To the Editors: While warmly appreciating Nathaniel Rich’s generous and comprehensive assessment of my book, Politics and Literature at the Dawn of World War II [NYR, December 21, 2023], may I clarify a point about Irène Némirovksy’s Suite française? According to Rich, the near-total absence of Jewish characters in Suite française is as much an […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2024/02/08/character-references/
Lore Segal was ten years old when the Nazis occupied Vienna, in March 1938. Within weeks her father lost his job, her parents were evicted from their apartment, and her grandparents’ business was confiscated. It was quickly decided that she should be sent out of the country on the newly organized Kindertransport headed for England. […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2024/02/08/isnt-it-interesting-ladies-lunch-lore-segal/
The magnitude of the German catastrophe in the twelve years of Hitler’s rule (1933–1945) casts such a dark shadow that it is difficult to see the preceding fourteen years of Weimar democracy (1919–1933) as a historical era in its own right rather than as a prelude to the dictatorship that followed. The Weimar Republic was […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2024/02/08/fragile-resilient-weimar-germany-1923/
The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly or for a monthly wrap up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme
I haven’t been able to read all week. The words sort of swim on the pages thanks to this confounded virus/sinus infection. Multiple Covid tests & flu test confirm its viral funk and could take a few weeks to clear out completely. I haven’t watched Hazel in a week, but the older grandchildren, aka the Royals, have come after school. They have been lovely, entertaining themselves while I rest on the couch. Nights are horrible as sinus drip and coughing keeps me up. I’ve managed a few hours working each day and then spend about an hour each night writing needed reviews. I apologize for not visiting everyone. On a positive note, Sophia will be NINE this week. My goodness, it seems like only yesterday that I told you I was going to be a grandmother and now…. they grow up so fast! Stay Caffeinated.
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A special thanks to Vintage, T.L. Brown & St. Martin Press
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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2024/01/sunday-post-611-sick-snow-and-grandbabies.html
Emerald is determined to find five strong woman that are dedicated to preserving her vision of the Saint Augustine Gypsy Sisterhood while she continues to search for Liam, her lover and husband for over two hundred years. Yes, Emerald is a time traveler who has adjusted to this lifestyle fairly well until recently she is separated from Liam at Stonhenge. Saint Augustine, the oldest city in America was to be there home-base. But now an unforeseen complication known as Mandana Morrison is complicating everything.
When Mandana arrives to settle the estate of her estranged Aunt Caroline, she has no intention in remaining in Florida. That is until the Sisterhood of Gypsy dancers captivates her imagination, an Irish artist enchants her with his mysterious charm, and a Weimaraner named Lancelot becomes her knight in shining armor.
Mandana soon discovers that this ancient city known for harboring ghostly spirits is also a haven for time travelers that seek refuge at the Extended Life Institute. What she doesn’t understand is her role in this mysterious story that is layered with supernatural intrigue.
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/01/21/saint-augustine-sisterhood/
Imperatrix: The Empress Who Was Once a Slave follows a young slave thrust into the decadence and danger of Nero’s court as he strives to survive and find his place in a world ruled by an insane emperor. What inspired you to choose Nero’s Rome as the backdrop for Imperatrix?
Growing up in England in the 1960s, I was one of the last generation to receive a “classical education” in which subjects like Latin were compulsory. So, the history of imperial Rome was almost as familiar to me as real life — and, compared to real life in a British boarding school, almost as weird, too. I was surrounded by fictional depictions of Nero’s Rome, in literature and film, yet they generally are as much about the mores and culture of the time they were written in as about Rome. I wanted to try to achieve the real alienness of this pagan culture while at the same time showing that these people are clearly recognizable to us in the modern world. One important difference is the entire societal treatment of sexuality and sexual morality which was in many ways more permissive than today, but also more restrictive in other ways. Relationships today are seen as two-way; in Roman times “maleness” was about doing, and “femaleness” was about being done to. Everything has to be interpreted in that light. “Of course” one could do anything to a slave, no matter what their gender or age — they were owned. Yet a modern, two-way gay relationship where the partners were equal might have been seen as eccentric, somehow un-Roman. When this one pillar of modern moral discourse — the idea of relationships being equal, going both ways — is altered, every little thing in society is seen through a different lens. That was the challenge — not to allow a modern sensibility to be interjected into characters’ attitudes — while at the same time showing characters that modern people share common humanity with.
