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Characters that Come to Life
of Paint and Pancakes follows the lives of several people who are brought together by a child’s brain injury and together learn what truely matters in life. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I am a neurosurgeon who has cared for many such patients.
Were you able to achieve everything you wanted with the characters in the novel?
I leave that up to the readers to decide. I am particularly gratified after reading a wonderful review, such as yours. It lets me know that the characters came to life in someone else’s heart.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I tried to fill of Paint and Pancakes with big themes: Topics such as right to life, end of life, wealth and class, social mobility, sexual and emotional intimacy.
What is the next book that you’re working on and when can your fans expect it out?
I’m working on a series of short stories tied together with a theme of being paranormal medical murder mysteries. The main character is a neurosurgeon, Felix Hoenniker, next installment, Muñeca, should be out in a few months.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Erin Gustino, the youngest daughter of a wealthy and influential family, suffers an awful brain injury. Mike saves her life. But healing from her physical wound is a walk in the park compared to recovering from her psychological trauma. Erin’s desperate parents turn to Jane, the child’s favorite teacher, for help.
Jane McCorvey, twenty-something and full of life, takes Erin under her wing. She’d been told that she’d never have kids of her own. Jane’s world comes crashing down, when, after a seizure, Mike diagnoses her with brain cancer. At the same time, she discovers she is three months pregnant. Mike insists her best chance for long-term survival is to terminate the pregnancy.In addition to being an author, Dr. Arginteanu is a Clinical Associate Professor of Neurosurgery at Mount Sinai in New York City and an Adjunct Professor of Psychology (Neuroscience) at Florida International University
of Paint and Pancakes
Marc Arginteanu’s of Paint and Pancakes presents a complex tapestry of lives intersecting in the wake of tragedy and ambition. At its core is Mike Silvers, a neurosurgeon whose dedication to his profession borders on the obsessive, often eclipsing all other aspects of his life. The Gustinos, a family whose immense wealth is surpassed only by their philanthropic ventures, are patrons of Mike’s hospital and pillars in the community. Jane McCorvey is the quintessential underdog, a young teacher with aspirations that stretch beyond her means. Their lives converge when the Gustinos’ youngest daughter, Erin, suffers a bicycle accident, thrusting them into an unconventional familial bond.
This novel is a poignant exploration of the fragile nature of life and the profound lessons gleaned from facing mortality. While the initial connection between Mike, the Gustinos, and Jane is through Erin’s accident, it’s Jane’s personal tribulations that draw them into an unexpected closeness. Arginteanu deftly portrays the characters with a realism that makes them relatable yet challenging; Mike and the Gustinos, Paul and Kelly, are exceptionally well-crafted, embodying traits that make them both unlikable and authentically human. Erin represents an innocence untainted by the complexities of adulthood, while Jane emerges as the moral compass and the heart of the narrative.
The novel delves deep into themes far beyond the superficial notion that money cannot solve all problems. It’s a profound meditation on the essence of what truly matters in life. As Mike and the Gustinos gradually shift their values from material wealth to human connection, Jane’s journey culminates in a poignant decision, reflecting the novel’s exploration of sacrifice, love, and the paths we choose. Each character is portrayed with striking realism, particularly within the medical world, showcasing Arginteanu’s insightful writing and adding depth and authenticity to the narrative.
of Paint and Pancakes reflects life’s unpredictable journey and the unexpected ways people can become integral to our stories. The novel is a compelling read, drawing readers in with the desire to uncover the fate of each character. Despite its moments of darkness, the story concludes on a note of hope, offering a satisfying resolution to a journey marked by both profound loss and heartfelt discovery. This thoughtfully crafted tale resonates with truth and emotion, a testament to the intricate and often surprising nature of human connections.
Pages: 272 | ASIN : B0CLH12SPY
LITERARY TITAN 