Book Club Review: “An American Marriage” by Tayari Jones

I recently joined a lovely local book club where we drink a lot of wine and talk a lot. Here is my review of a book we read there recently.

But first the official blurb:

Newlyweds Celestial and Roy are the embodiment of the American Dream. He is a young executive, and she is an artist on the brink of an exciting career. Until one day they are ripped apart by circumstances neither could have imagined. Roy is arrested and sentenced to twelve years for a crime Celestial knows he didn’t commit.

Devastated and unmoored, Celestial finds herself struggling to hold on to the love that has been her centre, taking comfort in Andre, their closest friend. When Roy’s conviction is suddenly overturned, he returns home ready to resume their life together.

My review:

Given the praise for this book I may have started it with too high expectations. For several chapters I was waiting for the story to take off but neither did I feel the mutual attraction of the couple, nor did I get into the long back stories of them and their families.
By the time the drama set in I was less engaged with the characters as I would have liked.

The injustice done to them, the blatant bias in court and their terrible tragedy won’t leave you unmoved, though.  In that it is an important wake up call that these things do happen and aren’t just fabrications of the press.

As the marriage drifts apart through the forced separation it’s difficult not to feel sorry for both characters. Yet – to me – they also became quite unlikable and annoying as the story progressed, however understandable their actions and demises were.
It is by no means a trivial story but I was glad when I had finished it and it didn’t stay with me as much as I would have expected from such an emotive topic.

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Historical Saturday: Olga NM’s review of “The Artist and the Soldier” #LGBT #WW2 #Histfic

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histfic, LGBT, WW2

Originally posted on Olga NMThe Artist and the Soldier by Angelle Petta

The Artist and the Soldier by Angelle Petta

Two young men come of age and fall in love against the backdrop of true events in World War II—It’s 1938. Bastian Fisher and Max Amsel meet at a Nazi-American summer camp, Siegfried. Neither boy has any idea what to do with their blooming, confusing feelings for one another. Before they can begin to understand, the pair is yanked back into reality and forced in opposite directions. Five years later, during the heart of World War II, Bastian’s American army platoon has landed in Salerno, Italy. Max is in Nazi-occupied Rome where he has negotiated a plan to hire Jews as ‘extras’ in a movie—an elaborate ruse to escape the Nazis. Brought together by circumstance and war Bastian and Max find one another again in Rome.
Exploring the true stories of Camp Siegfried, a Nazi-American summer camp in New York and the making of the film, La Porta del Cielo, which saved hundreds of lives, The Artist, and the Soldier is intense, fast-moving, and sheds light on largely untouched stories in American and Italian history.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Artist-Soldier-Angelle-Petta-ebook/dp/B07CFWWFQL/

https://www.amazon.com/Artist-Soldier-Angelle-Petta-ebook/dp/B07CFWWFQL/

Author Angelle Petta

About the author:

Petta holds an MA from Emerson College and a master’s equivalency in Drama Therapy through the NADTA. She is a registered drama therapist and a Ph.D. student at Lesley University. She works as a Drama Therapist at an Expressive Arts Center in Virginia called A Place To Be.

She lives, works, and writes in Northern Virginia with her husband, two delightful dogs, and one fat cat.

https://www.amazon.com/Angelle-Petta/e/B07BYCPWD9/

Olga’s review:

When I was approached about the possibility of reviewing this book, I was fascinated by the historical background behind it, which I was not familiar with. A book combining World War II, Nazi summer camps in the US, the filming of a movie by Vittorio De Sicca in Rome during the war, and a love story, had to be a winner.

The author manages to combine a coming-of-age (both male protagonists, Max and Bastian, are very young at the beginning of the book) and love story with a fascinating historical background. The two youths meet at a Nazi summer camp in New York. Both their fathers are German and want them to grow up aware of their heritage. Max and Bastian are, in many ways, mirror images of each other, opposites that, indeed, attract. Bastian looks German (blond, tall, strong), is impulsive and always excels when it comes to sports, and outdoor activities, whilst Max takes after his Italian mother, is quiet, and has the soul of an artist. They both suffer trauma and have difficult childhoods, although in different ways. The unlikely pair becomes close and Bastian supports Max when tragedy strikes, although things take a bad turn, and they end up separated by life and circumstances.

They go their separate ways, and we keep waiting, convinced they will meet again. Bastian is still daring, impulsive, and is plagued by self-hatred and doubt. Max, who has always been more accepting of his own identity and has become stronger and more determined, has been living in Italy, has studied film, and finds a great opportunity to help Italian Jews. He takes part in the project of filming a movie under the protection of the Vatican and comes up with the idea of offering them contracts there. De Sica is determined to keep filming for as long as he can to keep all those people safe, and this historical fact provides a fascinating backdrop to the story of the two lovers.

The story, told in the third person, follows the point of view of the two male characters first, and later we also get to read about the adventures of Ilsa, Bastian’s sister, a fantastic character, from her point of view. She is strong, a fighter, and is determined to find her brother, no matter how far she has to go and what she has to do. Her experiences as a nurse during the war are gripping, and she keeps working despite terrible personal loss, hardship, and deprivation. Her character allows us to see things from a different perspective and also provides us more background into Bastian’s character, that is, perhaps, the most complex of the book, at least in my opinion.

Although the love story is central to the book, this is not a light and easy book to read. Apart from the tragedy and the terrible events that happen during the war, there is child abuse, mental illness, bullying, and the novel does not shy away from the unsavoury aspects of life. The characters are not all good and perfect either, and they sometimes do things that are questionable, while at others they can behave like true heroes.

