Blog Archives
Our Inheritance And Legacy
The Spirit of Ruchel Leah tells the story of a woman living during the Holocaust and her struggles not just to survive but see her family escape to America away from the Nazis. Why was this an important book for you to write?
The Spirit of Ruchel Leah revolves around the letters that Ruchel Leah, my aunt, sent to my grandparents and father from 1938-1941 and subsequent letters from extended family members after the war. These letters, as the only remaining connection with Ruchel Leah and her family, were saved and passed on to my father, Abraham. After several years, he took on the task of translating the letters from the original Yiddish, Polish, Russian, and French so that his sister, brother, brother-in-law and nieces would not be forgotten by future generations.
Upon reading the translations, my sister Elaine and I told our father that the story is not just for our family, but needs to be exposed to a wider audience. When we inherited the letters and preliminary work from our late father, we embarked on an extraordinary research mission to bring the village, the family, and the era accurately to life. This was our inheritance and legacy.
We must learn from the past in order to engage in the present and have an impact on the future.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
It was important to share the strength, courage, hope, and resiliency of one woman as she struggled for mere survival against unimaginable obstacles. To me, Ruchel Leah represented the essence of our people. It is also important to be aware that social and political implications direct decisions, such as the restrictive 1924 immigration laws, which impacted many individuals in the past and can affect the future. This generation needs to be proactive to change those implications for the good.
Did you find anything in your research of this story that surprised you?
Everyday of research produced surprises. We had to identify the individuals and events written about in Ruchel Leah’s letters and place them into the appropriate historical context. Being able to trace information about Ruchel Leah’s brother-in-law in Paris and sister-in-law who ultimately immigrated to Israel was perhaps the most surprising research. Tracking down the disposition of the visa application was also amazing and telling.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
The biggest challenge in writing The Spirit of Ruchel Leah was presenting a Holocaust story capturing the emotions and feelings of the individuals in the book in a manner that transcended being just the story of our family but also offered the reader a microcosm of the entire Holocaust experience.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Stymied by the bureaucracy of the United States immigration policies, Ruchel Leah pursued obtaining the proper documentation so her daughter, Elka could immigrate to “The Golden Land”. As the murderous wings of the Nazi hordes enveloped Poland, the family fled east into Soviet Russia. Until her final letter, Ruchel Leah continued to express her resolution to save at least one child from the Holocaust.
Then, silence. Ruchel Leah, her husband, Anschel Taus, daughters, Elka and Surcha, and her brother, Moshe Blum were lost in the milieu of the Holocaust.
In writing The Spirit of Ruchel Leah, parallel yet divergent sagas of survival emerged, each unique and with different conclusions. Consistent throughout was the unimaginable determination, courage, and persistence for survival exhibited to protect and save their families, particularly their children.
The Spirit of Ruchel Leah is a wide ranging Holocaust book which takes the reader on a complete educational journey. The book is international in scope ranging from Poland and New York to Belarus, Soviet Russia, Cuba, Cyprus, Israel, Brazil, and Paris.
Our legacy is The Spirit of Ruchel Leah.
“For the dead and the living, we must bear witness.” Eli Wiesel, Holocaust survivor
We will never forget!
History of Lies
History of Lies is a captivating and thought-provoking conspiracy thriller that will challenge everything you thought you knew about history. This epic novel is replete with suspenseful twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat, eagerly anticipating what will happen next. The non-linear narrative style, alternating chapters between past and present, adds an extra layer of depth to the story and heightens the suspense.
The novel’s central theme is the ability of a select few to recall their past lives and the deliberate suppression of this truth by a powerful group known as the Pantheon. From the formation of the Akkadian civilization to the quests of Alexander the Great, the rule of Julius Caesar, and the reign of Azes the Great, the novel spans several centuries. It explores the interconnectivity of historical events through the same individuals driven by a lust for power.
The protagonists, Ben Preston, and Riya Patel, embark on a perilous journey to uncover the suppressed memories of Ben’s past lives, with the Pantheon in hot pursuit. The authors’ superb storytelling skills bring the characters to life, and their excellent writing will keep you rooting for Ben and Riya until the end. The alternating chapters that delve into the past enable the reader to piece together the puzzle and unravel the mysteries surrounding the characters’ intertwined pasts.
