Review – On a Sundown Sea by Jill G. Hall
Synopsis
Set at the turn of the 20th century, a mystical, tantalizing novel about a visionary’s journey toward her destiny.
In 1888, Katherine Tingley, a medium and clairvoyant, continues to have a childhood vision of a white city on a sundown sea. While serving the poor at her Do-Good Mission on Manhattan’s East Side, she encounters William Q. Judge, a mesmerist and leader of the American Theosophical Society. He recognizes her potential, convinces her to become his student, and guides her on a spiritual path that could make her mystical dream become a reality.
After Judge’s passing, Katherine assumes leadership of the Society and embarks on a world crusade to spread brotherhood, learn from ancient cultures, and search for a Himalayan Mahatma. In 1900, she moves the Theosophical headquarters to San Diego. Here, she sets out to establish Lomaland—a sacred space of learning, artistry, and divine harmony, built on a barren peninsula yet brimming with hidden potential. As people from around the world converge to share in her vision, they form a community united in purpose to spread enlightenment. However, betrayals, lies, and libels accumulate until a monumental court case ultimately decides her future and the fate of the white city on a sundown sea.
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Review
Based on historical characters and an actual movement, this story is educational and intriguing.
Katherine Tingley was a medium and clairvoyant. She played a significant role in the Theosophical Society and led thousands of people to live in harmony with nature. Now, that doesn’t mean everything was easy for her. This was the late 1800s to early 1900s, and men didn’t always take women seriously. She continually fought an uphill battle to bring her visions to life.
I had never heard of this woman or the Theosophical Society, and this sent me down a rabbit hole seeking more information. I wasn’t sure at first whether it was an actual movement or fictional. Imagine my surprise to find a website and information about them, and there is even a center closer to me. As I read this book, I felt like it was some sort of cult, but not the kind we imagine today. This society believed in helping people, especially children’s welfare. They provided significant support to improve children’s and families’ health.
It is clear that the author did extensive research on her travels, work, and more. While fictional, it is based on truth. Katherine is a compelling woman.
I did feel like the novel moved slowly, and it took me longer to read this book than normal. It was an educational read, and I learned a lot about this woman and Theosophy. It gave many people something to believe in when times seemed bleak.
We give this book 3 paws up.
About the Author
Jill G. Hall is the author of the award-winning Anne McFarland Series about women searching for their place in the world connected by vintage finds. The Black Velvet Coat, The Silver Shoes, and The Green Lace Corset are bestselling book club favorites. Hall’s poems and personal narratives have appeared in a variety of publications and on her blog Crealivity, the art of practicing a creative lifestyle.
Her tenure as an educator spanned over twenty years. She is an instructor and past board president of San Diego Writers, Ink. In addition to being a wordsmith, she is a mixed media mosaic artist, and her stage performances have ranged from Macbeth to The Music Man. Passionate about yoga, gardening, and spending time in nature, she finds joy in meeting with readers because that’s what inspires her to keep writing. She holds degrees from Point Loma Nazarene University and the University of San Diego, with a doctorate from Northern Arizona University.
A native San Diegan, she resides in Point Loma within walking distance of the historic Lomaland property.
