns to her birthplace to bring her own message of peace, compassion, and self-sacrifice. Although Jesse’s story is pure fiction, it has spiritual symbolism and philosophical undercurrents concerning the relatedness of various world cultures and philosophies.

About the Author

Jean M. Ippolito is Professor and Art Historian at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. She is a specialist in Asian and Contemporary Art.