The writing beautifully conveys the emotions of the characters, the setting (Rome as an open city provides a great backdrop), and the relationships, without going over the top with the descriptions, and ensuring the story keeps moving at a good pace. Being a big movie fan, I would have liked to read more about the filming of the movie, but the author refrains from getting sidetracked, and the guest appearances by the actors of the film and the interventions by De Sica are all the more enjoyable for being kept under control and not overwhelming the main story.

I wanted to share a couple of quotes from the book:

“Travel safely, signora. It is a dangerous world we are living in.” Her world had always been a dangerous one. A gun instead of a fist, a war instead of an irate father, her present didn’t feel so different from her past.” (This reflection belongs to Ilsa, Bastian’s sister).

Did something as inconsequential as film belong in this new world? It was De Sica who’d helped him see his misconception. “We need film, and music, and art, more than ever now,” De Sica had said. “These mediums help us remember that we are humans living in a world filled with monsters. What we are doing here is not frivolous. It is saving us, our humanity.” (Max questions his vocation, but De Sica comes to the rescue).

The ending feels appropriate and fits in well with a love story. It shows that both characters have grown and learned to accept who they are and what their relationship means. Other issues are resolved as well, and although some of the coincidences and the way the characters always seem to be in the right place at the right time require some suspension of disbelief, this does not go beyond the expectations for the genre.

In an end note, the author explains the conception of the story and clarifies that although Max, Bastian, and Ilsa are creations of her own imagination, the historical events and backdrop are accurate, and she has used her fictional characters as a conduit to tell the story. I believe this would be a great selection for book clubs, as there is much to discuss and many interesting aspects that will attract readers of different types of stories.

I recommend this book to readers of historical fiction, especially those interested in WWII, Italian cinema, and love stories with complex protagonists. I look forward to following the author’s career in the future.

In case you are interested, the author has shared a link to an article about the Nazi summer camps in the US in an interview. Here it is:

https://www.npr.org/sections/npr-history-dept/2015/04/28/402679062/nazi-summer-camps-in-1930s-america

Reblog: “Disease: When Life taken an Unexpected Turn” by Hans M Hirschi

Originally posted on http://www.authortranslatorolga.com – thanks for this great review of another excellent sounding book by the talented Hans M Hirschi

Source: http://www.authortranslatorolga.com/2017/10/25/tuesdaybookblog-bookreview-disease-when-life-takes-an-unexpected-turn-by-hans-m-hirschi-hans_hirschi-an-emotional-journey-into-a-disintegrating-mind-and-its-effects-dementia/

Disease: When Life takes an Unexpected Turn by Hans M Hirschi  An emotional journey into a disintegrating mind and its effects

When journalist Hunter MacIntyre is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, he

realizes that his life is about to change, not to mention that he’s been handed a certain death sentence. Alzheimer’s is a disease affecting the patient’s loved ones as much, if not more, than the patient themselves. In Hunter’s case, that’s his partner Ethan and their five-year-old daughter Amy. How will they react to, and deal with, Hunter’s changing behavior, his memory lapses, and the consequences for their everyday lives? Disease is a story of Alzheimer’s, seen through the eyes of one affected family.

https://www.amazon.com/Disease-When-Life-takes-Unexpected-ebook/dp/B074G3XH93/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Disease-When-Life-takes-Unexpected-ebook/dp/B074G3XH93/

https://www.amazon.com/Disease-When-Life-takes-Unexpected/dp/1786451611/

Author Hans M. Hirschi

About the author:

Hans Martin Hirschi (b. 1967) has been writing stories ever since he was a child. Adulthood and the demands of corporate life efficiently put an end to his fictional writing for over twenty years. A global executive in training and channel development, Hans has traveled the world and published a couple of non-fictional titles. The birth of his son and the subsequent parental leave provided him with a much needed breathing hole and the opportunity to once again unleash his creative writing.

Having little influence over his brain’s creative workings, he simply indulges it and goes with the flow. However, the deep passion for a better world, for love and tolerance are a red thread throughout both his creative and non-fictional work.

Hans lives with his husband, son and pets on a small island off the west coast of Sweden.

Contact Hans through Twitter (@Hans_Hirschi) or Facebook or through his website at www.hirschi.se

My review:

I have read quite a few books by Hans Hirschi (not all, but I might get there given time) and have enjoyed them, no matter what the genre. The author is not somebody who writes thinking about the market or the latest trend. He writes stories he cares about, and beyond interesting plots and fully-fledged characters, he always pushes us to think about some of the big questions: prejudice, ecology, poverty, child abuse, families, laws, gender, identity… If all of his stories are personal, however fictional, this novel is perhaps even more personal than the rest.

As a psychiatrist, I’ve diagnosed patients with dementia (Alzheimer’s disease or other types), I’ve assessed and looked after patients with dementia in hospital, and I have seen, second-hand, what the illness does to the relatives and friends, and also to the patients, but as an observer, from outside. I’ve known some people who have suffered from the condition but not close enough to be able to give a personal account.

The novel tries to do something quite difficult: to give us the insight into what somebody suffering from Alzheimer’s feels, what they think, and how they experience the process of losing their own memories and themselves. The book is written in a diary format, in the first person, by Hunter, a man in his forties who, after some episodes of forgetfulness, goes to the doctors and is diagnosed with early Alzheimer’s. He writes articles for a living, is married to Ethan, who is a high-school teacher, and they have a five-year-old daughter, Amy (born of a surrogate mother, and Ethan’s biological daughter). They live in Michigan, where they moved to from California, and therefore they are not legally married, as that was not an option at the time. To the worry of his illness and how this will affect him (Hunter’s mother also died of the condition, so he is fully aware of its effects on its sufferers), are added the worries about practicalities, about Amy’s care, about financial stability, about his own care, as they are not a couple with equal rights in the eyes of the law.

