Tag: Literary fiction

Book to series adaptation: ‘The Tattooist of Auschwitz’ by Heather Morris

‘The Tattooist of Auschwitz’ has been adapted into a Peacock original series. Photo: Amazon

Historical fiction transports readers to bygone eras, blending fact with imaginative narrative. They resurrect ancient civilizations and wartime landscapes with meticulous research and vivid storytelling. Through the eyes of fictional characters, readers explore crucial events, from epic battles to intimate moments of daily life, offering insights into the human condition across time. These stories often combine real historical figures with invented protagonists, creating a rich tapestry of emotion, intrigue, and adventure. These books not only entertain but also educate, inviting readers to ponder the echoes of the past in our present and future. One such historical novel is The New York Times and International bestseller “The Tattooist of Auschwitz” by Heather Morris.

Heather Morris is a native of New Zealand, now living in Australia. For several years, while working in a large public hospital in Melbourne, she studied and wrote screenplays, one of which was optioned by an Academy Award-winning screenwriter in the US. In 2003, Heather was introduced to an elderly gentleman who ‘might just have a story worth telling.’ The day she met Lale Sokolov changed both their lives. Their friendship grew and Lale embarked on a journey of self-scrutiny, entrusting the innermost details of his life during the Holocaust to her. Heather originally wrote Lale’s story as a screenplay – which ranked high in international competitions – before reshaping it into her debut novel, “The Tattooist of Auschwitz.” It is a tale of hope and courage based on interviews that were conducted with Holocaust survivor and Auschwitz-Birkenau tattooist Ludwig (Lale) Sokolov—an unforgettable love story in the midst of atrocity. It has now been adapted into a Peacock original series (6 episodes) and will be available for streaming starting May 2, 2024. (Amazon, 2024)

“The Tattooist of Auschwitz” – In April 1942, Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jew, is forcibly transported to the concentration camps at Auschwitz-Birkenau. When his captors discover that he speaks several languages, he is put to work as a Tätowierer (the German word for tattooist), tasked with permanently marking his fellow prisoners.

Imprisoned for over two and a half years, Lale witnesses horrific atrocities and barbarism—but also incredible acts of bravery and compassion. Risking his own life, he uses his privileged position to exchange jewels and money from murdered Jews for food to keep his fellow prisoners alive.

One day in July 1942, Lale, prisoner 32407, comforts a trembling young woman waiting in line to have the number 34902 tattooed onto her arm. Her name is Gita, and in that first encounter, Lale vows to somehow survive the camp and marry her.

A vivid, harrowing, and ultimately hopeful re-creation of Lale Sokolov’s experiences as the man who tattooed the arms of thousands of prisoners with what would become one of the most potent symbols of the Holocaust, “The Tattooist of Auschwitz” is also a testament to the endurance of love and humanity under the darkest possible conditions.

Book review: ‘Revival’ by Stephen King

‘Revival’ by Stephen King. Photo: Amazon

Stephen King is the author of more than sixty books, all of them worldwide bestsellers. His recent work includes the short story collection “You Like It Darker,” “Holly,” “Fairy Tale,” “If It Bleeds,” “Sleeping Beauties” (cowritten with his son Owen King), and the Bill Hodges trilogy: “End of Watch,” “Finders Keepers,” and “Mr. Mercedes” (an Edgar Award winner for Best Novel and a television series streaming on Peacock). He is the recipient of the 2020 Audio Publishers Association Lifetime Achievement Award, the 2018 PEN America Literary Service Award, the 2014 National Medal of Arts, and the 2003 National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters. His 2015 book “Revival” is a dark and electrifying novel about addiction, fanaticism, and what might exist on the other side of life. (Amazon, 2024)

Synopsis:
“Revival” – In a small New England town, over half a century ago, a shadow falls over a small boy playing with his toy soldiers. Jamie Morton looks up to see a striking man, the new minister. Charles Jacobs, along with his beautiful wife, will transform the local church. The men and boys are all a bit in love with Mrs. Jacobs; the women and girls feel the same about Reverend Jacobs—including Jamie’s mother and beloved sister, Claire. With Jamie, the Reverend shares a deeper bond based on a secret obsession. When tragedy strikes the Jacobs family, this charismatic preacher curses God, mocks all religious belief, and is banished from the shocked town.

Jamie has demons of his own. He plays guitar in bands across the country, living the nomadic lifestyle of bar-band rock and roll while fleeing from his family’s horrific loss. In his mid-thirties—addicted to heroin, stranded, desperate—Jamie meets Charles Jacobs again, with profound consequences for both men. Their bond becomes a pact beyond even the Devil’s devising, and Jamie discovers that revival has many meanings.

