Book Review: Cracking the Shell of the Egg

Reviewed by Josie Prado

A poetic & spiritual journey that sheds a new perspective on every page

The question of what happens when we die is one that humanity has pondered for eons. Who, or what, is waiting on the other side for us? Craig Philip Staufenberg’s, Cracking the Shell of the Egg, tackles mortality and the spiritual realm with adeptness and beauty. 

Through a unique story of spiritual and physical illnesses with no real explanation, the collection’s fragmented poetry transcends time and the corporeal realm. Otherness, disability, and unexplained events are also huge topics in Cracking the Shell of the Egg. Here, readers are given the chance to hatch—to prick the outside of the shell gently and break through.

I loved how introspective and meditative Cracking the Shell of the Egg was. There’s a constant repetition of “He told me,” as though Staufenberg is having a conversation with his inner self. Staufenberg is an observer and a participant in his own life. He even writes, “He told me to leave in all of his circles, / his contradictions, his hypocrisies,” at the very beginning of the book. This bold beginning might confuse some readers initially, but it’s an attention-grabber that lingers. The poetic style is expressive without sacrificing quality, and the verbiage is simple yet sagacious. 

The poetry braids in the experiences of other people too—an effect that proves all the more compelling in the end. In one instance, we’re introduced to Maia, a woman who “brought shadow people with her everywhere she went.” Rather than focus on Maia and her shadow people, the poem ends up being about setting boundaries as Staufenberg banishes them. Staufenberg utilizes this method a lot, using the spiritual to unearth psychological pain. Thus, rather than be afraid of the gift of seeing these entities, it’s instead shared as important to gain control. This approach is fascinating and functions well.

The book’s mystery is also enhanced by a purposeful direction and pure poetic skill. There are no hyperbolic or scandalous phrases for entertainment purposes—instead a clear version of mysterious events. In a distinct moment, he’s in Italy and an older woman whispers to him. But then he is feeling disconnected from his body and the rest of the outer world. The matter-of-fact tone makes it believable and even goosebump-inducing. While he’s eventually put back together, the event is unforgettable for both him and us.

Equipped with enough philosophy to challenge comfortable readers and enough mysticism to broaden their horizons, Cracking the Shell of the Egg is an easy recommendation for numinous individuals. The book’s got much to teach; so start pecking. Hatch. See the world from a new point of view.

---

Thank you for reading Josie Prado’s book review of Cracking the Shell of the Egg by
Craig Philip Staufenberg! If you liked what you read, please spend some more time with us at the links below.