Hunter’s diary is framed by Ethan’s narration. Ethan finds the file of the diary a couple of years after Hunter’s passing and decides to publish it, mostly letting Hunter’s words speak for themselves, but at times he clarifies if something Hunter narrates truly happened or not, or gives us his own version of events (for instance, when Hunter gets lost). Although the story is mostly written by Hunter and told from the point of view of the sufferer, Ethan’s brief contributions are poignant and heart-wrenching, precisely because we do get the sense that he is trying so hard to be strong, fair, and to focus on his daughter. He accepts things as they are and is not bitter, but the heavy toll the illness has taken is clear.

The novel ends with a letter written by Amy. Although brief, we get another perspective on how the illness affects families, and through her eyes, we get to know more about how Ethan is truly feeling. A deeply moving letter that rings true.

The characters are well drawn, and even when the progression of the illness means that some of the episodes Hunter describes might not be true, they still give us a good insight into his thoughts, his illusions, and his worries. He writes compellingly and beautifully (although there is evidence of paranoia, ramblings, and some disconnected writing towards the end), and the fact that his writing remains articulate (although the gaps between entries increase as the book progresses and he even stops writing when he misplaces the file) fit in with research about preservation of those skills we have used the most and are more ingrained. Hunter pours into his diary his thoughts and experiences, some that he has never shared in detail with anybody (like being trapped at a hotel in Mumbai during a terrorist attack), and others that seem to be flights of fancy or wishful thinking. He shares his own opinions (his dislike of nursing homes, his horror at the thought of being looked after by somebody he doesn’t know, his worries about the future, his memories of the past…) and is at times humorous, at times nasty, at others indignant and righteous. He is not a cardboard cut-out, and neither are any of the other characters.

Apart from the personal story of the characters, we have intrusions of the real world, including news, court decisions, that ground the events in the here and now, however universal they might be, but wherever you live and whoever you are, it is impossible not to put yourself in the place of the characters and wonder what you would do, and how much more difficult things are for them because they are not a “normal” family.

This is an extraordinary book, a book that made me think about patients I had known with similar diagnosis, about the difficulties they and their families face (there are not that many nursing homes that accommodate early dementia, and most of those for elderly patients are not suited to the needs of younger patients), about end of life care, and about what I would do faced with a similar situation. The book does not shy away from asking the difficult questions, and although it is impossible to read it and not feel emotional, it tells the story with the same dignity it affords its main character.

Although there is a certain degree of intrigue from the beginning (we do not find the exact circumstances of Hunter’s death until very close to the end) that will, perhaps, contribute to reading it even faster, this book is for readers who are interested in dementia and Alzheimer’s (although it is not an easy read), who love well-drawn characters, deep psychological portrayals, and stories about families and their ties. A great and important book I thoroughly recommend and another first-rate addition to Mr. Hirschi’s oeuvre.

I received an ARC copy of this book and I freely decided to review it. Thanks to the author and the publisher for this opportunity.

Thanks to the author and the publisher for the book, thanks to all of you for reading and remember to like, share, comment, click and REVIEW!

“The Missing Monarch” by Dr Alan Goodwin #LlandeiloLitFest #LlandeiloBookFair

“The Missing Monarch” by Dr Alan Goodwin is a beautiful novel set in Laos. When the communist revolution de-throned King Savang Vatthana and his wife, they were put in a correction prison and perished.
Goodwin combines fact with fiction and plotted an escape for the King.
This novel of alternate history / fraction benefits from Goodwin’s first hand knowledge of the time and place. With greatly chosen characters he illustrates country and people as the Monarchs escape. Adventure meets history and the ethnic and cultural insights add to the richness of the story.
A real find.
Warning: contains sexually explicit scenes.

The book on Amazon UK and Amazon US 

You can meet Alan at the Llandeilo Book Fair on Sunday April 30th at the Civic Hall. Alan wrote a memoir about his time as Doctor in the Mekong in the 1970s. Having mt his soulmate of 30 years late in life he is a romantic at heart.

For more information on the bookfair follow this link http://llandeilobookfair.blogspot.co.uk/

#MysteryMondays #LlandeiloLitFest review: “Significance” by Jo Mazelis

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Book Fair, bookfair, books, Carmarthen, Carmarthenshire, Carmarthenshire Event, hwyl, literature, literature festival, Literature set in Wales, litfest, llandeilo, Llandeilo Book Fair, Llandeilo Event, poetry, South Wales, verse, Wales, Welsh Books, Welsh Fiction, Welsh literature, Welsh writers

Jo Mazelis will be at the Llandeilo LitFest with a moonlight reading of her work.

One of the perks of working for a Literature festival is the amount of reading you ‘have’ to do. I chose ‘Significance’ by Jo Mazelis when I scouted her for the event – I’m more comfortable with novels than short stories. Significance is Jo’s debut novel and won The Jerwood Fiction Uncovered Prize in 2015. There is a bit of a mystery about it, so it fits well on a Monday.

What I found was very atmospheric and most intriguing writing, prose that easily reels you into the story.
My addiction to the book was immediate despite a rather long lasting confusion as to where the story was actually heading.
Lucy starts a new life in France, a new identity to cover an awkward past. The beginning is particularly well done  with a chance encounter and see how it has meaning for Lucy and for the other party. As the strands split and new perspectives come in, these alternating strands tell the pieces of Lucy’s significance – to herself and to others, alive and dead. From people who just about take a glance at her to people more intimate connected, they all see something else.
While other novels would lose me to my impatience with such pigmentary storytelling and tempt me to skim read, this held my interest effortlessly.
I could identify with so much that was said, having moved around a fair but and being familiar with settling into new locations and even somewhat assumed new identities. I rooted for Lucy.
As far as the writing goes, I immensely enjoyed the variations in style, from staccato to eloquent sentences. I knew from some sound recordings that this would be good and the praise for Jo Mazelis is more than justified.