History of Lies is an action-packed and fast-paced thriller that transcends genres, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a compelling novel that is consistently entertaining. I appreciated the depth of the world-building and the intricacy of the plot. All of this came together to make a very entertaining read that will keep readers flipping the pages and yearning for more.
Pages: 454 | ASIN: B0BMGQPD6Y
Homespun
It is a time of significant change in South Carolina. The time between the First and Second World Wars is filled with progress in industry and social structures. Women are taking a more active role in the world, and things like automobiles, electricity, running water, and radios are becoming more commonplace in homes. But, for the Bell and Caddell families, their long-standing feud continues, and it is on the younger generation to try and mend fences. When Ginny and Jack fall in love, it is a forbidden romance full of strife and struggle. Family ties are stretched to their limits, and the question of “Is love enough” hangs in the air.
As the third and final installment of Sophia Alexander’s ‘Silk Trilogy,’ readers return to the small towns of Greeleyville and Kingstree in Homespun. Jessie’s personality is as hateful and disagreeable as ever, but her villainous deeds are overshadowed by the introduction of Zingle. A character that feels no remorse has no morals and no saving grace. While misguided, Jessie’s character stands behind her family values and morals; Zingle offers no redeeming qualities and gives readers someone new to hate and despise. He is the perfect villain for this final novel.
What stands out about ‘Silk Trilogy’ is the focus on ordinary people and their struggles during this time of rapid change in America. Between the war, industrial revelation, and women taking on roles outside the home and showcasing they have more to offer than just raising babies, this series shed light on how the average citizens faced these changes. From the country families to the small-town residents, everyone is shown fighting to find a place. Vivian’s character is inspirational and has been from the start. Homespun allows her to shine through and gives her character, as well as women from this time, a voice. Ginny reminded me of someone stuck between two generations, trying to bridge the gap and find herself. Many women will relate to her coming-of-age story in this novel, even in modern times. The struggle to balance family and breaking off to follow their own path is still relevant today.
Homespun is a gripping and captivating conclusion to the historical fiction ‘Silk Trilogy.’ Readers will be drawn into the drama and transported back in time to the South Carolina countryside and experience the winds of change that were blowing through the Lowcountry South. Some of the best fictional stories have roots in the truth, and the world that Sophia Alexander has created here is one that stays with readers long after they finish the story.
Pages: 377 | ASIN : B09VSYQZL9
Journey Into Mexico
Set in the tumultuous 1830s Mexico, Journey into Mexico by Alex Grand is a captivating historical fiction graphic novel woven around the tale of the superhero El Fuego. As political strife and dark forces threaten to undermine peace and sow the seeds of injustice, El Fuego rises to fight for justice and freedom of choice, empowered by the fire gods of life and creation.
The nonstop action in El Fuego’s battles against deadly enemies from Mexican mythology, powerfully illustrated by Sebastian Guidobono, keeps readers on the edge of their seats. As a heroic champion of the people, El Fuego fights for justice and stands tall against the unyielding hordes of evil. Taking inspiration from classic comic book heroes of World War Two, this thrilling adventure is steeped in action with an altruistic and patriotic core. The transformation of Tijax Tabares, the young boy who discovers the power of the old gods, into the hero El Fuego whenever the innocent are threatened adds a powerful quest for truth. The war between gods directly impacts the lives of people on earth, making El Fuego’s journey impactful and highly engaging.
Journey into Mexico is an immensely enjoyable superhero adventure that weaves together the history, mythology, and enchanting culture of Mexico. Cultural representation, excellence in storytelling, and incredible art make this graphic novel a must-have for readers who love superhero adventures, history, and world culture.
Containing fantasy violence, blood, and mild language, this story is suitable for readers 12 and up who cannot get enough heroic action stories. Journey into Mexico takes readers on an exciting venture into the world of heroes and mythology. As El Fuego continues to fight for justice and truth in his beloved Mexico, readers will eagerly await the next installment of his adventures.
Pages: 102 | ASIN: B08WRCBVZV
Is It Worth Rolling The Dice
Drawn Into Danger follows a 24-year-old’s journey to teach English in Algeria, where he becomes immersed in local culture and unwittingly drawn into a secret police operation to thwart a coup. Were there any personal experiences or stories that influenced your writing of Drawn Into Danger?