Review:
Like all the best novels from Stephen King, this story develops over five decades and follows Jamie Morton’s life from child to adult. His life is linked to Charles Jacobs right from the beginning and Jamie is thus destined to witness his chilling journey from minister to a madman obsessed with electricity and the afterlife. King masterfully weaves together elements of horror and psychological suspense to create a narrative that is both gripping and thought-provoking.

His vivid characterization and immersive storytelling transport readers into a world where the line between science and the supernatural blurs. True to his creative use of creature imagery, he doesn’t disappoint: “Now from the dead woman’s gaping mouth came a black leg with a flexing claw at the end of it. The claw was alive; it was a face.” The character development in both lead characters is impressive, which makes them highly relatable. Jacobs’ obsession with electricity is reminiscent of Victor Frankenstein, especially towards the end: “‘No heartbeat,’ he said. ‘Yet she lives. She lives!’”

“Revival” by Stephen King is a haunting exploration of obsession, faith, and the dark corners of human nature and is proof of his ability to entertain and unsettle his audience. With its eerie atmosphere and profound themes of family, death, and the afterlife, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who dares to venture into its pages. It is the author at his best, and this novel is recommended for longtime King fans who appreciate horror stories with flawed but fascinating characters.

“This is how we bring about our own damnation, you know – by ignoring the voice that begs us to stop. To stop while there’s still time.”

Book to series adaptation: ‘A Gentleman in Moscow’ by Amor Towles

The series adaptation of ‘A Gentleman in Moscow’ will be available on Showtime/Paramount +. Photo: Amazon

Amor Towles is an American novelist who graduated from Yale College and received an M.A. from Stanford University. He is the author of New York Times bestsellers “Rules of Civility,” “A Gentleman in Moscow,” and “The Lincoln Highway,” as well as the short story collection “Table for Two.” His books have collectively sold more than six million copies and have been translated into more than thirty languages. His 2016 novel “A Gentleman in Moscow” was adapted into an 8 episode series and will be available on Showtime/Paramount + starting on March 31, 2024. It stars Ewan McGregor as Count Alexander Rostov. (Amazon, 2024)

“A Gentleman in Moscow” is a beautifully transporting novel about a man who is ordered to spend the rest of his life inside a luxury hotel.

In 1922, Count Alexander Rostov is deemed an unrepentant aristocrat by a Bolshevik tribunal, and is sentenced to house arrest in the Metropol, a grand hotel across the street from the Kremlin. Rostov, an indomitable man of erudition and wit, has never worked a day in his life, and must now live in an attic room while some of the most tumultuous decades in Russian history are unfolding outside the hotel’s doors. Unexpectedly, his reduced circumstances provide him entry into a much larger world of emotional discovery.

Brimming with humor, a glittering cast of characters, and one beautifully rendered scene after another, this singular novel casts a spell as it relates the count’s endeavor to gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be a man of purpose.

Television adaptation: ‘One Day’ by David Nicholls

The television series adaptation of ‘One Day’ is now streaming on Netflix. Photo: Amazon

David Nicholls is a British novelist and screenwriter best known for “Starter for Ten,” “The Understudy,” “Us,” “Sweet Sorrow,” and “One Day.” “One Day” was published in 2009 to extraordinary critical acclaim and was translated into 40 languages. It became a global bestseller, selling millions of copies worldwide. His fourth novel, “Us,” was longlisted for the Booker Prize for Fiction. He is the executive producer and a contributing screenwriter on a new Netflix series adaptation of “One Day.” The series consists of 14 episodes and the first one is available now.

“One Day” – Two people, one day. What starts as a fleeting connection between two strangers soon becomes a deep bond that spans decades. It’s 1988 and Dexter Mayhew and Emma Morley have only just met. But after only one day together, they cannot stop thinking about one another. Over twenty years, snapshots of that relationship are revealed on the same day—July 15th—of each year. They face squabbles and fights, hopes and missed opportunities, laughter and tears. Dex and Em must come to grips with the nature of love and life itself. As the years go by, the true meaning of this one crucial day is revealed. (Amazon, 2024)

New book release: ‘The Deseret Reckoning’ by Matthew L. Huffman

‘The Deseret Reckoning’ is the thrilling new novel by Matthew L.. Huffman. Photo: Amazon

While I like all types of books, one of my favorite genres is historical fiction because I love history. Historical fiction features a story that takes place in or involves a historically important time period. Today’s new book release, “The Deseret Reckoning” by Matthew L Huffman centers around Susan, an ambitious young woman at the Smithsonian Museum whose life takes a surprising turn when she discovers a series of letters dating back to 1870 that involve a wagon train and a hidden mine. With plenty of action and adventure, this suspenseful work of literary fiction is available on Amazon and is sure to please fans of the genre.

