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Kintsugi
Asayi: An Autistic Teen’s Journey to Topple a Shogun in Medieval Japan follows an autistic teen on a journey to challenge the oppressive regime and find her tribe and love. What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
In Asayi – An Autistic Teen’s Journey to Topple a Shogun in Medieval Japan, the main character, Asayi, presents as mute. She understands what is spoken to her and can copy text, i.e., ink Japanese characters, but in book one, she is illiterate.
So Asayi has a rare skill, but is hampered by her lack of literacy. Not being able to speak is a severe disability in a culture that is with obsessed with perfection. That is why Nabui constantly repeats that the Shogun “had given him a defective gift” when Yoshinori Ashikaga arranged for Nabui to marry Asayi after her father’s death. The Shogun felt that the daughter of the late Chief Scribe needed to be placed in Nabui’s household since he was the next Chief Scribe. Asayi’s “defectiveness” led to beatings, rape and other cruelities in Nabui’s household. It was not until Yoshinori’s successor, Yoshimasa, came to power that the obsession with perfection came to be a bit dispelled. Yoshimasa introduced the art of “kintsugi” in the 15th century wherein broken porcelain was repaired with gold welding to restore its wholeness and utility.
While life has many struggles, the disabled in Medieval Japan suffered through more struggles than the average person. Had Asayi not been connected through her Chief Scribe father to the power circles, she would have no doubt been killed as a child or used as a household slave. As it was her father kept her condition a secret from the court during his lifetime. Asayi’s humanity is affirmed as she learns to communicate with others by drawing. Thus Asayi adapts to her limitation and uses her prowess with the brush to have a voice.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Certainly, I wanted to touch upon the norm of perfection held by the aristocratic class and present its impact on an autistic young girl. I also wanted to touch upon the severe restrictions on the lives of women in this period as they were ruthlessly governed by fathers, brothers, and husbands. When I asked a friend of mine who I worked with to teach me Japanese, he told me that I needed to learn the language from a woman. I then discovered the Japanese language spoken by women was like a different language, filled with many honorific words for males that the women were to use in conversation with men!
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
In my next book I will be covering the theft of the Imperial Regalia from the Northern Court. Controlled by the Ashikaga family for generations by the Southern Court, which was the province of the emperor. The regalia consisted of a sovereign sword, a many-sided mirror, and some gems. Whoever possessed these objects had the mandate to reign, and they were coveted by each Court. Asayi goes underground to recover these objects, so another adventure lies ahead.
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Layers of nuance unfold: the vulnerability of an autistic young woman in a merciless time period; political unrest, physical survival, secret identities, and finding one’s tribe and love while facing injustices and revolts that are just as real as today’s inequities and discontents.
The underdogs prevail in this remarkable medieval Japanese saga replete with true to life characters, political and personal sagas, and the enduring Asian cultural icon: the ghost.
Asayi: An Autistic Teen’s Journey to Topple a Shogun in Medieval Japan
Asayi: An Autistic Teen’s Journey to Topple a Shogun in Medieval Japan, by Sharon Curcio, is a compelling narrative that immerses readers into the tumultuous life of Asayi, an autistic young woman navigating the perilous landscape of medieval Japan. From the very beginning, the story is laden with tension as Asayi confronts political intrigue and social turmoil, resolutely determined to challenge an oppressive regime. The story unfolds through a rich tapestry of court drama and shadowy characters spanning all social strata. Deception is rife, yet amid the swirling machinations, the truth gradually emerges. The portrayal of Asayi’s vulnerability, coupled with her formidable resolve, offers a deeply nuanced perspective on the challenges faced by individuals with autism in a ruthless era.
Asayi’s journey transcends mere survival; it is about discovering her tribe and finding love amidst chaos. The relationships she forms, particularly with her father, the housekeeper Hatsu, and the ever-present spirit of her late mother, Omari, are both touching and profound. These connections ground her as she confronts numerous challenges, including the daunting prospect of an arranged marriage and the scrutiny of the Shogun’s court. Curcio’s masterful storytelling brings to life the visceral reality of political unrest and the constant fight for survival.