Here is a link to a recording of one of her stories, so you can see for yourself.

https://thelonelycrowd.org/2015/12/12/winter-readings-jo-mazelis-reads-the-twice-pricked-heart/

Winter Readings: Jo Mazelis reads ‘The Twice Pricked Heart’ thelonelycrowd.org Jo Mazelis is a novelist, short story writer, poet and essayist. Her collection of stories Diving Girls (Parthian, 2002) was short-listed for The Commonwealth Best First Book and Welsh Book …

Saturday 30th April
at 8pm
at the Horeb Chapel, Cawdor Hotel

The atmospheric Horeb Chapel is the perfect
location for a moonlight reading of Jo Mazelis’s award winning poetry. Jo is a novelist, short story writer, poet, photographer and essayist who was born and educated in Swansea, where she currently lives with her husband, the historian, Mark Matthews.

Her debut novel Significance (Seren, 2014) won The Jerwood Fiction Uncovered Prize in 2015. Her latest book, Ritual, 1969 (Seren, 2016) was recently voted one of the ten best Welsh books of 2016 by Wales Arts Review.

Her first collection of stories Diving Girls was short-listed for The Commonwealth Best First Book and Welsh Book of the Year. Her second book, Circle Games was long-listed for Welsh Book of the Year.
She has won prizes in The Rhys Davies, Allen Raine and PenFro competitions. Her stories have appeared in countless publications and several have been broadcast on Radio Four.

Jo has given readings at Hay Festival, Ottawa Writers’ Festival, at New York, Cologne, Cork and London as well as at a multitude of places in Wales.

Interview with historical novelist Helen Hollick

Today I have the pleasure to introduce a gifted writer and a tireless promoter of indie authors: Helen Hollick.
I found her book “The Sea Witch” a real treat. I picked up the book for its historical content, which is as immaculately researched as I was told. The story, however, is much more entertaining than I had anticipated: adventure, romance, action and some mythical element made this hugely enjoyable.
Set in the early 1700s this is a gripping pirate story for adults with fascinating historical and nautical background details. The characters are well developed, the plot moves along fast and the suspense never lets up. A rich and rewarding read.

Welcome Helen. Tell us, how did you come to writing?

I’ve always been immersed in the world of ‘story’. One of my earliest memories is coming out of the library clutching one of my favourite books. I was four! At the age of nine or ten I discovered pony stories, and desperately wanting a pony, I wrote stories about owning one. It was the next best thing… didn’t everyone do that? At about thirteen I discovered that no, they didn’t.

But then I never have been a very conventional person.

How did you come up with your stories?

They come to me. I became interested in the ‘reality’ of King Arthur (Arthur as a Dark Age Warlord in post-Roman Britain as opposed to the Medieval tales of Knights in Armour) and dissatisfied with the fiction available wrote my own version (The Pendragon’s Banner Trilogy.) http://www.helenhollick.net/bookshelf_banner.html

The idea for Harold the King (titled I Am The Chosen King in the US, both are exactly the same book) came to me in a dream. Sorry, I know it sounds clichéd, but it is true – the very detailed dream ended up as Chapter Two. http://www.helenhollick.net/bookshelf_saxon.html

From there A Hollow Crown (titled The Forever Queen in the US – the better version if I am honest) was a natural follow-on. It is the story of Queen Emma of Normandy – who featured in Harold the King. I became fascinated by her and decided she needed her own novel.

And the Sea Witch Voyages, well, my pirate appeared to me on a Dorset Beach, touched his hat and nodded.

‘Hello Jesamiah Acorne’ I said.

For that story click here: (only read this article through first – or don’t forget to come back!) http://ofhistoryandkings.blogspot.co.uk/p/how-i-met-jesamiah-acorne.html

You have created great characters. Which one is your favourite?

My (ex) pirate – Captain Jesamiah Acorne. I adore him!

Me, too. Who would you cast to play him in a movie?

I would prefer an unknown actor to play my Jesamiah. Someone who will be mainly known as ‘That’s the guy who played Jesamiah!’

Jesamiah is a blend of Jack Sparrow, Richard Sharpe, Hornblower, Ross Poldark, Indiana Jones and a touch of James Bond  – oh and I would prefer a TV Drama Series not a movie please.

Are you like any of the characters (and how so)?

No. Complete opposite in fact!

Were the plot and subplots completely planned from the start or did they change during the process, and if so, how?

The plots for my ‘serious’ historical fiction were all pre-set in history, the facts forming the skeleton framework. Sea Witch, almost in its entirety came to me while walking on that drizzly-day beach in Dorset. The follow-up Voyages have not been so easy though – I’ve had a good bit of thinking to do! http://www.helenhollick.net/bookshelf_seawitch.html
What is your main reason for writing? 

Escapism. I have only realised that though, since moving from London to Devon in 2013. Now that I have – literally – escaped, the desperation to ‘get away’ has faded. Now I write because I want to know what happens next to my rogue of an ex-pirate.

I‘ve only read one of the books so far. What is the idea behind your series?

Escapism and fun – good old-fashioned enjoyable adventure, with a touch of fantasy and a sexy hero. As with my Pendragon’s Banner Trilogy I wrote Sea Witch because it is the book I wanted to read. Having enjoyed the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie I searched for novels of the same sort of genre – nautical adventure with believable fantasy. There were several for young adults, but nothing with ‘grown up’ content for us older folk. So I gave up and wrote it myself.

What are the best and the worst aspects of writing?

The best is creating a believable world which comes alive, along with its inhabitants as you write. The worst is the hard slog of marketing which comes after publication. It can be fun – but it is hard work.

How do you balance marketing one book and writing the next?

