From Now to Now [Englisch] [Taschenbuch]

It was the intense suffering of the Second World War that saw a generation, born during and immediately after this event, trying to make a sense of an insane world. It would not be until the 1960's that this generation was of age to actually start challenging and breaking down the rigid paradigms of the old way, a breakdown which has given rise to much we now take for granted in our contemporary culture. "From Now to Now" is the autobiography of artist Marlis Jermutus, a woman who unknowingly was a pioneer of this generation. The book begins with her birth in Germany in 1942. She recounts that in just two days after her birth, her father, who quietly worked as a mechanical drafter for Krupp, was discovered not to be a party member of National Socialism and was conscripted to the Russian front where untold millions disappeared. From this beginning of instability and uncertainty, Marlis narrates this modern-day Odyssey, a modest heroine striving to create a life of inner peace and freedom.

This work is courageous. Marlis candidly shares events in her childhood, a bright light finding her way in a confusing world. She then writes about key periods in her life, detailing the journey of an unsure, young woman who emerges into a strong, mature woman. She reveals, in detail, the journey to ultimately become free of hurtful things that were engrained into her subconscious mind. With her exploration of Western and Eastern spirituality, she shares many revealing insights. For example, she talks about being an active participant in an American spiritual group and how she handles the situation when things seem just a little off. Being able to be "wise as serpents, gentle as doves" can be challenging, but through her life experiences, Marlis shares balancing wisdom and compassion. Through her words, I was able to empathetically view life from a woman's perspective and gained a new appreciation for the limited choices woman historically have had and the obstacles they have had to overcome. This is not exclusively a woman's book - her message goes beyond male versus female and bridges into the universal human experience. There is a central theme to her book with which a reader can identify, and reading her book will inspire one to continue to navigate life in uncharted waters and follow his or her intuition.

Tom Brokaw coined the phrase, "The Greatest Generation," referring to the Americans who were alive during the Great Depression and participated in the Second World War. With all due respect to that generation, perhaps it is time to also look at the global generation that was born into a traumatized planet that was searching for answers. Marlis is a part of this generation. What makes this work truly unique is that because she has lived on both continents and blended with so many subcultures, there is a humble wisdom that permeates the work. The result is a book that transcends age, culture, and religion. Anyone, no matter what kind of cards they have been dealt, can learn from her experiences. America is fortunate to have this artist of extraordinary ability on her shores.

This bio touched me deeply, not only because of it's outstanding honesty, which at times borders on being gritty, but also because it takes the reader with sensitivity and unusual clarity through the author's passage to transformation, avoiding the trap of sentimentality so often encountered in other life accounts. A great read, on many levels!
Reviewed by Neera T. Paine

If you've ever wondered, what makes an artist, here's your answer. Take a colorful life and character and add it to a pallet. Marlis tapestry of life weaves us into an awestruck silence and reverence for life and the tenacity of the human spirit. An inspiring journey into the heart, mind and soul of an artist that shows us that we can not only survive but thrive regardless of what we've lived through and that truly our attitude determines our destiny more than our experiences.