I lived and worked in Algeria from 1979 to 1982, and I used my experiences of the settings to place the story, but most of the actions described are fictional. It was an exciting time, and using the idea of a secret plot to overthrow the government wasn’t so far-fetched as there were periods of instability. However, for many reasons, mainly because I was young and it was my first real job, I fell in love with the country and the people. But yes, some of the incidents are real, and a few characters are based on people I knew, but they are inserted into situations that tested them. By using touches of reality, I think the characters and events become realistic and acceptable. One example of an actual event is the car crash in the desert, but I added elements to make it fit into the story.
How did you balance the fast-paced action and suspense with the central themes of friendship and loyalty in the novel?
You are right. Friendship and loyalty are the binding themes that create a lasting relationship between the characters. I allied this with the idea that jealousy can destroy relationships. Dave had to cope with envy of his ex-lover, Steve. Susan had to choose between forgiving her husband, a serial adulterer, or leaving him and the beautiful villa she lived in looking out onto the Mediterranean Sea.
I needed a strong bond that would ensure the characters felt loyalty to support each other as they devised a revenge plot, even in dangerous situations.
The first part of the story sets the scene and creates the atmosphere for the rest of the book when events take control of Dave’s and his friends’ lives. There is a sequence of actions that are at first unconnected, but they begin to coalesce to trap the characters into a trajectory that they lose control of and with consequences that they would never have predicted.
What kind of message do you hope readers will take away from Dave’s journey in the novel?
Life is full of risks, yet at the same time, it’s exciting, and maybe those risks are worth taking no matter where they lead. Dave took a chance, going to Algeria, leaving a lasting impression on him. Dave loses someone he loved, but it leaves open an eternal question. Is it worth rolling the dice because who knows what will happen?
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Instagram | Pinterest | LinkedIn | FriesenPress
Literary Titan Gold Book Award – Apr 2023
The Literary Titan Book Awards are awarded to books that have astounded and amazed us with unique writing styles, vivid worlds, complex characters, and original ideas. These books deserve extraordinary praise, and we are proud to acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and writing talent of these brilliant authors.
Award Recipients
Vivencias (Poemas) by Mayra Almaguer
The Mole Book III by Ron Raye
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Literary Titan Silver Book Award – Apr 2023
The Literary Titan Book Awards are awarded to books that have astounded and amazed us with unique writing styles, vivid worlds, complex characters, and original ideas. These books deserve extraordinary praise, and we are proud to acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and writing talent of these brilliant authors.
Award Recipients
Higher Steps Solutions for Healing by Louise Pyant
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Finding Home
Finding Home (Hungary, 1945) by Dean Cycon is a poignant tale about a group of Holocaust survivors returning to their hometown of Laszlo, Hungary. The narrative follows the traumatized group as they struggle to reintegrate into society, with a particular focus on young pianist Eva. Battling with her trauma and memories, Eva endeavors to reclaim her former life before the Nazi occupation. However, many of their homes have been sold or repurposed, creating further hurdles in their attempts to rebuild their lives. Despite these challenges, Eva perseveres, working hard to return to her passion for music and auditioning for the academy she has always dreamed of.
This gripping novel is highly recommended for those who appreciate impactful historical fiction. It is a well-crafted story that is deeply rooted in historical facts, with Eva’s flashbacks and memories drawn from the experiences of actual Holocaust survivors. Each character has their own backstory and challenges, making the emotional impact of the narrative even more profound. The reader is swept up in their journey, feeling immense sympathy for their struggles.
The writing style is commendable, with well-constructed sentences that read smoothly and effortlessly. The third-person narrative is skillfully executed, making for a seamless reading experience. Regarding the struggle that the characters felt returning home, readers can feel the devastation at finding everything they remembered taken from them yet again. The townspeople’s lack of welcome for the returning survivors casts a dark shadow over surviving the Holocaust. Still, their determination to not give up and reclaim parts of their life is felt throughout the pages of this exceptional novel.
In summary, Finding Home (Hungary, 1945) by Dean Cycon is a beautifully written and engaging historical fiction novel that powerfully depicts the struggles of Holocaust survivors returning home. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking an immersive and moving reading experience.
Pages: 416 | ASIN : B0BZG13L22
LITERARY TITAN 