Love in the Shadows, the final book in Steve Bassett’s Passaic River Trilogy, is a gritty and gripping historical novel set in 1947 New Jersey. The story interweaves the lives of characters embroiled in the seedy underbelly of Newark, where crime, violence, and personal vendettas dictate daily existence. Central to the narrative is Margie, a woman determined to escape the cycle of abuse and exact justice on the men who perpetuate it. Through her struggles and alliances, Bassett crafts a vivid portrait of resilience and retribution against the backdrop of a city trying to find its own redemption.

Bassett’s writing is raw and unflinching, much like the world he depicts. His characters are complex, driven by their own flawed motivations and scarred by their pasts. Margie’s journey from a battered woman to a vengeful force is particularly compelling, capturing the reader’s empathy and admiration. Scenes such as her preparation to defend herself with a stiletto knife (a recurring motif in her arc) are intense and vividly described, showcasing Bassett’s ability to create tension and drama. I do feel that the multitude of characters can be somewhat overwhelming at first, but each offers a wonderful aspect to the evolving storyline.

Reading the previous installments of the trilogy is recommended for a more comprehensive understanding of the characters and their backgrounds. While authentic and reflective of the era, the dialogue sometimes veers into melodrama, which might detract from the otherwise gritty realism. The strength lies in its detailed setting and historical context. Bassett’s depiction of post-war Newark is meticulously researched and vividly brought to life. The inclusion of real historical figures and events, like the infamous gangsters and the socio-political climate of the time, adds depth and authenticity to the narrative. This meticulous attention to detail helps ground the story in reality, making the stakes feel all the more significant​.

Love in the Shadows is a powerful and evocative conclusion to the Passaic River Trilogy. Its unflinching portrayal of violence and redemption, coupled with richly developed characters, makes it a compelling read for those interested in historical fiction and crime dramas. This book is particularly suited for readers who appreciate intricate plots and are not deterred by darker themes. If you’re looking for a novel that delves deep into the human condition amidst the harsh realities of post-war America, Bassett’s latest offering is well worth your time.

Pages: 366 | ASIN : B0D4FQ4T16

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/08/01/love-in-the-shadows-passaic-river-trilogy-comes-to-an-end/

Phil Fletcher-Stokes’ Dying of Lassitude and Ennui is a striking collection of prose poems that confronts a multitude of personal and political themes with unflinching bluntness. This hard-hitting compilation captures the zeitgeist of our contemporary world, touching on topics as diverse as Putin, Ukraine, COVID-19, and Blanche Monnier.

The poems offer a vivid snapshot of current times and culture, characterized by an immediate and pervasive bitterness. Fletcher-Stokes’ personal struggles—microphthalmia, mental illnesses, loneliness, and decades of marginalization—resonate deeply through his work. His exclusion from the mainstream poetry scene and the limited success with his written word have profoundly shaped his voice. Particularly poignant is ’60 Years of Loneliness,’ a piece that elicits both laughter and deep sympathy for the poet. At first glance, the collection may seem dominated by bitterness and complaints, with a directness that eschews conventional stylistic flourishes. However, a more thoughtful engagement reveals the richness of Fletcher-Stokes’ reflections on a broad array of subjects. His candid musings range from critiques of Louise Glück and political correctness to contemplations on public infrastructure, lost love, failure, and his own isolation. Fletcher-Stokes’ life as a ‘keyboard warrior’ is neither romanticized nor trivialized. His experiences are presented plainly, encapsulating his belief in being ‘cursed’ and pursued by ‘evil entities.’ This raw, unembellished portrayal adds to the authenticity and gravity of his work.

The poet’s unfiltered narrative and at times graphic descriptions impart a raw power to his poems. His strong opinions, backed by 77 years of a profoundly lonely life, lend immense weight to his reflections. Dying of Lassitude and Ennui is dark, sad, twisted, wry, and intensely real, making it a compelling and truthful reflection of the times we live in.

Pages: 237 | ASIN : B0CVNGTCBK

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/08/01/dying-of-lassitude-and-ennui/

Squish and Squeam’s Daily Routines, written by Dee Rand and illustrated by Imani Maco, introduces readers to the delightful twin sloths, Squish and Squeam, who have a passion for music. This charming duo guides young readers through their daily routines with memorable songs, transforming ordinary activities such as breakfast, brushing teeth, playtime, and bedtime into engaging, rhyming adventures.

Parents of young children will find this book a delightful tool for incorporating rhyming into shared reading sessions. The sweet sloth twins, with their catchy tunes, capture readers’ attention from the very first mention of a sing-along. The repetition of lines within the verses is a powerful technique that Dee Rand utilizes effectively, encouraging young children to develop their reading skills.