Both are an ongoing process. To ‘market’ efficiently you need to maintain a presence on Social Media – probably daily. It is subtle ‘back-door’ marketing: being chatty and friendly, smile all the time, present yourself as an interesting person; all of which, actually, is fun and enjoyable (but time-consuming). I have met and made some super friends via Facebook and Twitter. Social Media is not the place to moan, groan, whinge or wring your hands though – look at it this way, who would you rather talk to at a party? The glum person in the corner with the half empty glass, or the smiley, chatty person in the centre of the room with the glass half full?

As for writing… well the hardest part for that is putting your bum on the chair and turning the internet off! 

What do you do when you don’t write?
*laugh* I think the above question answered that!
Tell us one odd thing about you and one really mundane thing.

One mundane: I love my bed. It is cosy, comfortable and from it I have a beautiful view south to my front garden, and north across the North Devon countryside. I can be in bed at night and look out at the stars.

Odd: I talk to myself a lot. That isn’t the oddity. The odd bit is I answer back. (Sometimes it is the only way to get a sensible response.)

What else would you like us to know about yourself and your books? 

I am passionate about my characters (especially Jesamiah – although I reckon you have already guessed that.) To me, my characters are real people, best friends. They also give me confidence when I need that extra boost. I mean, who is going to argue with me when I have a pirate in full regalia, including cutlass and pistol, standing behind my right shoulder? OK so they cannot see him, but I know he’s there!

Who are your editors and how do you quality control your books?

Quality control for indie writers is essential. It is astounding how many writers spend all that while creating their novel, then self-publish it in less than acceptable presentation. Readers want Cinderella in her finest ball-gown, not her kitchen rags. Send your book to the Ball not the scullery! Editing, from the initial technical one to final proof-read is crucial. Covers, yes I know it is nice to use a close friend or relative who is good at art – but they are not professional designers. Bottom line, if you want to be seen as a professional author be a professional author.

Jo Field is my main editor, but I also use Beta Readers and another set of eyes for a final proof-read. It is amazing how those typos slip through the net!

How have you found the experience of self-publishing? What were your highs and lows?

Lows – there have been plenty of those! When I started out (having been simultaneously dropped by my agent and publisher) after sobbing for two weeks, at the depth of despair, I went to a self-publishing company which on the surface seemed an answer to my disappointment. Various staff through the few years I was there were lovely. The Owner/Manager turned out to be not far short of a crook, with money being taken but books not being published, royalties never being paid and promises never kept, The company went bankrupt – but thankfully some of those nice members of staff managed to get my files back to me before the bailiffs came in. Having learned lessons the hard way I took my books to a reliable and efficient company, SilverWood Books Ltd. So that bit is the High!

What do you like best about writing? What’s your least favourite thing? 

Best: Meeting such a variety of lovely people world wide 

Least: Worrying about not having enough time to do everything I want to do. Where does a day/week/month/year go?

What is your advice to new writers?

Get on with it.

Who are your favourite authors?

Rosemary Sutcliff, Elizabeth Chadwick.

What is your favourite book?

Frontier Wolf and Mark of the Hose Lord by Rosemary Sutcliff. Sorry, I know that’s two books but they are both No. 1’s for me.

What book are you currently reading and in what format (e-book/paperback/hardcover)?

I’m going through the Poldark series on Kindle. Next up is the Game of Thrones series

What makes you laugh?

My two dogs – Baz a Labrador/Collie, and the Collie puppy, Eddie (5 months old at the time of writing this, May 2015) Dogs, when they are content, just love life don’t they? They are always ‘smiling’. I came across a saying not long ago: ‘Be the person your dog thinks you are.’ A good motto I think.

What (not who) would you like to take to a lonely island?

My teddy bear (or am I allowed my two bears?) Cobb and Blee Bear. They are warmer than an electric blanket or hot water bottle – and stay warm all night. They make an excellent pillow for an aching neck. I chat to them, dance with them, give them a shake when I’m cross – and they never, ever, answer back or get grumpy. Indeed they wear a permanent smile! 

Who would you like to invite for dinner?

Winston Churchill. The Queen. Neil Diamond. Mike Oldfield.

Hot or cold?

Hot-ish (a nice warm day, although I don’t mind gentle spring rain!)

Salty or sweet?

Sweet

What would your friends say are your best and your oddest quality?

I’m as supportive as I can be to new writers – I love helping them ‘make it’. My oddest quality? Maybe I get too over-enthusiastic sometimes, which can lead to misunderstandings?

What would you chose as those qualities?

Well both really – but I must remember to support or advise in moderation and not over-egg the pudding!

What song would you pick to go with your book?

I did an article on my ‘Muse Music’ for Sea Witch… you can read (and listen to) it here: http://ofhistoryandkings.blogspot.co.uk/p/muse-music_13.html (I’ve been listening to the tracks as I write this article. I heard Tubular Bells when it first came out – many years ago now. Oldfield writes (and plays) awesome music, although I prefer the instrumental tracks, not the songs.

For the Pirates of the Caribbean … there are several places where you can sing ‘Jesamiah, Jesamiah, Jesamiah…’

How do you handle criticism of your work? 

Constructive criticism is always helpful. I don’t expect 5 star reviews – 4 will do, but it is the senseless 1 stars on Amazon that annoy me. Complaints like ‘I thought this book was badly written because it had a comma in the wrong place’ are just silly. If I don’t like a book I don’t review it – why do these people waste time writing utterly senseless nastiness?

What is next?

I am at the finishing stages of writing the Fifth Sea Witch Voyage – On The Account, and I have recently signed a contract for the entire series to be translated into Italian – although that will not involve much work for me.

The most exciting project, though, I was approached by a UK Mainstream non-fiction historical publisher, Amberley Press, who have commissioned me to write a book about pirates for them. We do not have a title yet, but it will be something like Pirates in Fiction and Fact, the idea being to explore the truth about pirates balanced against the fiction of books and movies. I’m looking forward to this one, it should be fun! Expect it sometime in late 2016.

