Burning the Red Candle: The Life and Death of Harry Houdini - Paperback

by Carley Eason Evans (Author)

BURNING THE RED CANDLE tells the story of The Houdinis: Harry, Bess and their imaginary son, Mayer tell their tale from their early days of medicine shows to their last days during which Harry participates in an ongoing battle with the famous Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Harry insists he does not possess supernatural powers while Conan Doyle and other spiritualists claim that he must. Throughout their marriage, Harry's wife, Bess struggles with anxiety and depression. In an effort to cope with everyday life, she creates a son for the childless couple. Knowing Harry seeks to communicate with his dead mother, Bess promises him that when her husband dies, she will burn a red candle and wait for his message from beyond the grave. Imaginary Mayer is both playful child and dutiful companion, continually six years old for his mother, Bess while growing up for his father. Each Houdini speaks about the life and death of the greatest magician of all time, Harry Houdini.