Sporus is a complex and captivating character. Can you share the process of developing his personality and how you balanced his vulnerability and resilience throughout the story?
So many bad things happened to Sporus that he could not have survived without a great deal of native wit and real intelligence. To survive in Nero’s court was tough even for people who had been raised and bred for it. To develop his character, I imagined him talking to me, letting me share his innermost, often contradictory thoughts. It’s the core of innocence that people around Sporus love — the thing they themselves do not possess. But that innocence is constantly besieged by the realities of his world. I think that making this a first-person narrative makes you constantly strive to understand the realities of that world. It’s an imaginative exercise in chanelling if you will.
How did you approach crafting Nero’s character, and what were the challenges in depicting his divine madness and capricious nature?
Of course, we know a lot more about Nero than we do about Sporus. This means not only that it’s easier to create a character people would recognize as Nero, but also harder to bring out qualities that might be concealed behind the very well-known persona. Nero was not raised to be an Emperor, so on some level, he must have been able to understand how ordinary people felt. The evil madman image is to some extent anti-Julio-Claudian propaganda — followed by Christian propaganda. He was, almost to the end, rather popular, but the mob was fickle.
Can you give us any insights into what we can expect in the next installment of this enthralling trilogy?
In a way, the big events are all in the third part, a large part of which is set during a single year in which four emperors came to the throne, and Sporus’s fortunes ping pong rapidly. Nymphidius “took” Sporus for a while but his bid to become emperor did not work out. Otho, like Nero, married Sporus (and of course both were Poppaea’s ex-husbands.). The first part of Book III, the Grecian tour, is also an immense spectacle. So I hope the third volume will be suitably climactic.
I didn’t mean to do this in three volumes. It’s just that at my age, I worry about not finishing big fat books, so breaking them up is a way that least parts of them reach the audience. At about 180,000 – 200,000 words the three volumes together are a pretty fat work, but they are continuous, so it may also be necessary to do an omnibus edition.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Imperatrix, the second volume of the tale, takes us into the heart of the Imperial palace with all its intrigue, depravity, and splendor.
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/01/21/the-core-of-innocence/
Heroes of Reighja: The Tale of Achyut the Gallant follows a prince and princess who discover a book detailing the last adventure their ancestor went on before he vanished and their land fell into the Collapse. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Heroes of Reighja: The Tale of Achyut the Gallant is the third novel I’ve written for Heroes of Reighja, although my first novel published and canonically the first in the series. I had so much trouble trying to publish my initial (now subsequent) novels, Heroes of Reighja: Second Dawn and Heroes of Reighja: The Precipice of History, through traditional means, I decided to self-publish a stand-alone novel to showcase my imaginative prowess and writing commitment by telling the story of the Collapse and how the wheels of history were set in motion, creating the problems the Dynasty of Lamaru face in the present-day. Yet I still wanted the characters in my ‘stand-alone’ novel to connect with the rest of the series while having to tell a story that happened 150 years apart. History, myths, and legends in our world have always transcended ages through books and by introducing and following along with younger versions of the main characters in my next novel, I checked all of the boxes for my story structure while differentiating early and present day Reighja to the reader. Lastly, by introducing a younger Amira and Naemin than their age in the main series, I hope their first appearance (in the main series) will be all the more impactful; readers will instantly recognize them, see how they’ve grown, and see how Achyut’s story has influenced their own values, abilities, and approach to life.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from, and how did it change as you were writing?
I’ve always loved all forms of media portraying epic fantasy and sci-fi such as Star Wars, The Lord of the Rings, The Legend of Zelda, Fire Emblem, X-Men, the Dresden Files, the Xanth novels, The Chronicles of Narnia, countless anime and manga, while dabbling in my own headcanon. During the 2020 quarantine, a brother of mine and an award-winning author, Jordan Hampton, convinced me to really crank out something fun and exciting to read. I researched a variety of topics but when looking at fictitious and non-fictitious histories to draw inspiration from, I noticed a distinct lack of Southern and Southeast Asian influences.