Short Biog. Helen Hollick 

Helen Hollick lives on a thirteen-acre farm in North Devon, England. Born in North-East London, Helen started writing pony stories as a teenager, moved onto science-fiction and fantasy, and then discovered historical fiction. Published for over twenty years in the UK with her Arthurian Trilogy, and the era of 1066, she was selected for publication by Sourcebooks Inc in the US, and became a USA Today best seller with Forever Queen. She also writes the Sea Witch Voyages, nautical pirate-based fantasy adventures.

As a supporter of Independent Authors she is Managing Editor for the Historical Novel Society Indie Reviews, and inaugurated the HNS Indie Award.

“Historically enlightening, psychologically insightful and emotionally evocative” – Review of “In Search of a Revolution” by Christoph Fischer #Finland #History #asmsg

Historically enlightening, psychologically insightful and emotionally evocative, April 27, 2015

By

S. Rose

 

Verified Purchase(What’s this?)

This review is from: In Search of A Revolution (Kindle Edition)

For me, In Search of a Revolution is about a young man’s need to define his existence; the ubiquitous quest to hone and develop the emerging adult identity as a being separate from one’s parents, and find meaning in life.The central component of any developmental stage is love in its many forms: love of a father-figure; brotherly love and the esteem of a peer group; ideological love; and finally, self-acceptance, or love of self, something most of us struggle all our lives to achieve. Christoph Fischer hints at this with his brilliant book cover, teasing out the word LOVE from the word REVOLUTION. What on earth possesses the protagonist, eighteen year old Zacharias Nielsen, to leave his comfortable, upper class home in Denmark and fight alongside the communists in a Finnish civil war? He is a gentle, rather frail student, unused to hardship or physical labor. As his father’s son, Zacharias is set for life, to graduate school and step into a refined profession suitable to his station; yet he alienates his powerful father by running away to join a foreign war, to suffer cold and injury and possible death. It appears that idealistic love for a male teacher with communist leanings is the catalyst for Zacharias to somehow prove himself worthy of respect in his own right. I suspect that his father’s abhorrence of communism has something to do with his newfound passion.

I am reminded of todays’ tragic headlines—young men and women from middleclass homes who are seduced via Internet by fanatical sects, groups given to murder and other barbarities. They are on fire with new ideals to join up and leave their old lives behind. To be swallowed by a movement brings the euphoria of belonging to something greater than oneself, along with a new adult identity; but while autonomy from the parents is gained, the individual may disintegrate. Many young people will gladly lay down their lives to be esteemed, or loved by the group, however brief it may be.

Having said that, the Finnish communists are not totally depraved brutes, as with ISIS. They do have some principals and conduct war within accepted boundaries. I know that now, because Christoph Fischer has taken us to the frontlines of the Finnish Revolution, where we meet soldiers and witness combat first hand. I was mightily impressed with the painstakingly researched historical facts, of a time and place (I’m embarrassed to say) I knew nothing about.

Equally impressive are the descriptions of scenes that bring us up close and personal. Fischer really drove home the harsh reality of fighting in Finland during winter—I could almost hear the snow crunching beneath the soldier’s feet, and the imagery of blood on snow is unforgettable. One scene in particular had me on the edge of my seat, as our friend Zacharias encounters the enemy face to face, along with a part of himself he didn’t know existed. 

In any novel, all of these fine literary assets might be lost without fully fleshed characters, and on that score, the author more than delivers. Ansgar and Raisa, Zacharias’ main cohorts, become so real that you can almost detect a pulse. We hang in there with them during their twenty year journey, cheering them on as they grapple with the meaning of life and struggle to find love, each in search of his own revolution.

IN SEARCH OF A REVOLUTION 

http://smarturl.it/SearchofRevolution

In 1918 young Zacharias Nielsen boards a ship in Copenhagen to join the Red Guards in the Finnish Civil War.Encouraged by an idolised teacher with communist leanings, he follows the call for help from his Nordic Comrades, despite his privileged background.

His best friend, Ansgar, has opposing political ideals to Zacharias but, for his own personal reasons, finds himself soon stuck in the Scandinavian North with Zacharias and Raisa, a Finnish nurse who helps them in their new life.

Through the years that follow the brotherly war the trio see the political landscape in Finland and Europe change as Communists and Fascists try to make their mark and attempt to change the world order.

Our heroes must find their own personal and ideological place in these turbulent times as friendship, honour, idealism and love triangles bring out some personal truths.

The book spans almost thirty years of history and the various Finnish conflicts: Civil War, Winter War, Continuation War and the Lapland War. Watch the political and personal self discovery of characters in search of their own revolution.

http://smarturl.it/SearchofRevolution

https://www.facebook.com/InSearchOfaRevolution?ref=hl

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25113498-in-search-of-a-revolution

https://read.rifflebooks.com/books/416436

 

CHRISTOPH FISCHER 

Short Biography:

Christoph Fischer was born in Germany, near the Austrian border, as the son of a Sudeten-German father and a Bavarian mother. Not a full local in the eyes and ears of his peers he developed an ambiguous sense of belonging and home in Bavaria. He moved to Hamburg in pursuit of his studies and to lead a life of literary indulgence. After a few years he moved on to the UK where he now lives in a small hamlet, not far from Bath.  He and his partner have three Labradoodles to complete their family.

Christoph worked for the British Film Institute, in Libraries, Museums and for an airline. ‘The Luck of The Weissensteiners’ was published in November 2012; ‘Sebastian’ in May 2013 and The Black Eagle Inn in October 2013. “Time To Let Go” , his first contemporary work was published in May 2014, and “Conditions” in October 2014. His medical thriller “The Healer” was released in January 2015.