Matthew L. Huffman is an avid fly fisherman, a dedicated western states traveler, outdoorsman, and writer. He is a full time professional land surveyor in the front range areas of Colorado, where he calls Arvada home. Huffman holds a Bachelor’s Degree from The University of South Florida, a philosophy major. A Pandemic novella, “Of Dice and Men” (2019), was his first published work. “The Deseret Reckoning” (2023) is his first full-length novel. This latest stunning release is a tale based in history and told through the eyes of Susan Kingsley, a shy yet bold museum assistant in the midst of change, displacement, and growth. (Matthew L Huffman, 2023)

“The Deseret Reckoning” – Susan Kingsley is a historical acquisitions assistant with career ambitions at the Smithsonian Museum. She shares an apartment with her ex-husband, FBI special agent Andrew Harrison. Susan has discovered copies of a series of letters from 1870 describing a wagon train from Santa Fe, New Mexico, bound for the Deseret Territory, the Mormon lands prior to Utah statehood, and a hidden mine.

The new owner of the letters, twenty-seven-year-old Tom Sullivan, a distant relative of the recipient, joins two older friends on a camping trip to discover the source of the letters. While Susan tracks Tom and his letters across Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah, Andrew tails her every step. After a chance encounter with Kat, a friendly face at a challenging time, a bolder, fiercer Susan emerges.

As Susan’s character arc grows, Andrew’s arc delves from petty disagreements to all-out fraud and deception, a cop with a grudge. What secrets will be revealed? What has been hidden in the mine? Will Susan succeed, or will Andrew sabotage her efforts and commit the ultimate crime?

“This irresistible novel manages the curious trick of making the reader want to stand up and cheer… A transformative tale of personal reinvention from a masterful storyteller.” – Kirkus Reviews (Kirkus Star)

“… a thoughtful but well-paced adventure… raising the stakes, right till the end. This novel is as much a journey of self discovery and newfound determination as it is a quest for retracing a historical trail.” –BookLife

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New book release: ‘The Condor’s Shadow’ by Jim Story

‘The Condor’s Shadow’ is the newest novel by Jim Story. Photo: Amazon

Literary fiction is mostly character driven and provides deep insight into the world around us and the human condition. They tackle complex themes and are often considered excellent works of literature, such examples being “The Grapes of Wrath” and “The Great Gatsby.” This is my go to genre when I am in the mood for a novel that probes into a character’s life and chronicles his/her life experiences. Today’s new book release is “The Condor’s Shadow” by Jim Story and it examines the life of Clayton Poole throughout the years, all his struggles and lessons learned along the way. Ready to go on this journey? This contemporary literary fiction novel is available on Amazon.

Jim Story is a novelist, short-story writer, and poet. Born in Oklahoma and raised on a ranch in the San Joaquin Valley in California, Jim Story holds a PhD from Columbia University, a certificate from the Harriman Institute, and has taught at Whitman College, Long Island University, and Lehman College in New York. He has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize for a series of poems called “Notes of a Forty-Year Old Country Boy,” won a Best New Writers Award from Poets & Writers, and held a residency at the Edward Albee Center in Montauk, Long Island. He is the author of the much-acclaimed novel “Problems of Translation, or Charlie’s Comic, Terrifying, Romantic, Loopy Round-the-World Journey in Search of Linguistic Happiness.” His new novel, also much-acclaimed, is “The Condor’s Shadow.” (Jim Story, 2023)

“The Condor’s Shadow” – Thirty-four year old Clayton Poole has wandered state-to-state, changing identities for nearly two decades. Finally about to start life anew as a small-town Montana journalist, he is suddenly confronted by his darkly checkered past: the love of his life he had felt forced to surrender, and the violent act that first expelled him onto the road and changed his life forever.

Set in California, Montana, and the Pacific Northwest, “The Condor’s Shadow” tells Clayton’s story in a layered fashion, moving fluidly back and forth through time from the early 1950s to the present, as he struggles to escape, rectify, and finally reconcile the forces that have shadowed his life.

