User:Travisebrenemen/The Realities of Grandeur

The Realities of Grandeur is a 2010 novel written by Ben Martin Reeves. The story focuses around Travis E. Brenemen, a middle-aged, arrogant man who is unable to pay his rent. In a semi-drunken conversation with his only friend (the dim-witted but lovable 'Lanky'), Travis thinks of a way to make money while nurturing his philosophical side. Within a few days, he has created an organisation aimed at philosophical and creative people. This organisation is assembled weekly (at 1am every Sunday morning), and Travis charges a small fee for the sessions. The weekly sessions (which take place in an unnamed London theatre) are simple at first. They involve speaking in small groups about topics such as God, the afterlife and the supernatural. Gradually, however, the sessions build to more intense affairs such as orgies and mass fights. Travis and his cult rapidly gather a worldwide underground following, and he is treated as a God by the members. Travis shows resentment towards this. Eventually, the London branch of the organisation lock themselves within the theatre, and Travis must make some important decisions about how (and whether or not) to continue the sessions. Throughout the novel are scenes of sex and violence, as well as in-depth philosophical analysis.

Travis E. Brenemen
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Richter Lang (Lanky)
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Heather
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Themes and Influences
Common themes in the book include 'time', 'curiosity', 'ignorance' and 'emotion'.

Time
The concept of 'Time' is mentioned from the first line of the novel. "Last night, I was visited by three ghosts; one called ‘Past’, one called ‘Present’, and one called ‘Sort Your Life Out’."

Curiosity
Perhaps the main theme of the novel is curiosity.

Emotion
The novel starts... mention which theatre it might be.

The Light
The novel starts... mention which theatre it might be.

Reception
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