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A Global Problem Ignored
Love in the Shadows follows a woman determined to escape the cycle of abuse who sets out to exact justice on the men who perpetrate it. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
During research for my Emmy-winning CBS documentary, The Abused Woman, it became apparent that marital, physical, verbal and psychological abuse had no class, race, religion or age boundaries. The powerful have preyed on the weak and helpless throughout history. This global problem was either ignored or dismissed just so long as you’re not among those being brutalized. My research for the documentary revealed a world of hidden habitats in which mostly unpaid volunteer women and men provided safe havens for victims on the run from their abusers.
It seemed like you took your time in building the characters and the story to great emotional effect. How did you manage the pacing of the story while keeping readers engaged?
The pacing was provided by the characters, all of whom were fictional representations of those I had interviewed for my book, “The Battered Rich,” published by Ashley Books and unfortunately out of print. If I couldn’t hold the interest of my readers by telling the victims’ stories truthfully along with the incisive comments from psychiatrists, therapists and police, I was the wrong author for this book.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
I learned there was a cottage industry of cosmetologists who padded their income by teaching rich abused women how to disguise their bruises from friends and the public. A bigger surprise was to hear for the first time from a psychiatrist the term, “messiah complex,” which applied to surgeons who were non-verbal, god-like figures in the operating room but couldn’t handle highly educated wives who were socially and verbally their superiors. Physical violence often became their only recourse.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
It is another noir, historically based crime thriller. Although Newark remains the launching pad for the novel, I am creating a fictional city in the upper Midwest that like Newark, profited greatly during WW2 but in the late-1940s was socially and economically adrift with the closure of the massive war-time industries, and as a result became easy prey for the mob-controlled labor unions whose original instructions were provided by the legendary Jimmy Hoffa. With any luck and remaining in good health, I hope to have the final completed in 2026.
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One woman used her fists to fight back, driving her abusive husband from their home. Four physically abused women enlist a mafia gangster in a crazy scheme to payback powerful men who escaped punishment despite years of brutal behavior. Newark’s Police Homicide Chief is astonished to discover there is no difference in the battery and mayhem affecting the rich and poor.
A rich and beautiful woman, physically and mentally abused, goes on a three-continent search after her wealthy German aristocrat husband fatally beat a household member she had loved since childhood. Also tracking the husband are two anonymous international killers hired by the mafia because for years he had been embezzling millions of gangster money earned by investing in Nazi companies. Throughout the book it becomes obvious that evil works in the shadows.
French Kiss How the Americans and French Fell In and Out of Love During the Cold War
French Kiss: How the Americans and French Fell in and Out of Love During the Cold War, by Steve Bassett, is a captivating exploration of the dynamic and often tumultuous relationship between the United States and France during the Cold War era. Through a blend of personal anecdotes, historical analysis, and cultural reflections, Bassett delves into the complex interactions that defined this period, highlighting both the camaraderie and the conflicts that arose as American military personnel and French citizens navigated the geopolitical landscape of the time.
The book’s writing is engaging and accessible, making a potentially dense historical topic feel vivid and relatable. Bassett’s storytelling shines when he recounts personal stories, such as those of Army Captain Francis C. Nollette advising his son to explore beyond the American enclaves or the amusing yet poignant anecdotes of Americans adapting to life in Châteauroux. These narratives bring to life the human aspect of the Cold War, offering a unique perspective that academic texts often miss. While I enjoyed the book, I felt that the writing occasionally veered into somewhat overly detailed descriptions, which can slow the pace for readers who may be more interested in the broader historical implications.
One of the book’s strengths lies in its balanced portrayal of American and French perspectives. Bassett does not shy away from discussing the anti-American sentiment that existed in some French quarters, nor does he overlook the positive impact of American presence, such as economic benefits and cultural exchange. The chapters on the Marshall Plan’s effects on French agriculture and the influence of American pop culture are particularly enlightening. However, some sections, like the detailed recounting of military logistics, may feel less compelling to readers more interested in the socio-cultural aspects.
A standout section is the chapter titled “Escaping Eggs and Betrayal,” where Bassett captures the essence of the personal and political betrayals that characterized the era. This chapter, along with “Che Guevara and a Sewing Machine,” showcases Bassett’s ability to weave together individual stories with larger historical narratives, providing a nuanced view of the Cold War’s impact on everyday life.
French Kiss is a well-researched and thought-provoking book that will appeal to history enthusiasts and casual readers alike. Its mix of personal stories and historical analysis provides a comprehensive view of the American-French relationship during the Cold War. I would particularly recommend this book to those interested in Cold War history, cultural studies, and Franco-American relations.
Pages: 359 | ASIN : B0BSK4XXCC
LITERARY TITAN 