Compelling, suspenseful, poignant, and romantic, it is already getting rave reviews:

“a smartly conceived, beguiling tale that few readers will forget” – Kirkus Reviews

“Jim Story again proves to be a master storyteller” – Manuel G. Gonzales, author of Mexicanos: A History of Mexicans in the United States

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New book release: ‘Shadows Of The Stanton House’ by Philip J. Jones

‘Shadows Of The Stanton House’ is the new novel by Philip J. Jones. Photo: Amazon

If you’re a fan of ghost stories, any time is a good time to curl up with a ghost thriller. But with spooky season upon us, now is the perfect time to dig into a good old fashion ghost story, especially if it is set in a spooky old building, like a convent. This new book release is just that. “Shadows Of The Stanton House” by Philip J. Jones has the feel of a good old fashion mystery and suspense work of literature. So get ready for a journey through dimly lit corridors of passion and mystery with “Shadows Of The Stanton House,” where every shadow tells a story, and every story is a secret waiting to be unveiled. Don’t wait! Get your copy today on Amazon and dive right in. It’s only a ghost story…..

Philip J. Jones’ journey began on a goat farm, where the rhythmic melodies of nature and the humbling responsibility of caring for animals taught him the beauty of simplicity. From those pastures, he found his way to an old, repurposed convent, which had blossomed into a thriving arts commune. Living there during his formative years, he was surrounded by a mosaic of creativity and passionate souls that deeply influenced his artistic inclinations. Throughout his journeys, both geographical and personal, he has come to understand that his true passion lies in the combination of the arts, nature, and culture. For him, the creative process is not just about creating something from nothing—it is a profound dance of experiences, memories, and the rich cultural contexts that have shaped him. He strives to channel these inspirations into his work, hoping to raise the same sense of wonder and connection in his readers that he has been fortunate to feel throughout his life. His biggest aim is to bridge worlds and touch souls. In his new book “Shadows Of The Stanton House,” an aging convent turned artists’ sanctuary whispers with echoes of the past and is the setting for a tale of love, art, and spectral mystery. (Amazon, 2023)

“Shadows Of The Stanton House” – For centuries, the Stanton House Convent has been a vessel of inspiration and mystique, offering refuge to artists seeking solace and muse. However, shadows cast by ancient spirits lurking within its venerable walls dance randomly with the lives of the current residents. Sarah, a pragmatic mystic, finds her powers challenged by the spectral forces while engaging in a desperate ballet to shield her companions. Unfolding alongside her is the journey of Alex, a filmmaker teetering on the ethical tightrope between exploitative sensationalism and the authentic human stories dwelling in the convent’s heart.

As these stories interweave, enter Emily, an artist with a soul as sensitive as her brush, caught in a turbulent whirlwind of love and supernatural intrigue. With each page, “Shadows Of The Stanton House” unveils the fragile tapestry of their lives, shimmering under the influence of love, art, and the binding haunting that ties them inexorably together.

In the unfolding canvas, relationships ebb and flow, reflecting the tumultuous energies at play. The characters find themselves at a crossroad, tethered between the earthly and the supernatural, passion and betrayal, with the Stanton House watching silently, bearing witness to their joys and sorrows.

So step into the shadows, where love is as unpredictable and potent as the spirits ensnaring the Stanton House. Engage with the unforgettable ensemble as they navigate through a maze of artistry and otherworldliness, where the end of one story is but the whisper of another, lingering long after the final page is turned.

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New book release: ‘Chronicles of a Lost Tomorrow’ by Wayker Arenas

‘Chronicles of a Lost Tomorrow: A True Account of a Journey Through Time’ is the new time travel science fiction novel by Wayker Arenas. Photo: Amazon

Besides thrillers, science fiction novels are my go-to for escapist novels. They are entertaining because they stretch the imagination and when you add time travel and a dystopian setting, it becomes an epic. Such is the case in today’s new book release by Wayker Arenas, “Chronicles of a Lost Tomorrow: A True Account of a Journey Through Time.” It is the story of a man from the present timeline who gets an unexpected journal of a time traveler that details his and his wife’s tragic life spent locked in a totalitarian cult-controlled timeline. This well written odyssey of a time traveler reads like a modern work of literature and is sure to please fans of the genre. Get your copy today and find out what happens to this weary traveler – it is available on Amazon.

Wayker Arenas is an author, engineer, and devoted father of two. He finds solace in reading, relishes writing, and engaging in discussions about ideas. His life is a harmonious blend of technical expertise and literary passion, shaping his unique perspective on the world. In his new book “Chronicles of a Lost Tomorrow: A True Account of a Journey Through Time,” readers are immersed in an exciting and thought-provoking story that spans the present and a dystopian future. (Amazon, 2023)

“Chronicles of a Lost Tomorrow: A True Account of a Journey Through Time” – The book begins with the time traveler journal, and as you read through the chapters, you get immersed in the time traveler couple’s fight for existence in his time machine as their only means of escape. The time traveler unravels the complexities of this repressive dictatorship with each entry, learning the cult’s dark secrets and experiencing the deadly effects of their control. It immerses readers in extensive journal entries, providing a first-hand account of the time traveler An’s voyage through time. He faces various hurdles and roadblocks along the way that put his perseverance and resourcefulness to the test, pushing him to confront his own fears and limits.

