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August release Of Bees and Mist by Erick Setiawan should not be overlooked
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Cover photo from Simon and Schuster
Allegorical, metaphorical, symbolic, magical, ethereal..this is an intriguing story that should not be overlooked as this debut novel envelopes its readers in mysticisms as well as modern concepts wrapped within a shroud of ghosts and unexplained circumstances, spanning three generations. Initially, the surrealism could make it difficult to understand the reality of what the author is trying to convey. Some readers may shrink away from a story which is so centered around paranormal things and meant to be read as a fable, but the prose of this novel is so captivating that it is really a magical treat to behold.
The darkness of events of the main characters are chilling as we try to unwind the mysteries behind the haunting characters. This is a haunting telling of two families who are pitted against each other and how they attempt to come to terms with it. It addresses the relationships between a husband and a wife, mother and child, and sister to sister, centering on a female-driven family saga. Each family member is fraught with their own flaws and it is interesting to watch them develop throughout the story. The magical elements create the symbolic tone, and their relationship to the realities of a modern day struggle between love, family members and the relationships which we create with each other.
Meridia is a child of Ravenna and Gabriel, who are parents in no sense of the word. Ravenna is lost in a cloud of forgetfulness that she is barely a shadow of a mother to Meridia, and Gabriel seemingly could care less about anyone but himself as mists carry him from the house and back between the days. There are few words spoken, and Meridia is brought up by a nurse until she disappears suddenly. When Meridia goes to school and finally befriends Hannah, the reader is left to wonder if Hannah is even real. Meridia struggles to find the truth behind her existence, the reasoning behind the strangeness of her family and does not get very far with her conclusions as she itches for a way out of the madness of her house and family.
Finally Meridia marries and is thrown into another familial relationship with her in-laws that is not an opportunity for the better. Here we are introduced to the oppressive mother-in-law Eva, her incessant grating chatter which are bees pecking and flying about, and the father-in-law Elias, who Meridia could not tell if he is someone to be trusted. Meridia finds even more fantastic stories in this house, and wonders if her husband could choose between his mother or his wife. The complexity of the characters and the infusion of magical realism makes this worth your time.
Of Bees and Mist is a unique debut novel by Erick Setiawan which can be purchased at your local bookseller or online at BetterWorld, Barnes & Noble, Powells and Amazon. Look for the author's interview available on the publisher's website at Simon and Schuster.
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