Tag: Fiction

Book Review: The Fragility of Light

A novel that poignantly delves into the complexities of generational trauma and its effects on mental health

The Fragility of Light – Book Cover

Book: The Fragility of Light

Author: Heather Lonczak

Genre: Contemporary fiction, Literary Fiction, Novels

Review copy: BookSirens

Available at: Amazon.in

Recommended: Must read

Trigger warning: Mental health, mental illness

A novel that poignantly delves into the complexities of generational trauma and its effects on mental health.

In Heather S. Lonczak’s contemporary novel, The Fragility of Light, generational trauma and the fragile state of mental health cast their shadows over the life of Sylvia “Sunny” Zielinski. Sunny’s picture-perfect introverted existence takes a harrowing turn when she starts experiencing psychotic episodes.

Lonczak masterfully portrays mental illness, but not before immersing us in the wholesome experiences of youth—promising careers, love in the air, and a wedding on the horizon. Through her poetic prose, Lonczak transports us to a world steeped in charm and nostalgia, where the scent of lilies mingles with sun-warmed tomatoes still clinging to the vine. Sunny’s encounter with Joshua ignites an idyllic love, and their future seems vibrant.

As Sunny introduces Joshua to her gentle and wholesome family, the foundations of their new life appear unshakable. Yet, lurking in the past are shadows that resurface tragically, rocking their boat. Cracks emerge, and the once sweet and tender narration takes on gray overtones, plunging Sunny and all who love her into a nerve-wracking deluge.

Lonczak intricately weaves Sunny’s story with the perspectives of Joshua and Peter, her father. Both men grapple with the heart-wrenching realization that the one they love dearly is suffering, yet they find themselves powerless to alleviate her pain. Lonczak’s portrayal of their struggle captures the complexities of love and helplessness in the face of mental illness. Despite the recurring nature of shared experiences in the storyline, delving into Joshua and Peter’s tribulations remains relevant. Both men must bear the consequences: Joshua faces a crumbling present, and the future appears fraught with fear. Meanwhile, Peter’s past wounds resurface, raw and bleeding. Their intertwined struggles provide essential context, revealing the impact of generational trauma on their lives.

Lonczak’s novel is crucial to comprehend the impact of grief-stricken depression and the role of genetics in mental health. In brief lucid moments, Sunny glimpses her downward spiral, but the psychotic episodes remain beyond her control. Within her fragile mind, she carries the storm of genetic and generational trauma, unable to prevent the destruction it unleashes.

Skillfully delving into the complexities of trauma and its lingering effects, Lonczak invites readers to discover whether Sunny can battle her demons and whether Joshua’s love and devotion can withstand the searing trial. This novel, with its close exploration of matters of the mind and heart, leaves a lasting impression. Fans of literary fiction will find much to admire in this thought-provoking and emotionally resonant work with strong writing.

I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Book Review: Cat & The Dreamer

Mystery, melancholy, and a struggling protagonist in a novella that is a compelling read: Cat and the Dreamer by Annalisa Crawford

Cat and the Dreamer – Book Cover

Book: Cat & The Dreamer

Author: Annalisa Crawford

Genre: Fiction

Review copy: BookSirens

Available at: Amazon.in

Recommended: Must read

Trigger warning: Death, bullying

Mystery, melancholy, and a struggling protagonist in a novella that is a compelling read

Cat and the Dreamer by Annalisa Crawford is a captivating read that deftly intertwines elements of mystery and melancholy. Crawford’s writing style is exquisite, drawing readers in with its expressive prose and evocative descriptions. “My dreams are always vivid, lurid almost, like an over-exposed photo. It’s how I know what’s real. Reality is tinted with a disappointing grey pallor, washed out, even when the sun is shining and the sky is cobalt blue, or golden leaves are falling from the trees.”

One of the most compelling aspects of the book is Crawford’s character introduction and development. Readers are quickly drawn to Julie, the protagonist, intrigued by her mysterious aura. As an adult professional still living with her parents, her life circumstances pique interest. Julie is portrayed as self-conscious, burdened by the past, and experiencing waking dreams that blur the lines between illusion and reality, as she searches for “A Perfect Dream.”

Crawford expertly spins a storytelling web that captivates readers, keeping them engrossed until the very end. She presents a unique perspective through monologues, with references to the ‘cat’ that emphasize its wild traits over its typical feline cuteness. The book cover is a succinct portrayal of how Julie’s dreams are her escape portal.

Overall, Cat and the Dreamer is a slow-burn fiction that rewards readers with its engaging narrative and unfolding revelations. Crawford’s skillful writing and masterful storytelling make it a must-read for fans of literary fiction. The novel develops gradually, demanding the reader’s concentration, introspection, and appreciation of a poignant story told in a unique style. Importantly, the book sheds light on the complexities of adolescence, the impact of peer influence on young adults, and the burdens one can carry throughout life.

I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Book Review: 30 Stories about Life & Death: Flash Fiction

An engaging collection of short stories, spanning geographies, cultures, experiences, and emotions.

30 Stories about Life & Death: Flash Fiction – Book Cover

Book: 30 Stories about Life & Death: Flash Fiction

Author: Henri Colt

Genre: Fiction, Flash fiction

Review copy: Reedsy

Available at: Amazon.in

Recommended: Must read

An engaging collection of short stories, spanning geographies, cultures, experiences, and emotions.

Brevity in storytelling is a commendable trait. Henri Colt’s 30 Stories about Life & Death: Flash Fiction is a good representation of succinct writing with a flair for engagement. Divided into two parts – Life and Death – this compilation of flash fiction has many riveting tales in various shades.

