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I lived Through the Ordeal
Something About Sammy follows Andrei’s consuming obsession with a magnetic stranger, unraveling an introspective journey through desire, identity, and the complexity of human relationships. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Although written as fiction, the main plot of Something About Sammy is true, as well as much of the background information. The main characters are real people. I changed their names for obvious reasons. The character Andrei is, in fact, me. The ending twist of this story comes as a shock to many readers.
What challenges did you face in writing a story that explores themes of obsession and infatuation while maintaining the reader’s empathy for Andrei?
This was an arduous work in progress. As I mentioned above, I am the character Andrei. I went through the intense human emotions and complexities that are brought forth in this book. I lived through the ordeal. I began writing the story for cathartic purposes and then felt I should share it with others. One thing I would like to mention is I made the decision to donate 100% of all sales royalties from this book to two organizations – 50% to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and 50% to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
If you could add one more chapter or scene to the book, what moment or aspect of the story would you want to expand on, and why?
An editorial reviewer mentioned they wish I expounded more on some of the other main characters. In particular, Angel, Andrei’s close friend and confidant. On reflection, I believe this is correct and I wish I had.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I have ten other books available. They deal with different subjects and sub-genres. All are available on Amazon in both Kindle and paperback format.
Author Links: Facebook | Website | Book Review
Experience the startling shock that engulfs him when he becomes infatuated with, and consumed by, a much younger millennial Gay man – a total stranger he has little in common with. Immerse yourself in his attempt to deal with a foreign and confusing set of circumstances, the outcome of which affects him to his core.
Find yourself confounded by a cast of people and events. Throw yourself into several of the character’s personalities and positions, then determine where the fault is. Delve into the mysteries in an attempt to solve them. Contemplate how you’d feel. Conjure up your emotions and establish how you’d deal with such a situation.
Something About Sammy
Something About Sammy unravels as a heartfelt exploration of obsession, longing, and the tangled emotions of deep personal relationships. Set against the smoky and dim backdrop of Rusty’s Bar in Bluewater Springs, Georgia, the story introduces Andrei and his encounter with Sammy Pangborn, a magnetic and enigmatic young man. As Andrei becomes entangled in the charm and mystery surrounding Sammy, the story evolves into a raw and introspective reflection on the complexities of human connection, sexuality, and self-discovery.
The writing style in Something About Sammy is anything but conventional. It reads like a confessional diary. It’s brimming with honesty and a vulnerability that pulls you into Andrei’s world. One thing that stands out is how vividly the author brings Rusty’s Bar to life. The description of Allison, the bartender, thrusting beer bottles on ice “like a swashbuckling pirate” had me smiling while painting an unmistakable image of the bar’s rough but vibrant atmosphere. These small yet colorful details make scenes feel alive. While I enjoyed the story, I felt that there were times when the writing dives into unnecessary minutiae. Andrei’s recounting of his furniture shopping trips, for example, veers into mundane territory that I felt could have been more succinctly presented to maintain momentum.
What fascinated me most was the author’s candid portrayal of Andrei’s obsession with Sammy. The narrative doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of longing and infatuation, which makes it all the more compelling. The novel excels in laying bare these contradictory emotions, making you both empathize with and feel conflicted about Andrei. Despite the story’s emotional depth, some characters felt underdeveloped. Take Angel, for instance, Andrei’s supportive friend. While she’s described as a “Godsend” and a steadying presence in his life, I felt like her character never fully comes into focus. I wanted more interactions or meaningful conversations to show their bond. On the other hand, Sammy is endlessly intriguing, a paradox of vulnerability and aloofness. Andrei’s obsession with decoding Sammy’s mystery, from the peculiar way Sammy laughs to his apparent invulnerability to alcohol, drives the plot. I craved more insight into Sammy’s inner world to truly grasp the pull he had on everyone around him.
Something About Sammy is a thought-provoking read. If you enjoy stories that explore the messiness of human emotions and relationships in an unfiltered and raw way, then you’ll find this book both haunting and memorable. It’s a story that stays with you, and whether you love it or feel conflicted by it, you’ll definitely be thinking about Sammy long after you close the book.
Pages: 151 | ASIN: B08DJ5C8H4
LITERARY TITAN 