He has written several other novels which are in the later stages of editing and finalisation.

Website: http://www.christophfischerbooks.com/

Blog: https://writerchristophfischer.wordpress.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6590171.Christoph_Fischer

Amazon: http://ow.ly/BtveY

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CFFBooks

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/christophffisch/

Google +: https://plus.google.com/u/0/106213860775307052243

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=241333846

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WriterChristophFischer?ref=hl

Interview with Boyko Ovcharov, author of “Wandering Feelings”

Today I am pleased to introduce “Wandering Feelings” by Boyko Ovcharov. I met Boyko online via an author support group. I was swept away when I checked ouy his book. It is written in the most beautiful, lyrical and entrancing style. Carefully chosen words take you deep into the two characters and their love story between Sofia and London.
The book raises many relevant questions about true love and the perfect connection but also makes you think about the meaning of every day life. The book has a poetic and sensual feel to it that makes it stand out from more factual and purely prosaic story telling. Much is hinted at and could be missed by just falling into the flow of words.
In that sense this can be as demanding a read as it is captivating and rewarding.
A wonderful break from the bold and mundane and a very talented writer.

Interview with Boyko 

Tell us a little about your writing history:

I have always dreamed about writing, even at a very early stage. However, I got round to writing my first book in my mid thirties, as by that time I had gained some life experience and perhaps a bit of wisdom which I could share with my potential readers, especially in English. Before writing my first book, no one had ever told me before I could become a writer. Nevertheless, after publishing a couple of books at Amazon/Createspace, I received several good reviews – something that was both encouraging and motivating.

Tell us about your writing:

I usually love the ‘inter-disciplinary’ approach – probably due to my scientific/academic background. Nevertheless, I always try to narrow my writing approach down to a few specific genres, where I might discover my strength as an Indie author.

Overall, my writing style is a bit philosophical, and yet down-to-earth; emotional to some extent, and at the same time focusing on reason (thought-provoking) ‘behind the scenes’ without imposing any unnecessary guidance.

I definitely allow my characters’ thoughts and actions to speak for themselves. Some of my readers even told me they could easily find themselves within the plot, identify themselves with some of the characters’ features, so to speak – that is one thing I may be proud of.

Tell us about your life outside of writing:

I am a lecturer in business and English outside my writing, which helps me a lot by discussing my work with my students. Everyday, I like having a good laugh with my students and colleagues, without crossing the fine line of mutual respect/tolerance, of course.

Who would you like to invite for dinner:

I would like to invite all my close fellow writers around the world who have been so supportive and helpful all the way.

Could you chose a song to go with your book?

Actually, I quote a song in my second book (Wandering Feelings), which is a folk song from the Balkans telling a dramatic story about love/romance. I also refer the readers to some love songs with a deep meaning, e.g. by Coldplay, some classical compositions etc.

Who are your favourite writers?

I could quote a few of them, for example: Dickens, Cronin, Shakespeare, Ben Johnson (the playwright), Moliere, Bergerac, Fitzgerald, John Grisham, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle etc.

What are you working on at the moment?

At the moment I am working on an adventure, somewhat sci-fi, even dystopian novel, which I am planning to publish by the end of this year, as I am still at the beginning of it, although I have got a relatively clear picture of the plot, characters and the whole story.

Something that is worth noting down regarding my 2nd book is that although it is within the genres of literature and fiction, it is based on a true story about human desire for freedom.
The book reads as a good travel story with a sense of culture and a pinch of subtle humor amidst drama as well. I suppose it touches on some innermost feelings of the human soul, both within the specific setting of Europe (West-East) and beyond, i.e. past and present.

As for filming it and making it into a play or script, several hundred readers have already expressed their approval of that. I guess, as a movie, it would definitely appeal to people who have a free spirit, open-mindedness, and above all, are true humans. It might make a deep, psychological and dramatic romantic/love story, which involves some social, cultural and historic aspects.

http://www.amazon.com/Boyko-Ovcharov/e/B009T5LXX0 https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6885811.Boyko_Ovcharov

Boyko Ovcharov

Boyko Georgiev Ovcharov is an MBA graduate of the University of Buckingham, the United Kingdom (2002). In 2003 he also completed his scientific (MPhil) research work in the field of ICT in view of societal and economic change at the same academic institution. Besides, he holds a Master’s degree in International Economic Relations from the University of National and World Economy, Sofia, Bulgaria (1999). Regarding his professional experience, Mr. Ovcharov has been working for more than 10 years now, including managerial posts within the Business Development Departments at some international ICT companies in Bulgaria. At present, he is a full-time lecturer in management and marketing, business and general English for students and professionals, involving preparatory courses for exams and certificates, such as: SAT, TOEFL, GMAT, FCE, CAE, CPE etc. Life after Life has been Boyko’s first/debut book, whereas Wandering Feelings is his second one, a heartfelt novel. Yet, in the near future he envisages publishing some more and bigger titles due to the fairly good reception so far. Acknowledgements to all people who have encouraged this author!
http://www.amazon.com/Boyko-Ovcharov/…
https://www.facebook.com/boykoovcharo…

“Eleven Miles” by Lance Greenfield

“Eleven Miles” by Lance Greenfield is an engaging and often powerful story whose strength lies in the simplicity of the story telling. Boi, a young girl from Botswana overcomes obstacles in her way and grows as she tried to achieve her dreams of academic and sporting excellence.
It is a great reminder of the many things we take for granted: public transport, money for transport and education, available food and resources etc etc.
Inspiring and eye opening this is a true gem.

How far would you have walked to gain your high school education?

