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La Belle Famille
La Belle Famille by Amelia Maria Vergara is a vivid historical novel set during the tumultuous days of the United States’ colonial period, specifically during the battle of La Belle Famille in 1759. The story revolves around three main characters—Adam, Lidia, and Sofie—whose lives are intertwined in unexpected ways as they navigate the brutal realities of war. Through their perspectives, Vergara paints a rich and often harrowing picture of survival, guilt, and the quest for redemption.
One of the aspects that struck me most about this book is its strong character development. Adam’s deep-seated guilt and torment over his past actions, especially his memories of the girl from German Flatts, are powerfully portrayed. His internal struggles add a layer of complexity to his character, making him more than just a soldier caught in the throes of war. Lidia, on the other hand, is a character driven by anger and revenge, yet her interactions with Sofie show a softer side that grapples with the morality of her desires. Sofie’s journey, particularly her determination to protect her family and uphold her principles, brings a sense of strength and resilience to the narrative. Each character’s motivations are well-explored, making their actions and decisions feel genuine and impactful. Vergara’s writing style is another highlight of the book. The descriptive passages vividly bring the 18th-century setting to life, from the dense forests and perilous landscapes to the stark, grim realities of colonial warfare. Her attention to historical detail is commendable, as she seamlessly integrates real events and figures with her fictional narrative. The dialogue, particularly the use of different languages and dialects, adds authenticity to the characters and the time period, although there were moments when the shifts between languages could be a bit jarring. The book’s pacing thoughtfully allows readers to fully immerse themselves in the characters’ internal worlds and the rich descriptive passages. These moments provide added depth and insight, giving the narrative a contemplative quality. While this approach occasionally softens the immediacy of the action, it enhances the overall reading experience by offering a deeper connection to the characters and their experiences, particularly within the intense backdrop of war.
La Belle Famille is a compelling read that would appeal to fans of historical fiction who appreciate well-drawn characters and rich historical detail. Vergara has crafted a story that not only immerses readers in a pivotal moment of history but also explores universal themes of guilt, redemption, and the moral complexities of war. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in colonial American history, character-driven narratives, or stories that delve into the human side of conflict.
Pages: 256 | ASIN : B0CPD86B2Y
Redemption of Even the Most Evil
In Firefax, a family of highly-trained assassins is left to contend with their eldest sibling’s maniacal behavior and two rival spy agencies following the death of their patriarch. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
I originally wrote this when I was 17 or 18, and I think a great many things inspired it, especially books that I enjoyed as a teen, like Treasure Island, the works of Patrick O’Brian, and Fyodor Dostoevsky. The biggest inspiration for me when I first came up with the idea and wrote it, was probably the book Demons by Fyodor Dostoevsky. I’d highly recommend it, especially if you want a much deeper exploration than I’m capable of writing of the darkness and absurdity contained within the human soul.
The Firefax family is absolutely fascinating. What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
I enjoyed all these characters! The most fun to write was probably Murdoch. His interactions with all his siblings and with Esperanza were very amusing to describe. I also had a lot of fun writing Istäni’s character. Cara was the hardest to write because she is such a deeply repressed individual, and what boils beneath the surface isn’t always clear.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I wrote this book first as a teenager, and part of what I was exploring at that time was my own teenage angst after I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Louis’ suffering is honestly part of that exploration and hasn’t changed much at all since I originally wrote the work (though, just to be clear, the character Louis himself is in no way based on me). Then, it sat in a drawer for many years. I continued writing in the interim, including some other currently unpublished fantasy works, learning and growing as a writer. I finally took Firefax out of the drawer in 2021, during the delta wave of COVID.
At the time of the rewrite, I was working in the hospital, taking care of a lot of COVID patients, and it was honestly hell on earth. People died every shift. It was very hard. I talk a bit more about this on my substack here. Rewriting Firefax was an escape for me, and a means of survival during a very dark time, more than anything. That said, I find it interesting what themes others take away from it. I think a lot of what people find in the work they bring in themselves, and interpret through their own lens, as with any piece of art.
For me, the biggest theme I see when I look back at the novel is the idea of isolation, and how inhuman it can make people to be cut off from community and love and connection. But there is also exploration of how to overcome that, and the hope, perhaps, of redemption of even the most evil people through love.
Can fans of the Firefax clan expect to see a second installment? What are you currently working on?
I am actually working on a sequel to Firefax, and probably a third book with these characters as well. I wanted Firefax itself to stand alone; people can read it and be satisfied with that one book and its ending. But there’s definitely more to come for those readers who want more of these characters.
My next work to be published will be a historical fiction set during the war between the British and French and their Native allies over the Great Lakes Region in the year 1759. It’s called La Belle Famille, and the ebook can be preordered here: La Belle Famille, or you can wait for the official release on the 265th anniversary of the battle, July 24th, 2024. It’s a high-stakes adventure tale leading up to perhaps the most pivotal battle of that entire war. There are no assassins in it, but plenty more dysfunctional family dynamics and excitement.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Legend tells of a city of gold on a phantom island. The wealth of that city could end the American Revolution. But the only person who knows the island’s location is the world’s deadliest assassin. And he’s not giving up that secret without a fight . . .
The world’s oldest family of high-profile assassins, the Firefaxes, have been killing off dignitaries—and being well-compensated to do so—for centuries. The family is thrown into turmoil by their patriarch’s death and the return of their cunning, cruel prodigal, Murdoch. With their father dead, Murdoch is the only one who knows where the Firefax wealth is, kept on a secret island. But two competing intelligence networks in the American Revolution are bent on tracking down the legendary treasure to end the war, whatever the cost. However, these spy networks may have met their match in this wily, dysfunctional family of killers.
LITERARY TITAN 