The stories explore the themes of mortality, love, loss, and connection. They are set in different locations around the world, from Paris to Tokyo, and feature diverse characters and situations. Humorous, tragic, poignant, and surreal – all of them are written in an elegant style that captures the essence of each situation and emotion.

Colt’s vast travel experience has influenced the settings of most of the stories. His passion for life and understanding of human travails and feelings bind words into endearing fiction. As a reader, I could imagine him creating stories during each of his travels, capturing the nuances of places and people in dexterously crafted words. Throughout the narrative, Colt encapsulates various cultural experiences, sometimes with explicit descriptions, and sometimes with tender emotions. The characters are also varied in each story – teenagers, elderly, youthful, adventurous, humorous, travelers, and artists – the writer showcases his observations of different personalities and scenarios.

The depth of characterization in each story keeps the reader engaged. There is much to read between the lines and much to savor and absorb. Through vivid descriptions and surprising twists, Colt portrays the complexity and vulnerability of the human heart and our choices in life. Life lessons are tucked into the stories. For instance, “Don’t think, Kyra” he counsels, “Just be.” Or “… when suffering ends, and joy spills forth like the birth of an idea.” I recommend you get a copy and find the lines that resonate and stay with you, long after you finish reading it.

I received an advance review copy for free from Reedsy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Book Review: The Story That Made Us Stronger

The Story That Made Us Stronger by Iris March – Book Cover

Book: The Story That Made Us Stronger

Author: Iris March

Genre: Fiction, Mystery

Review copy: Reedsy Discovery

Available at: Amazon

Recommended: Must Read

A book that reverberates with hope and the power of goals to keep us going even in the face of challenges.

The Story That Made Us Stronger by Iris March is a novel that glistens with hope and sparkles with the endurance of the human mind and body. It’s a bittersweet story told from the viewpoints of a nurse and his patient, who is undergoing treatment for cancer. A mysterious building with an unknown past draws them together into a bond as they both seek to achieve their goals.

As Connor Jackson goes around investigating the building that attracted his attention during his daily runs, Katie Brandt finds a diversion in his reports to learn more about the abandoned structure. Connor is her window to a world that is becoming increasingly distant as she struggles with the impact of cancer treatment. Connor has a loving extended family but he has inner battles and preparing for a marathon is his way to find purpose in his life beyond work and family. 

This story is about compassion and a journey of healing. The tenderness of Connor as a nurse and Katie as a young mother fighting to get well for her family is the central theme of this book. However, the more exciting bit is the mystery of a rundown building with a strange pole. This part keeps the story moving along and connects the reader with Connor and Katie’s journey. In the storyline about the building, I see a metaphor for the unknown that we always seek to unveil, to understand, and the mission that keeps us going on each day. We all need a mystery to pursue because sometimes what we go through in our mundane existence is too hard on us.

A book about illness, particularly about cancer can be melancholy but the writer brings to us Katie’s struggle in the least overwhelming way possible. There is a distinct warmth flowing through the pages of the book – a subtle energy that pulls at your heartstrings, and the promise of a mystery that you want to solve. The narration is smooth and balanced. It includes cancer information and its treatment. Connor and Katie’s experiences are entwined in the pages of a book where there is a thrill, a budding romance, and most importantly hope. This book brims with humanness and is an endearing read. I highly recommend it for a gentle summer evening or a bus ride home. 

The selection of a sacred strawberry

Writers often lament writer’s block and procrastination as colossal hurdles to a regular writing practice. While both hold a genuine place in the writers’ list of woes, it is my experience that nothing is a bigger enemy of the creative journey than ill-disposed mental health. One can create masterpieces in sorrow and carve out brilliant art in happiness but it is hard to get a grip on artistic pursuits when one is stressed or anxious. 

A stack of books and an open notebook

Since mid-November 2022 until now I have been struggling – first with a long spell of flu that lasted for a month and a half. Then, somewhere during this difficult time, debilitating worry and paranoia found their way into my life. I was trapped in a maze of repetitive thoughts and stress-induced negativity. I tried many things to heal my mind but it was a lonely journey.

The biggest casualty of my mental ill-health was my poetry. I realize how delicate a device poetry is. It demands total dedication. A disrupted mental frame cannot do justice to the pursuits of the poet. 

One of the tools recommended for mindfulness and healing is journaling. I do vouch for its benefits but that is a post for another day. What I discovered amidst these trials was that for me story writing is closer to journaling.

As my physical health gradually recovered after Christmas, I came across the Penfluenza 3.0 contest by WriteFluence. I decided to start writing because the theme of Ritual called out to me. Each day, I poured a lot of love and care into my draft. It slowly became a healthy diversion. My mind would be at ease at least in those crafting moments. The story itself was therapeutic.

My efforts were worthwhile because when the contest results were declared, I was glad to know that my short story was one of the winning entries. Today, I received a heartwarming message that the anthology that contains my short story is now available for purchase. Read about The Selection of a Sacred Strawberry.

Meanwhile, I tried to go back to my favorite daily activity of writing for poetry prompts. It didn’t happen. Thoughts arrived wrapped in imagery but the words wouldn’t manifest. I felt for my forsaken blog but when you are broken, you can’t create a piece that is as fragile as poetry. Short story, in my case, was the sturdier sibling of the poem!

This weekend, I returned to my blog to publish a book review. Some words formed and then they started to string together. I am not sure if I will be able to write frequently because unresolved issues still camp in my mind space. But I am trying – each day – to let go of what I cannot control and to get a grip on the things I can create.