Rand and Maco form an exceptional team, combining beautifully crafted illustrations with captivating characters and highlighted text. The vibrant imagery and strategically emphasized words in colorful fonts make the book both meaningful and visually appealing. Emerging and beginning readers will experience a sense of achievement as they read aloud the highlighted phrases, reinforcing their learning and boosting their confidence.

Building reading confidence and creating relatable content for young readers are cornerstones of a successful children’s book, and Rand and Maco excel in both areas. Preschool teachers, parents, and early readers will find Squish and Squeam’s Daily Routines a valuable addition to their libraries. This heartwarming tale is sure to become a favorite, enjoyed together time and again.

Pages: 26 | ASIN : B0D9QXXYSD

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/08/01/squish-squeams-daily-routines/

Mr. Nap A. Lot’s Merry Christmas Adventure, by Shani T. Night, beautifully reinforces the values of unity, generosity, and friendship, making it a perfect Christmas read. The story follows Mr. Nap A. Lot as he strolls through streets lined with cozy houses, feeling the special magic of the nighttime air. He observes families living in harmony, laughing and singing together, their love for one another highlighting the true spirit of the season. This confirms that giving without expecting anything in return and being kind are essential aspects of Christmas. Enveloped in this magical atmosphere, Mr. Nap A. Lot shares in their joy.

Night’s unique writing style, characterized by melodious rhymes, perfectly captures feelings of happiness and kindness. The book’s varied messages emphasize that Christmas is not just about toys but also about the comfort of being at home with family. The short, positive phrases and simple language make it ideal for children learning to read. The festive theme and fun tone will undoubtedly captivate young readers. Additionally, the beautiful illustrations capture the essence of Christmas, with magical nighttime scenes, comforting moments, and joyous interactions between children and adults. While the story lacks a traditional conflict, its straightforward narrative is part of its charm, allowing parents and children to focus solely on positive thoughts.

Shani T. Night successfully reinforces family values through a fun and inspiring story that encourages imagination and creativity. The book highlights the importance of sharing, appreciating each other’s company, and keeping traditions alive. Mr. Nap A. Lot’s Merry Christmas Adventure is highly recommended for its ability to maintain joy, enthusiasm, and love for family during the holiday season.

Pages: 42 | ASIN : B0CKWHZ79N

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/08/01/mr-nap-a-lots-merry-christmas-adventure/

In And They Marched Up, a devil and an angel are fighting for survival against both their enemies and members of their own kind. What was the inspiration for the original and fascinating idea at the center of the book?

The predominant themes found in this series come from my background in psychology. The story begins with Anorexia in possession of a mortal who is auditing an evolutionary psych seminar. We hear discussion of modern maladaptive traits having historically beneficial attributes and the evolutionary justification for In-group favoritism. In-group favoritism is based on the belief that in-group bias gives rise to strong cultural groups and that these groups would be better equipped to compete for scarce resources. Yet, history is filled with instances where membership within a strong in-group is just as treacherous as the out-group opposition. Examples can be found stretching from the First Triumvirate all the way to the Night of the Long Knives. With the primal instinct of survival being a key theme in this book, I wanted to explore how an individual navigates a system designed to pit her against merciless foes, while standing alongside unreliable allies. The isolation in such a situation is meant to draw focus to the notion that in the end, nobody cares as much about your survival as much as you do.

What was one scene in the novel that you felt captured the morals and message you were trying to deliver to readers?

The fight between Anorexia and Chu Hua during the Battle of Teutoburg Forest really encapsulates many of the main themes of the story. The scene pits two close friends against one another in a life and death struggle, testing the bonds of friendship and their loyalty to their respective causes. It asks the questions: What does it mean to be a good soldier? What is a true confidant? How will the characters comport themselves when their survival is set against the survival of their loved one? I wanted to illustrate the notion that even the strongest of bonds may falter when put to an extreme test, and to explore the idea that the primitive instinct to survive has the ability to override even the strongest of ties.

What was your favorite scene in this story?

It’s very difficult, but if I had to pick a favorite it’s the battle of Thermopylae. I enjoy weaving the story of The Saga of Fallen Leaves into specific historical events, so the reader can see an event they may already be familiar with through a different lens. I also very much enjoy the parallel between the mortal, Ephialtes, and the Demon, Anorexia, both using the battle for intensely personal and selfish reasons, as opposed to romantic notions like patriotism or bravery. The last stand of the three hundred Spartans gets a new spin in this scene and there is a very detailed illustration depicting the culmination of the battle.

Can fans expect a fourth installment in the Saga of Fallen Leaves?

Yes, absolutely. Volume IV continues with the focus on Anna and Anorexia. It tracks through the nineteenth, twentieth, and twenty-first century, reaching as far as the war in Ukraine. As always, the next volume offers a unique view on historical conflicts while following the stories of the heavenly and hellish cast of characters.

Author links: GoodReads | X

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/08/01/the-primitive-instinct-to-survive/