The novel addresses themes of history, power, capabilities, and the human propensity for destruction through dangerous ideologies via the time-traveler’s findings and experiences. The journal serves as a window into the past, present, and future, emphasizing the repercussions of unrestrained tyranny in the disguise of kindness, as well as the indestructible tenacity of the human will. The story mixes suspense, mystery, and philosophical musings, engrossing readers until the very last page. It is an immersing and thought-provoking story that blends science fiction, our current society, dystopia, and philosophical examination. It challenges readers to consider the nature of the human mind, men and women in natural balance, the value of accountability, the value of freedom, and the possibility of the implications of a society that breaks down due to lack of balance.

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New book release: ‘Beyond the Covered Veil’ by Wesley B. Herndon

‘Beyond the Covered Veil’ is the new collection of short stories by Wesley B. Herndon. Photo: Wesley B. Herndon, used with permission.

If you are anything like me, you are not always in the mood to read a big book. Sometimes it is the quick reads that are more meaningful. Today’s new book release might be what you are looking for: “Beyond the Covered Veil” by Wesley B. Herndon – a collection of short stories. The writing style is visionary and poetic: “He knew this way of living would leave him forever lost, smoldering in the cold grip of a cavernous grave” and is sure to appease the artistic side of readers. Sounds interesting? Pick up a copy and see for yourself. It is available on Barnes & Noble and Amazon. 

Wesley B Herndon is a theoretician, an ingenious creator who studies documentary pieces and is a human file cabinet of 80s pop culture. He lives in Raleigh, North Carolina with his iguana Tubbs and a large collection of retro video games. His new book “Beyond the Covered Veil” is a collection of short stories that challenge the mind and soul. (Wesley B. Herndon, 2023)

“Beyond the Covered Veil” – As a child, you have a vast imagination to create anything out of nothing, but most lose that ability when they get older. I have kept the imaginative side of me alive and have honed it down to fine art. This is a collection of short stories that come to life in your mind. Follow a group of bandits who are pushed to their limits in order to overcome a fierce opponent. Descend into an empty desert where one awakens to a world that defies human logic. Then you turn the page and you are hit with words of insightful wisdom that exceed the thoughts of the common mindset. This book is for people who have gone through the darkest moments in life and survived them. Anyone who likes to be told real truths will also be entertained at the same time. You will be able to see it as you read it–“It’s what the world’s been missing.”

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New book release: ‘Shadowland’ by P.L. Hampton

‘Shadowland’ will be released September 5, 2023. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

P.L. Hampton, an emerging dark fiction author, draws readers into a world of ancient artifacts, family, and the hidden shadows of the past. Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, Hampton is a college professor and is pursuing his JD. He balances his academic pursuits with his passion for writing. Hampton spent nearly twelve years working in the finance industry, gaining experiences that shaped his rich, layered narratives. He resides in San Diego with his wife, Tonya, where he explores the fascinating intersection of history and horror. Prepare to delve into the realms of terror and intrigue in the genre-blending book “Shadowland,” P.L. Hampton’s upcoming new book. This thought-provoking page turner is set to release on September 5, 2023, from Running Wild’s RIZE press. It is available for pre-order in e-book and paperback formats from RIZE publishing on Amazon. (Black Château, 2023)

“Shadowland” – When Aaron Langford receives a Yoruba Divination Board as a housewarming gift, he does not realize that it will open the door to a supernatural realm, one that takes both his children, sending Aaron on a journey to find them in the Shadowland. Hampton blends historical facts and fiction, inviting readers to ponder the origins of the Yoruba Divination Board, also known as a Talking Board, while immersing them in the Langford family’s journey.  

Having himself acquired such an artifact—and raised by a mother who sees spirits—Hampton delivers an authentic experience. “My novel not only incorporates African and Black themes into the story but also brings the dynamics of family and love. In the end, ‘Shadowland’ is about a father’s love for his children and his family,” says Hampton. 

In “Shadowland,” Hampton explores the rich past and present tapestry of African American culture, merging it with the macabre and the uncanny, all while paying homage to the resilience and depth of a society steeped in history. 

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