Asayi’s journey, marked by secret identities and the relentless pursuit of justice, echoes enduring struggles against inequities and societal discontent, resonating with contemporary issues. The narrative not only highlights Asayi’s personal battles but also her quest for belonging and love, weaving a powerful tale of finding one’s tribe amidst chaos. The novel’s strength lies in its authentic depiction of true-to-life characters and the enduring cultural motif of the ghost, enriching the story’s historical and emotional depth. Asayi is a remarkable saga of resilience and empowerment, where the underdogs ultimately prevail.
For those who appreciate historical fiction with profound emotional and cultural dimensions, Asayi is an unforgettable read. The book captures the essence of medieval Japan while addressing universal themes of identity, resilience, and justice.
Pages: 160 | ASIN : B0D3FRCC19
Dream Lover
Dream Lover, by Louise Glass, takes readers on an emotional journey with three best friends, Ali, Suzanne, and Lizzie, as they navigate love, tragedy, and significant life changes. Each woman experiences a whirlwind romance leading to a happy ending while facing unique challenges. Ali discovers her clairvoyant and empathic abilities, Suzanne grapples with loneliness that leads to a major tragedy, and Lizzie’s insecurities complicate her love life. Through it all, their unbreakable friendship helps them endure and thrive.
The novel stands out for its distinct narrative style with alternating perspectives among the three friends and even the men in their lives. While this approach adds depth, I feel it can occasionally be somewhat confusing, but the clear character voices help readers quickly adjust. Glass excels in crafting relatable, multidimensional characters. Ali, Suzanne, and Lizzie each possess unique insecurities and envies, reflecting the complexities of real female friendships. Their individual styles and quirks, including their beloved pets, add charm to the story. Ali’s cockatoo, Fred, is particularly delightful, bringing humor and warmth, while Suzanne’s cat, Precious, provides amusing moments with her dog-like behavior.
Glass’s plot is engaging, with each character’s storyline contributing to a cohesive whole. I believe Ali’s rapid acceptance of her newfound abilities felt a bit rushed and feel a deeper exploration of her initial skepticism would have added realism. The balance of humor and steamy romance keeps the narrative lively. A standout moment is when Fred bites Ali’s partner, Steve, on his bare butt cheek, showcasing Glass’s knack for blending comedy with romance. Dream Lover offers a touch of the paranormal and leaves the storyline open to the potential for more in future installments. Readers are left curious about Suzanne’s sister and eager for further exploration of the supernatural elements.
Dream Lover is an enjoyable read, capturing the essence of female friendship and personal growth. With its memorable characters and engaging plot, it leaves readers looking forward to what comes next in the lives of Ali, Suzanne, and Lizzie.
Pages: 325 | ASIN : B0C9FBPXKY
People Are Complicated
Upon the Pale Isle of Gloam follows a girl who wakes up on a deserted shoreline with no memories and surrounded by supernatural beings. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I have a deep appreciation for gothic fiction. One day the desire struck me to start on a story that would be somewhat of a love letter to the genre. To me, few things capture gothic storytelling better than horror. So, when I started writing Upon the Pale Isle of Gloam, I wanted to draw inspiration from the classic themes and elements we all love in gothic literature and horror. Things like existentialism and abandoned places, for example. A misty, supernatural island seemed like a great place to start.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
That’s a great question. I think people are complicated, and though most are aware of that, there’s still this tendency to try and generalize others. Sometimes we’re quick to label them. Sometimes we oversimplify the complex problems they’re facing. We force black and white bottom lines onto gray areas. But no matter how much we do it, those complexities and gray areas are still there glaring back at us. Ignoring them doesn’t make them any less relevant.