Most everything I knew came from either Europe or Japan, so I decided to change that. I studied such civilizations as the Persian and Gupta Empires, the Bengali Sultanate, and the Islamic Caliphates, learning about various foods, clothes, music, and cultures from this expansive region of our world and respectfully incorporating them into my novels with a pinch of fantasy magic. I tried to stay true to this core, modeling each of the regions in Lamaru after a different region of southeast Asia. My inspiration has changed little as I continue to write, with the exception of learning more about our world and its rich histories to incorporate into the other Pillar Civilizations.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
One of the main themes addressed in Achyut’s story is the importance of empathy and multiple perspectives. As someone with a background in animal training and psychology, I’ve learned how reflective people’s actions and mindsets are of their own struggles. By showcasing this through the internal thoughts of multiple characters and abilities such as soulsharing, I hope to better equip readers with the tools to engage others through emotional intelligence. This also ties in with another theme of the novel, personal freedom versus social duty. During COVID and subsequent quarantines, I grew astounded and angry at how apathetic people could be toward strangers while lamenting the same personal losses (due to COVID, housing, work, etc) they endured themselves. So many trivial problems arose because of people’s insecurities and greed. As such, multiple conflicts within the novel (and in future novels) mirror a similar cognitive dissonance, both between characters and in their relationships with the prevailing governments.
However, the most important theme for me in this book is the recognition of the joys and burdens of unconditional love and the acceptance of and ability to cope with grief, an emotional state and harsh reality that every single person who has lived and will ever live shares. I wrote a story recognising this universal experience hoping to provide multiple outlooks and assistance to anyone unable to move forward. While writing this story, my grandmother passed away, and nothing could soften the pain of losing one of my columns of strength, a person I always revered and loved, who had always supported my dreams and adventures. Her death broke me more than anything I had experienced in my life thus far. Around the same time, I separated from a woman who, at the time, I could see myself building a future with, and had experienced, for the first time, one of the most beautiful and emotionally gut-wrenching stories in a very popular anime. Writing Achyut’s story allowed me to process my emotional turmoil and reshape my pain into something beautiful with the ability to entertain and help others going through similar situations.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
As of now, Heroes of Reighja: The Tale of Achyut the Gallant is both physically and canonically the first book in this series. I hope to release my next book, Heroes of Reighja: Second Dawn, in May/June of 2024. Second Dawn takes place a couple years after Princess Amira and Prince Naemin discover Achyut’s story and focuses on their own troubles, both due to the Collapse and the political strife flourishing between Reighja’s Pillar Civilizations. It introduces three new main characters; Alex, Emma, and Daryl, refugees from a fallen kingdom, and their role in helping Amira avert open war due to extreme water shortages and environmental degradation, heavily influenced by past and present conflicts in our world.
Readers will be happy to know I have plenty of new animals, characters, civilizations, mysteries, minna constructs, and adventures to make the next volume as enrapturing as The Tale of Achyut the Gallant, including many more Easter eggs to some of my favorite media and my first novel, building on the foundation of an overarching plot tying all planned six novels together. However, the stories of Achyut, Katria, Mona, Rakiba, Lilith, and Uriel are far from over, and while the majority of the series will focus on the adventures of Amira, Alex, Naemin, Emma, and Daryl, I’ve already received many many requests to continue writing from the past perspective, both before and immediately following Achyut’s story and the heralding of the Collapse.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website | Amazon
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/01/21/joys-and-burdens-of-unconditional-love/
The Christmas Lesson: Unwrapping Love and Family follows a young boy searching for his holiday gifts who is discovered by his grandmother and learns the true meaning of the holiday from her. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My grandmother, Granny held a special place in my heart. She wasn’t just a grandmother; she was my best friend. Our shared love for Christmas created some of my most cherished memories. The essence of Christmas, to me, was always about spending quality time with her, whether it was decorating the house or simply having conversations about life in general.
