Edward Lipinski’s novel poses the intriguing question: what if you could see the future?
Visions of Destiny centers on Henry Gainsvort, who appears to be a typical boy growing up in Jersey City. But then, Henry starts seeing visions of things that later happen.
Henry’s first prediction is of a car crash, which happens in front of him and his mother when they are out walking. Then he predicts the dramatic conclusion to a baseball game that he and his father are watching on television. His father, writes Gainsvort, “had to admit to himself that it was more than just a lucky guess or coincidence, it was almost as if Henry… saw it was going to happen just like it did.”
His parents keep Henry’s premonitions to themselves, but then, in seventh grade, Henry tells his teacher he believes a fellow classmate is going to have an appendicitis attack, and the teacher recommends he see a child psychologist. The psychologist, unnerved when Henry tells him he’s seen the doctor’s own death, tells his mom he’s normal, just extra perceptive, but that Henry should keep his visions to himself to avoid the judgement of others.
He does…until he can’t, and then the singular predictions he blurts out cause him problems. The novel traces Henry’s journey as a seer, but the story is more about how he learns to accept his visions, even if those around him remain skeptical or even hostile to him.
Lipinski is an able storyteller, and his novel features realistic dialogue and likable, relatable characters that readers will root for. His narrative is a slow burn in which tension builds as readers become increasingly invested in the questions of whether Henry will master his psychic ability and whether the world will punish him for his cognizance.
This is a thought-provoking story— one that will have readers pondering if they would want Henry’s ability long after the last page is turned.
Also available in hardcover and ebook.