Exploring parts of the human condition that are overlooked and shrugged off makes for interesting stories. At times it can be awkward. Sometimes ugly. But we can learn a lot from taking a moment to consider what others are going through. Maybe even learn more about ourselves—all while indulging in the escapism that stories deliver. Just look at the impact of a book like Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.
I felt that Upon the Pale Isle of Gloam delivers the drama so well that it flirts with the grimdark genre. Was it your intention to give the story a darker tone?
It was, absolutely. I tend to be drawn toward dark stories that make me feel something or walk away with a different perspective, even if it’s not one I’m comfortable with. When I chose to write a tale set within the gothic horror genre, I felt a darker tone would be crucial to delivering the kind of story I wanted to tell.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I’m currently in the early stages of my next book, which will likely be more of a literary drama rather than horror. It’s hard to say when I’ll be finished with it, though I hope it won’t take me too long. In the meantime, I’d like to encourage readers of Upon the Pale Isle of Gloam to follow me on social media for updates. I’d love to hear from everyone.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Website
Upon a deserted shoreline, Rue wakes alone with no knowledge of her past. Decades of wreckage lay sprawled across the beach. The days are impossibly short, and the weather foreboding. Worse are the supernatural beings that stalk the landscape, littering it with corpses. Using only her instincts, Rue embarks on a journey to reclaim her truth and find a way home—all while unraveling the isle’s dark secret.
A spooky weekend read brimming with gothic themes and atmospheric horror.
Some content may not be suitable for all audiences. For more information, please visit http://www.markgulino.com/novella.
Upon the Pale Isle of Gloam
Upon the Pale Isle of Gloam, by Mark Gulino, is a gothic horror novella that introduces readers to Rue, a protagonist shrouded in mystery. Rue awakens on a beach littered with remnants of the sea spanning decades and realizes she has no memory of her past. The only path available leads into a dense forest and further into the heart of the island. This setting, characterized by its persistently gloomy weather and unusually short days, forms the backdrop of Rue’s unsettling journey. As Rue navigates the island, she encounters other individuals who share her amnesiac condition. They are guided by an apparition known as Riel, who instructs them to rediscover their former lives. However, Rue and her newfound companions soon realize they are not alone on this island, hinting at deeper, darker mysteries to be uncovered.
Gulino’s narrative effectively creates an atmosphere of tension and intrigue from the outset. The reader is drawn into the story by questions surrounding Rue’s identity, the enigmatic Riel, and the island’s peculiar inhabitants. The island itself, with its haunting landscape and hidden dangers, adds to the sense of foreboding that permeates the novella. The characters offer a spectrum of personalities, providing points of connection for a diverse range of readers. Each character, despite their memory loss, retains distinct personality traits that contribute to the overall mystique of the setting. The writing style of the novella is intentionally crafted to be vague and mysterious, imbuing the story with a sense of intrigue and encouraging deeper engagement with the text. This stylistic choice invites readers to explore the narrative more thoroughly, often revisiting previous sections to uncover hidden layers of meaning. The amnesia experienced by the characters further enriches the narrative, adding complexity and depth to their personalities and traits, which unfolds gradually, keeping the reader’s interest piqued throughout the story.
Upon the Pale Isle of Gloam offers a compelling foray into gothic horror, weaving together elements of mystery, amnesia, and survival in a setting that is both haunting and intriguing. While the writing style may occasionally obfuscate details, it contributes to the novel’s enigmatic and atmospheric quality, making it a notable addition to the genre.
Pages: 225 | ASIN : B0CJNL1P2T
The Missing Piece
The Folklorist follows a woman starting a job in the New England Folklife Museum with a boss who undermines her at every turn who discovers valuable information in an old family diary. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Several years ago I watched a PBS documentary on the New England Vampire Panic. I’d never heard of it before, but I found it fascinating. I knew I wanted to write a novel about it. At first, I thought it would be set entirely in the 19th century, but as I turned over possible plots in my mind, I always felt as though something was missing. I kept musing about it off and on for years. Then, after I’d read several novels with dual timelines, I realized that was the missing piece. Since vampires belong to folklore, I decided that having the main character be a folklorist was appropriate as well as something a little different. I chose 1973 because the early 70s saw a rise in interest in the occult. It was also a time when women were making great strides in the workplace but also dealing with a lot of pushback because of it.