From an early age, the greatest passion in Boitumelo Tumelo’s life is learning. Boi, as she is known to her friends and family, just loves going to school. Her primary school is in the local village, but when she graduates to secondary school, two obstacles stand in the path to her further education. Firstly, there are fees to be paid. Secondly, it is eleven miles to the nearest secondary school. She would have to get up very early, and walk that long distance to school every day, and walk home after school. There are many potential dangers along the remote African track between her village and her school.

This is the inspiring story of how Boi overcomes the obstacles and dangers to gain the education that she so desires. Not only does she achieve her ambitions, but she manages to make life better for the children of her village who wish to follow in her footsteps.

Eleven Miles is a fictional story based upon a true life situation in Botswana. Until the target of Princess Boikanyo’s School Bus Project is achieved, 50% of all profits from the sales of this book will go into the project funds. In the meantime, please feel free to make additional contributions to this worthy cause by clicking on the project link.

The book on Amazon US and Amazon UK

About this author 

My main interests are Reading, writing, field hockey, trad jazz, classical music, travel, languages, people, statistics, technology.

Some of my favourite books include Skallagrigg, The Island, The Return, Birdsong, A Thousand Splendid Suns, The Kite Runner, Eagle of the Ninth, We Won a War, In Quest of the Unicorn Bird, The Shadow of the Wind.

I’ve played (field) hockey since I was seven years old. I now play veterans hockey for Andover Diamonds. It is a lot of fun and very sociable.

I have always been a prolific reader and my favourite genre has to be historical fiction. I just feel that it brings history to life, and I am not too bothered about the historical accuracy as long as it has at least SOME basis in fact. Who is to say that the dryly recorded history that we learn in school is the truth, anyway? Most of it is only recorded by the journalists of the time, so draw your own conclusions.

My favourite films are Jungle Book, Brassed Off and The Fastest Indian. I should add Hitchcock’s The Man Who Knew Too Much, because I was in it! Well read my writings for an explanation.

My biggest passion is the way that people treat people. Witnessing either cruelty or extreme kindness can make me cry equal buckets of tears. I can’t stand prejudice. Read my motto at the bottom of my home page

Lance Greenfield  https://www.goodreads.com/LanceGreenfieldMitchell

website http://lancegreenfield.wordpress.com

twitter username lancegmitchell

 

Review: “The Lei Crime Series: A Snake in Paradise” by Eden Baylee

“The Lei Crime Series: A Snake in Paradise (Kindle Worlds Novella)” by Eden Baylee is a very impressive crime novella set in Hawaii. It starts with a powerful prologue which features a woman waking up tied up. It leaves the reader with a lot of questions and curiosity for the chapters to come.
Then the actual story begins. Recently divorced Lainey Lee arrives in Hawaii, with a pinch of bitterness and reflection and an appetite to enjoy herself.
She has a snake tattoo that was given to her by her best friend in a symbolic gesture of redefining herself and finding herself.
I’ve read about the book on the author’s blog before its released and have speculated about the title of a ‘snake in paradise’ for some time. There were also music lyrics mentioned in her blog post that befit the theme of dealing with a snake. And a snake will be found indeed. 

As single woman Lainey soon gets attention from men on the island, some unwanted and some wanted, which kicks of the mystery and suspense part of the story.
Written with great sensitivity the characters are excellently drawn, the dialogues are sharp and poignant and the plot is well thought out.
An engaging, entertaining and stimulating read. Very enjoyable.

The Book on Amazon (sadly only available in the US store)

Link to my previous interview with Eden 

Blurb: 

Lainey Lee has always dreamed of going to Hawaii. It should have been her honeymoon trip, only it never happened. Now, in a poetic twist of fate, she is making the journey twenty-seven years later—following a messy divorce.

Once on the Big Island, Lainey discovers paradise, but white sand beaches and blue skies are not all Hawaii has to offer. She soon meets Julian, a mysterious stranger ten years her junior. They share an instant connection.

Lainey is eager to shed the fears that trapped her in a loveless marriage, but is Julian a tempting distraction, a new beginning, or a snake in paradise?

Q & A with Eden Baylee

Q: Tell us how your story is connected to Toby Neal’s Lei Crime novels.

EB: A Snake in Paradise happens concurrently with Toby Neal’s first book, Blood Orchids. I have created my own characters, but they co-exist with Toby’s and also take place on the Big Island of Hawaii.

My novella is a mystery and suspense story with a strong female protagonist named Lainey Lee. She is a newly divorced mother of three at a pivotal point in her life. Lainey is someone readers will relate to because she changes and grows throughout the story.

Q: The Lei Crime novels are police procedural mysteries with a twist of romance. What genres do you explore in your story?

EB: The genres I write are erotic romance, suspense, and crime. In A Snake in Paradise, I stay true to my strengths, so all these elements exist in my story. The crimes involved are murder and theft.

Q: What inspired A Snake in Paradise?

EB: A chance encounter inspired the story. I am a firm believer in serendipity and pay attention to odd connections that most people might not think twice about.

A particular gentleman inspired the character of Julian with his playful nature and his love for words. Because the story involves theft, you can even infer he stole something from me. Thankfully for him, it’s not something that will get him arrested.

 

Eden Baylee

born in Montreal, Canada

website

http://www.edenbayleebooks.com

twitter username

edenbaylee

Eden Baylee left a twenty-year banking career to write. Incorporating some of her favorite things such as travel, culture, and a deep curiosity for what turns people on, her brand of writing is sensual and literary.
She has written three collections of erotic novellas and flash fiction ~ SPRING INTO SUMMER, FALL INTO WINTER, and HOT FLASH.
On June 30, 2014, she released her first novel–a psychological mystery/thriller set in Jamaica called STRANGER AT SUNSET.
Eden loves hearing from readers, so connect to her via her website at www.edenbayleebooks.com and all her social networks.