From the press release: “Taking almost ten years to complete, The Agony of Joy, incorporates many of the author’s experiences and observations as a survivor of sexual abuse and violence.
But far from being the central theme, although psychological and behavioral after-effects continue for many, the novel focuses on the courage it takes, often in the face of opposition, misunderstanding and/or apathy to not allow anything or anyone to keep you imprisoned by that past: not even yourself.
One of the primary reasons the author returned to university, completing a degree in Psychology (graduation Spring 2013) was to help others in this and other regards, as well as continue personal healing.”
“Finding the courage to face the pain of the past in order to have a future.”
- Title: The Agony of Joy
- By: Red Haircrow
- Published: February 17, 2013
- ISBN: 9781301334520
- Length: 350 pages
- Genre: Literary Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, GLBTIIQ Interest
- Price: $4.99 in e-book format
- Available at Smashwords, OmniLit & soon at other online distributors
- Book Trailer: The Agony of Joy
Blurb: For many survivors of child sex abuse, there is a lifelong battle for understanding and acceptance, not only from others, but also from themselves. From London to Berlin, to the frozen seas of far east Russia, this is an unforgettable journey of rebirth, revelation and redemption as two men struggle to overcome their separate past agonies and allow themselves to experience friendship and love.
Description: “Former model turned actor Adrian Lee can barely list age range ’23-29′ on his resumé anymore nor stand his life of empty social events and appearances, meaningless roles and casual partners. When he meets Alexander Skizetsky by clever arrangement of his agent, the enigmatic yet infinitely attractive Russian kindles a little light of hope in his aching heart. Yet even the beginnings of a friendship and love beyond his wildest dreams cannot assuage a life spiraling out of control.
The long estrangement from his devout Irish Catholic parents and family and the dark secrets they all share combine to drive him to the brink of despair, though Alexander is determined to stay by his side. After locking away his own memories of betrayal and loss, the Russian had decided never to love again but something in Adrian spurs the noblest intentions in his formerly jaded heart. Returning in pilgrimage to his homeland, he brings Adrian along on a journey of rebirth, revelation and redemption.”
Editorial Pre-release Reviews:
“Your story does what good fiction should do. It makes me think, makes me feel, allows me to visit different places, and connect deeply with the characters. It explores real issues that people face….”
“I love descriptive stories that enable me to travel to different places without leaving the comfort of my easy chair. I love using all my senses while reading and getting so totally immersed in a story that the sound of the phone ringing makes me jump. And I love characters so deep that I think about them during the day and dream about them at night.”
“A love story, but not a romance, definitely a gothic feel and one of the most positive portrayals of bisexuality I’ve ever come across in fiction.”
-Nancy Ferrer, Outlaw Reviews
“It is an incredible work! You have been able to channel your memories and experiences, create vivid real characters and make something so beautiful out of pain and struggle is the highest meaning of what I believe art is: transforming hurt and becoming healers.
I’ve never read anything like Agony of Joy. There has never been a story that deals with some of the personal issues you are presenting in such an open way. It is inspiring and liberating and needed.”
-Ana Christina Caelen, Sound therapist, Musician and Composer
“A well-told story…I admire your tact, and am enthralled by these characters and the world they live in.”
-M. Daniel Nickel, Entertainer and Author of The Dashing Mister R
About the Author
Both traditionally and independently published, Red Haircrow is an award-winning author of fiction and non-fiction, poet, private chef and former law enforcement officer of Native American (Chiricahua Apache/Cherokee) descent who lives in Berlin, Germany. They are also a Psychology major and operates the independent publishing label and writer cooperative Flying With Red Haircrow.
Red Haircrow has various poems, shorter works and articles published in magazines like Sword & Saga Press’ American Athenaeum, Sibling Rivalry Press’ Assaracus, Danse Macabre, and Indian Country Today. A winner in Rainbow Awards 2012 for Best LGBT Biography/Memoir: “Silence Is Multi-Colored In My World.”
Among other things, Red Haircrow enjoys photography, traveling, learning languages and cultures, and is quite active in Native American affairs, life, traditions and history.
Website: Songs of the Universal Vagabond
Red Haircrow on Twitter
Facebook Fanpage: The Redhaired Crow
Goodreads Author’s Page
Amazon Author’s Page
Redhaired Crow’s YouTube Channel
GLBT Bookshelf Page: The Journey of Red Haircrow
Other Works
Fiction:
A Lieutenant’s Love
Convenience Store Romance
Night Shift
Katrdeshtr’s Redemption
The House of Doom, Dreams and Desire
The Coat: Secrets of a Hatcheck Boy
The Angel of Berlin
The Caravaggio and the Swan
We, The Dead
Non-Fiction:
Songs of the Universal Vagabond
Silence Is Multi-Colored In My World
“Spring in Berlin” in Suburban Fool Magazine
Poetry in Assaracus, Sibling Rivalry Press’ Literary Journal
“Big Mama’s Pears” in American Athenaeum, Sword & Saga Press
Other Book Trailers:
The Angel of Berlin
Silence Is Multi-Colored In My World
For those interested, review copies are available upon request, and the author for interviews and other promotional projects. Red Haircrow can be contacted at theredhairedcrow@gmail.com.
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