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Journey With Grief and Healing
Invisible Sun follows a man grappling with painful memories as he reels from grief following his brother’s suicide. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I lost a brother to suicide many years ago and was intrigued by the way everyone, including myself, who was impacted by his death, managed the incident differently. Often, it’s only when we are confronted with death that we stop to consider life. Invisible Sun is a conversation about the perspective of what life is and less about death.
I enjoyed the depth of the main character, Ian. What was your process to bring that character to life?
While this story is NOT autobiographical, I did reach into my own history for inspiration. I needed Ian to be a flawed but curious human who digs deep to ask difficult questions about his existence. I jokingly told a friend that Ian was my whipping boy. I constructed a dark, heavy, almost impossible world with extreme situations for him to explore in this novel. I asked him to make hard decisions and choices that were the opposite of what I would choose in my life. In the process of writing Invisible Sun, I learned a lot about my own journey with grief and healing.
Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your characters’ lives?
Vulnerability. While this is not an emotion per se, it is a state of emotional exposure that involves a willingness to accept the risk that comes from being open and willing to give and accept love.
What is one thing you hope readers can take away from Invisible Sun?
In the novel, a homeless man on the bike tells Ian, “Don’t waste your life! It’s a gift.” Life is not complete without its ups and downs, but learning to find contentment in this life is the most important thing we can do.
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In Invisible Sun, Andrew H. Housley probes mental illness and the painful consequences of choice. He questions brotherly bonds, belief systems, and interconnectedness with profound intricacy, immersing readers in a world where reality blurs. Housley’s storytelling peels back the human psyche, exposing raw emotions. This haunting tale captivates as a broken soul seeks solace and understanding, diving deep into a reflection on resilience and choices.
Will Ian find the truth he seeks, or will he be consumed by the shadows that threaten to swallow him whole?
Invisible Sun
Invisible Sun, by Andrew H. Housley, begins in the somber aftermath of a suicide, setting the stage for a poignant exploration of grief and familial bonds. The story unfolds through the eyes of Ian, who grapples with the harrowing loss of his brother, Hugo. As Ian sifts through Hugo’s belongings, he is plunged into memories of their challenging childhood, marked by both emotional and physical hardships at the hands of their father.
Housley adeptly employs flashbacks to reveal the depth of the brothers’ relationship and the abuse they endured, enhancing the narrative’s emotional layers. His portrayal of Ian’s emotional journey is particularly compelling, capturing the essence of a man on the brink of a mental breakdown. Despite the heavy themes of grief and loss, Housley integrates moments of humor, which bring a nuanced relief to the otherwise intense narrative. The characters’ struggles with personal demons and coping mechanisms, such as humor and alcohol, are portrayed with realism and sensitivity.
The book addresses the profound impact of suicide on those left behind, presenting a raw, unfiltered look at their varied responses to tragedy. This approach, while powerful, includes multiple trigger warnings, indicating that the book might not be suitable for younger or more sensitive readers. The narrative structure of Invisible Sun eschews a traditional action-driven format, opting instead for a rich exploration of philosophical questions and the intricate layers of human emotion. This thoughtful, non-linear approach enhances the depth of the story, offering a rewarding experience for those who appreciate complex storytelling. The interplay between reality and illusion, as experienced by Ian, adds a compelling twist to the unfolding drama.
Invisible Sun is imbued with a profound emotional resonance that adds depth and gravity to its narrative. Its insightful examination of the human condition and the intricate portrayal of its characters not only make it a compelling read but also one that merits revisiting to fully appreciate its deeper thematic elements.
Pages: 172 | ASIN : B0CJL1KQTP
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