The Last Olive Branch
Giorgio Chiaretti is an Italian immigrant living in Queens, New York City. He grew up in a small village in post WWII Italy, outside Naples. His family suffered many hardships during the war and he dreamed of telling a story that would illuminate the struggles of his family, his fellow villagers and the Italian people from 1945 to the mid 80s.
We embraced this project together. He decided he wanted his story to read more like a novel but set in true facts. Giorgio provided a brief plot outline of the gist of a story he had in mind. He then compiled lists for me of cultural details including family relationships, food, clothing, occupations, celebrations, traditions, and some historical events. I presented a more developed working of the plot for Giorgio and upon his acceptance, I began writing.
Every two weeks I sent him chapters to peruse. He noted any details that were not accurate or needed clarity. He made suggestions and additions. After three months, I sent him the completed manuscript of 100,000 words, about 200 pages. He was delighted and is pursuing self-publishing.
We embraced this project together. He decided he wanted his story to read more like a novel but set in true facts. Giorgio provided a brief plot outline of the gist of a story he had in mind. He then compiled lists for me of cultural details including family relationships, food, clothing, occupations, celebrations, traditions, and some historical events. I presented a more developed working of the plot for Giorgio and upon his acceptance, I began writing.
Every two weeks I sent him chapters to peruse. He noted any details that were not accurate or needed clarity. He made suggestions and additions. After three months, I sent him the completed manuscript of 100,000 words, about 200 pages. He was delighted and is pursuing self-publishing.
And the Sun Always Sets
Italian-American Danny Odato was overwhelmed with emotion when he heard the story of his good friend Shera's family growing up in Pakistan. it was a story he felt had to be told, particularly to North American and European readers. But neither he nor his friend had English as their first language, and neither felt they could effectively turn the facts into a compelling narrative.
I received the manuscript of Shera's story from Danny. He bought the rights from her and hired me as a ghost writer to improve the manuscript. Danny was so happy with my work that he immediately took on the costs of having the book published and promoted. it is getting very good reviews on Amazon:
Beautifully written ***** (5 out of 5)
By J. Linson on April 24, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition Verified PurchaseIf you like thought-provoking, insightful fiction, you will love "And The Sun Always Sets." Set in Pakistan, the book tells the story of two lovers, Mariyum and Faisal, who must leave their village (and its judgmental, oppressive ways) behind to continue their love. The trials they face together force them to make big decisions, and they ultimately learn very important life lessons.
One of the things I enjoyed most about the book is Mariyum's "voice." Written in first-person, the book gives the reader an intimate view into the minds of the characters. Mariyum is an intelligent girl who loves reading. Her family life is strained because of her distant, alcoholic father. In Mariyum's village, girls cease their academic education after elementary school and are forced to learn to be "domestic." This is troubling for Mariyum because she loves learning. Reading about Mariyum's struggle to continue her education, despite the village culture, is quite an emotional experience.
Faisal is Mairyum's supportive romantic interest. Together, they try to navigate their relationship and other trials in light of the village's constrictive views. The interactions between the two characters are well-written and affecting. The dialogue is powerful, and the plot overall is very engaging. This is a book that will make you feel for the characters and ask big questions about society. Recommended!
I received the manuscript of Shera's story from Danny. He bought the rights from her and hired me as a ghost writer to improve the manuscript. Danny was so happy with my work that he immediately took on the costs of having the book published and promoted. it is getting very good reviews on Amazon:
Beautifully written ***** (5 out of 5)
By J. Linson on April 24, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition Verified PurchaseIf you like thought-provoking, insightful fiction, you will love "And The Sun Always Sets." Set in Pakistan, the book tells the story of two lovers, Mariyum and Faisal, who must leave their village (and its judgmental, oppressive ways) behind to continue their love. The trials they face together force them to make big decisions, and they ultimately learn very important life lessons.
One of the things I enjoyed most about the book is Mariyum's "voice." Written in first-person, the book gives the reader an intimate view into the minds of the characters. Mariyum is an intelligent girl who loves reading. Her family life is strained because of her distant, alcoholic father. In Mariyum's village, girls cease their academic education after elementary school and are forced to learn to be "domestic." This is troubling for Mariyum because she loves learning. Reading about Mariyum's struggle to continue her education, despite the village culture, is quite an emotional experience.
Faisal is Mairyum's supportive romantic interest. Together, they try to navigate their relationship and other trials in light of the village's constrictive views. The interactions between the two characters are well-written and affecting. The dialogue is powerful, and the plot overall is very engaging. This is a book that will make you feel for the characters and ask big questions about society. Recommended!