What were some challenges you felt were important to defining your characters in this story?
In both timelines there are characters who feel constrained by societal ideas regarding the role of women. Lizzy, in the 1830s timeline, has little interest in the domestic arts and would much rather be working with her father and brother doing the heavier farm work but isn’t allowed to. Charlotte, in 1973, is able to obtain a position with the American Folklife Museum as a first step in building her career, but she is constantly subverted by her sexist boss and even told by other women that she really should be looking for a husband.
There is also the challenge of living in a highly interdependent society for the 1830s characters. It worked well until something broke the bonds between people who depended upon one another for survival. Then, it became a burden and something of a nightmare for Mary and her family.
Finally, there is the challenge of a secret for Jerusha as she is the only person in the family and, for that matter, in Birch Falls from whom something important is being kept, something that has a tremendous impact on her life, but doesn’t know what it is and no one will tell her.
What kind of research did you do for this novel to ensure you captured the essence of the story’s theme?
I had to do more research than usual for this book because two timelines were involved. That meant researching everyday life in the 1830s and 1973. I do remember 1973, but I was 9 years old so my perspective is different from Charlotte’s. Also, I’d forgotten a lot. It was a fun trip down memory lane. I also had to find out what a folklorist would know, what kind of education Charlotte would have had, and what sort of employment she could get with her degree. I read a lot of books on the study of folklore which were fascinating. I even branched out into reading books on anthropology as there is a strong connection between the two.
I devoured books on rural life in 1830s New England. Trips to the Massachusetts living history museum, Old Sturbridge Village, were perfect for understanding and imagining the 1830s setting. Best of all, I am very close friends with Tom Kelleher, historian and curator at Old Sturbridge Village. Tom read every chapter as it was written to check for historical accuracy. His help was so invaluable that I dedicated the book to him.
What is the next book you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I’m writing two books right now. One is tentatively titled All in the Furry Family. It will be the second book in the Cat Tales series (the first book, All the Furs and Feathers won a Literary Titan Gold Award.) The other is a standalone fantasy tentatively titled The Winter House.
Additionally, I’m immersed in research for my next historical novel which follows Erin’s Children, the sequel to my debut novel, Kelegeen. Like Erin’s Children, this one will be set in Worcester, Massachusetts and follow the lives of the Irish immigrants first encountered in Kelegeen. In the new book (no tentative title yet), the American Civil War has just broken out, so I’m deep into researching war history, especially the exploits of the regiments sent by Worcester.
I hope that All in the Furry Family will be out before the end of 2024, but I can’t project about release dates for the others.
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One by one Jerusha Kendall’s siblings fall victim to consumption, the scourge of the 19th century. Devastated by the loss of her children, Jerusha’s mother Mary is horrified over the outlandish folk remedy proposed by her dearest friend, Lavinia. Unable to divert the people of Birch Falls from carrying out Lavinia’s ghastly plan, Mary succeeds only in convincing them never to let Jerusha find out what they’ve done. But Jerusha knows a secret is being kept from her, and she is determined to uncover it.
1973 Middlebury, Vermont
Newly-minted folklorist Charlotte Lajoie accepts the position of Assistant Director at the New England Folklife Museum, the perfect first step in her career. But her sexist boss uses her to hide his incompetence and steal her ideas. Charlotte’s misery at work is assuaged only by a gift from her grandmother – the diary of their ancestor, Jerusha Kendall. Fascinated, Charlotte suspects that her family may have been involved in the 19th century’s New England Vampire Panic. Her discoveries could prove to be a goldmine for her career but only if she can outwit her jealous boss and pacify a vengeful ghost.
