Hidden Faces

The only novel by the twentieth century's most acclaimed surrealist painter, a richly visual depiction of a group of eccentric aristocrats in the years preceding World War II “The book is so full of visual invention, so witty, so charged with an almost Dickensian energy that it's difficult not to accept its author's own arrogant evaluation of himself as a genius.” — Observer In swirling, surreal prose, the iconic artist Salvador Dalí portrays the intrigues and love affairs of a group of eccentric aristocrats who, in their luxury and extravagance, symbolize decadent Europe in the 1930s. In the shadow of encroaching war, their tangled lives provide a thrilling vehicle for Dalí's uniquely spirited imagination and artistic vision. Hidden Faces beckons readers to enter the bizarre world already familiar to us from Dali's paintings. The story unfolds in vividly visual terms, beginning in the Paris riots of February 1934. The journey leading to the closing days of the Second World War constitutes a brilliant and dramatic vehicle for Dali's unique vision. “Start the first page and you are in the presence of an old-fashioned baroque novel, intelligent, extravagant, as photographically precise as his paintings but not so silly ... Dali notices everything ...” — Guardian

Mother Teresa said, “to have courage for whatever comes in life—everything lies in that.” When people think about courage, they often think about those who put their lives on the line for us every day, like first responders, firefighters, or police officers. But there are so many others who quietly endure, with steadfast courage, whatever comes their way in life. These people are like the anawhim in the Old Testament—the good, kind people whom very few know about, but who trust in the Lord. He is their strength. It is because of their faith in him that they live their lives with courage to face whatever comes their way. In over thirty years as a psychotherapist and spiritual director, Wilcox has often been amazed at the strength and courage of so many of his clients. Some have faced physical disabilities; others struggle with mental, emotional, or psychological problems; still others with personal, family or career issues. These people are what he calls “the hidden faces of courage.” Often, they are not well-known. They certainly receive no notoriety or press. Yet, they are always there, doing the best they can each day. This book is an invitation to understand and appreciate the unnoticed courage and strength of ordinary people. If we can “walk in their shoes,” it will help us to be courageous for whatever comes to us in life.

Many small Renaissance portraits were richly adorned with covers or backs bearing allegorical figures, mythological scenes, or emblems that celebrated the sitter and invited the viewer to decipher their meaning. Hidden Faces includes seventy objects, ranging in format from covered paintings to miniature boxes, that illuminate the symbiotic relationship between the portrait and its pair. Texts by thirteen distinguished scholars vividly illustrate that the other “faces” of these portraits represent some of the most innovative images of the Renaissance, created by masters such as Hans Memling and Titian. Uniting works that have in some cases been separated for centuries, this fascinating volume shows how the multifaceted format unveiled the sitter’s identity, both by physically revealing the portrait and reading the significance behind its cover.

It was supposed to be the happiest day of my life, my eighteenth birthday should be the day I'm finally living the way I want to and don't have to bother with problems. Just one day of celebration with my friends. Until that day turned into the darkest nightmare I've ever had, surrounding me like a shadow, shattering into me like a big mountain. My father died. Yes, he died on my birthday. After speaking to the police chief, I find out that he not only died, but also commited suicide. The happiest man in the world commited suicide? Never. I don't know what kind of things are going on,but I will find out who killed my father and reveal all those secrets and hidden faces.

"Worshipers' Masks: The Hidden Faces of Success" is an intense and introspective journey into the heart of ambition and the steep cost of triumph. The narrative follows a protagonist deeply committed to their quest for success, navigating a treacherous world where admiration is intertwined with envy, and support is often a facade for sabotage. Set against the backdrop of a highly competitive environment—be it the corporate world, artistic circles, or any realm where success is visibly rewarded and coveted—the story delves into the complex dynamics of relationships shaped by the pursuit of excellence. The protagonist encounters a variety of characters who embody the “worshipers' masks”—colleagues, rivals, friends, and even family members—who, under the guise of support, harbor resentment and destructive intentions. The plot intricately weaves through experiences of deceit, betrayal, and moral dilemmas, highlighting the protagonist's inner turmoil and resilience. Key themes include the irony of adulation and jealousy, the psychological battles behind apparent achievements, and the resilience required to withstand the onslaught of hidden enemies. Symbolism is a strong element in the narrative, with masks, mirrors, and shadows representing the duplicity and hidden intentions of those surrounding the protagonist. Dialogues and interactions are crafted to subtly reveal underlying tensions and conflicts, adding layers of depth to character interactions. As the story moves towards its climax, a significant betrayal tests the protagonist’s beliefs and resolve, leading to a nuanced understanding of success and human nature. The resolution is reflective, possibly open-ended, leaving readers to ponder the nature of success, the complexities of human relationships, and the thin line between admiration and envy. "Worshipers' Masks: The Hidden Faces of Success" is not just a story about achieving greatness but also a profound exploration of the emotional and ethical landscapes navigated in the quest for such greatness. It's a narrative that resonates with anyone who has ever strived for success, only to find that the journey is as fraught with challenges as it is with triumphs.

“Hidden Identities: The unseen faces” is an anthology that ponders about the world around us and the faces we put forward to that world. This book brings to you the most beautiful tales from different personalities connected through a single idea - ‘True Self’. The true self is often hidden, sometimes out of greed, sometimes out of love, sometimes out of fear. These and many other situations force us to hide our feelings of love and hatred, trust and distrust, confusion and sorrow. We put on a mask before our family, another one before our friends and yet another one before the society. Every page in this book is filled with serene pieces which brings to the readers the excitement of reflecting upon their own true selves and realizing their own hidden identities.

Dealing with narratives of vulnerable populations, this book looks at how they deal with dimensions of their social life, especially in regard to health. It reflects the socio-political ecologies like public hostility and stereotyping, neglect of their unique health needs, their courage to overcome adversity, and the love of family and healthcare providers in mitigating their problems. The narratives inform us about the dissimilarity between the way we speak, what we hear and how we act. American society likes to give the impression that it is listening to the plight of vulnerable populations, but the stories in this volume prove otherwise.