Announcing My Forthcoming Novel: Only Breath & Shadow

I am thrilled to announce my next novel, Only Breath & Shadow, the forthcoming continuation of the literary saga that began with Of All Faiths & None and continued with the critically acclaimed A Remembrance of Death, which was previously shortlisted for the Yeovil Literary Prize.

This new novel delves into the tumultuous decade leading up to the Second World War, focusing primarily on Christian Drewe and his life in Vienna.

The Turbulent 1930s in Vienna

Only Breath & Shadow finds Christian Drewe, scarred and blind from his service in the Great War, living in Vienna during the politically charged 1930s. The narrative begins in July 1934, against the immediate backdrop of Chancellor Dollfuss's assassination and the rising influence of Nazism.

The novel explores how Christian must learn to live with his physical and psychological wounds, realizing that sitting idle allowed self-pity to take hold. His journey is captured in the profound insight that: "Life... is only breath and shadow. It's what you do and what you have done that determines the person you are".

Readers will follow Christian as he navigates the escalating threats to his life and the lives of his friends:

• Persecution and Art: Christian's social circle includes the flamboyant cabaret performer Paul O’Montis and his friend Tomas Skeres. As the Nazis crack down on "degenerate" art, Christian finds himself increasingly fighting for his friends, a struggle that culminates in Paul O’Montis’s arrest.

• A New Beginning: Christian works to help his Jewish friends and their children escape the city. This effort to transfer children to safety, assisted by Claire Astor, mirrors the difficult realities faced by those involved in programs like the Kindertransport and the Krauses, who helped fifty children flee Vienna.

A Return to the World of Of All Faiths & None

This book offers new perspectives on characters familiar to readers of my prior work. Christian Drewe's story addresses the profound themes of prejudice and the moral responsibilities faced by individuals during the struggle against Nazism. As the situation in Vienna deteriorates, Christian decides to transfer his assets to Tomas and prepare for a new start, recognizing that war is inevitable.

Only Breath & Shadow promises to be an insightful novel about hope, moral conviction, and the enduring nature of human connection set against one of the darkest periods in modern history.

To stay updated on the release date, access exclusive free stories, and read my newsletter and blog, please visit my website, www.ofallfaiths.com, and sign up for the mailing list here: https://www.ofallfaiths.com/contact-8.