I felt a deep desire to honor our bond, but finding the right way proved challenging over the years. It wasn’t until I noticed the increased commercialization of Christmas, with stores jumping into the festive spirit as early as October, that inspiration struck. Witnessing this trend, which seemed to overshadow Thanksgiving and dilute the true spirit of Christmas, motivated me to do my part in taking action. That’s when I decided to channel my feelings into writing a book, The Christmas Lesson: Unwrapping Love and Family. Through it, I aim to pay tribute to Granny and, more importantly, remind readers of the meaning of Christmas.
When you think about the holidays, what is your favorite childhood memory that always brings a smile to your face?
The Tanglewood Festival of Lights holds a reputation as one of the premier holiday light shows in North Carolina. Granny and I had always planned to attend, but her fear of riding on the highway, given its 45-minute distance from our home, kept us from making the trip. Instead, we created our own tradition, exploring various parts of the city and delighting in the local Christmas light displays. Those moments, filled with oohs and ahhs, forged a deep connection between us.
Despite numerous invitations from friends to visit Tanglewood over the years, I consistently declined or came up with an excuse, holding out for the day I could share it with Granny. Sadly, that day never came as she passed away on November 4, 2010. It wasn’t until December 2016, when my daughter Haelee was nine, that I finally experienced Tanglewood for the first time. The beauty of the lights left both of us utterly amazed. Keyshia Cole’s song “Sent From Heaven” began to play on the radio just as we pulled up. Tears welled up in my eyes as I felt Granny’s presence with us as Haelee stared out the window in amazement. It became clear to me that my first visit to Tanglewood wasn’t meant to be with Granny and I, it was meant to be a shared experience with Granny, Haelee, and myself.
What message do you hope children and families take away from your story?
The underlying message is that the true gift of the season lies in moments shared with family while honoring Gods sacrifices in Christian households like mine. A similar sentiment holds true for non-Christian households, in that The Christmas Lesson emphasizes that the most valuable gifts life offers are the love that exudes from family and friends.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
The title is still in the works but Lamar will return in an upcoming book that focuses on mental health in children. The release date and title are uncertain because my current focus is on supporting Haelee. We’re collaborating on her debut poetry book. My goal in that sense is to ensure that her poetry book takes center stage as we enter 2024, particularly since it marks our first attempt at such a project.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/01/21/my-most-cherished-memories/
The Soul Family, by Alexx Shaw, offers a compelling exploration into the intricacies of spirituality, presenting a blend of scientific concepts and spiritual teachings. Shaw delves into the microscopic foundations of human existence, drawing parallels between our physical composition and the nature of our interpersonal connections. The book serves as an enlightening guide for readers seeking to deepen their understanding of the ego and other spiritual aspects, with a particular focus on the Twin Flame dynamic. Shaw articulates the complexities of this concept, highlighting the intense pursuit of connection and the underlying desire for control often masked as patience.
Shaw’s work also sheds light on lesser-known spiritual terms, such as ‘false flames,’ and offers a clear explanation of various dimensional states, including the often-misunderstood 3D, 4D, and 5D realms. Her exploration into the fifth dimension is especially enlightening for those curious about this advanced state of consciousness. A key element of Shaw’s narrative is the concept of Core Karmic Lessons, which she attributes to familial influences from early human incarnations. She skillfully breaks down these lessons, which center on self-worth, self-love, and non-attachment, providing an in-depth discussion on each.
Additionally, Shaw introduces the reader to the holographic principle, suggesting the universe as an illusory construct. This revelation might require a second reading for full absorption and has the potential to shift one’s worldview significantly. The book also touches upon the Maharishi Effect, a concept that stimulates further thought and research. Shaw masterfully complements the scientific aspects of her book with engaging, relatable stories that effectively illuminate her points, enhancing the reader’s understanding and enjoyment. These narratives not only simplify complex ideas but also enhance the book’s accessibility.
The Soul Family is densely packed with information, making it a valuable resource for those interested in deepening their spiritual journey. Alexx Shaw’s work is recommended for readers eager to explore the realms of spirituality and consciousness.
Pages: 235 | ASIN : B0CP1R9G6Q
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/01/21/the-soul-family-a-guide-to-karmic-relationships-soulmates-soul-tribes-and-twin-flames/