As it's National Poetry Day, I thought I'd share a few thoughts on Byron. The celebrity cult of Lord Byron began while he was still alive, boomed when he died, and still continues today. He remains an object of fascination, scandal, and appeal. I've been interested in him since I first read about him in a "Famous People" encyclopaedia. It was a children's book, so it did not explore the more infamous aspects of his life. But it was enough to inspire me to delve further into research on the man and the myth - including the puzzle of the mirror . Ultimately, Byron went on to become a major inspiration for my first published book Day's Dying Glory , right down to its title. His early poems (generally my favourite ones) feature heavily in the book, and I enjoyed weaving in lines and references which Byron-fans would spot where others might not even notice them. Poets and poetry have inspired hundreds of writers. It is fascinating that language can be so power...
Today for #HistFicThursdays, I am so pleased to be hosting Fred Raymond Goldman with his latest book, A Virtuoso in America, as part of The Coffee Pot Book Club's book tour. Read on to enjoy an excerpt from this fabulous book!
First of all, let's meet the book...
How do you reconcile a decision you made in the past when the world erupts in war, threatening the life of someone you love and believe you were protecting?
Adrian Mazurek immigrated to the United States from Krakow, Poland, 14 years ago and is now a successful violin soloist and concertmaster of The Eleventh State Symphony Orchestra in New York. But despite his outward success, Adrian is inwardly harboring a shameful secret, one he has not revealed to anyone.
However, that is about to change. Adrian plans to propose marriage to Suzanne, but he knows he must tell her the truth about his past before doing so. Riddled with guilt and shame, Adrian can barely look at himself in the mirror. How can he look Suzanne in the eyes and tell her that he left his infant son, Simon, in the care of his aunt and uncle in Poland 14 years ago? If only confessing the truth to Suzanne was the most difficult part.
Adrian soon learns that Germany has invaded Poland and World War II has begun. Fearing the Germans will learn that his son is of Jewish heritage, Adrian must do something to ensure Simon's safety. But what? And will Suzanne stand by his side or will she turn away because of his deceit?
A Virtuoso in America is available via this universal buy link.
Adrian followed Suzanne from the Three Aces Club. He managed to reach her taxi before she closed the door. He got in. The driver turned to see if everything was all right. Suzanne nodded for the driver to go ahead.
They both sat quietly not looking at each other.
He wanted to take her hand, to squeeze it, but he was afraid she’d pull away.
Suzanne didn’t say anything when she got out of the taxi. Adrian paid the driver and followed her into her apartment. She hung up her coat but didn’t offer to do the same for him. He tossed his coat onto the back of a chair in the living room. Suzanne sat on the sofa and crossed her arms. She looked down to the floor. When he moved to sit next to her, Suzanne’s eyes rose glaringly to meet his. He took two steps back.
“Say something, anything,” Adrian said to a scowling Suzanne. “Please, just don’t look at me like that. Tell me what you’re thinking.”
Suzanne’s face reddened. “I don’t know what to say. I’m speechless.” She played with her hands. After a pause she said, “When were you planning to tell me? Why have you hidden this from me?” Her anger was raw.
“I didn’t just hide it from just you, Suzanne. I hid it from everyone. For years I’ve even tried to block it from my own mind. Aside from Otto, you’re the only person who knows.”
She glared at him. “How did you think you could get away with it?”
“I didn’t. I planned to tell you the night of the fundraiser. I was going to propose when we got back to your apartment, but the news of war in Poland, my worry about how that might affect Simon, and my hearing the conversation by Nazi sympathizers threw me for a loop. So, I planned to tell you tonight instead, after dinner. I rented a horse and carriage to ride us through Central Park. I was going to tell you then. Otto telling you about Simon ruined that.”
Suzanne shook her head. Her body twisted deeper into the sofa. “Did you think you could drop that information on me, and I’d fall into your arms and agree to marry you?”
Adrian saw the tension in her neck and shoulders. He had to convince her he was sincere, to help sooth her anger and regain her trust in him. There was a willingness in him to believe he could make things right. The thought of losing Suzanne was too painful.
He leaned forward in his chair and licked his lips before speaking. “I’m in love with you, Suzanne. I acted foolishly. I should have told you about Simon when I saw we were becoming serious. You have every right to be angry.”
“Right now, I’m just stunned. I thought we loved each other. I had high hopes for our relationship, especially that we’d always be honest with one another.” Her voice was firm and direct. “This has been a jarring surprise. I need to know the truth. Otherwise, there’s no possibility of my trusting you again.”
Adrian felt a lump in his throat. “You’re right, Suzanne. I understand how you must feel. Where would you like me to start?” He was berating himself for being naïve in thinking she’d accept such a shock so readily.
Still glaring at Adrian, she said, “You might start with the truth. Why on earth have you been hiding this from me?”
Adrian took a deep breath. “Do you mind if I have a drink?” he said, already making his way to her liquor cart. “It’ll help relax my nerves. I want to tell you what you should know and answer your every question.
Now, let's meet the author:
Fred Raymond Goldman graduated from Western Maryland College in Westminster, MD (now McDaniel College) in June 1962 with a B.A. in psychology. In 1964, he earned an M.S.W. degree from the University of Maryland School of Social Work.
Most of his career was devoted to the Jewish Communal Service. He served as the administrator of Northwest Drug Alert, a methadone maintenance program at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore, where he also became the community’s reference point for steering drug abusers to Jewish resources. The work focused on helping individuals achieve abstinence, receive counseling, and find employment.
Following this role, Fred was hired as Assistant to the Director of Jewish Family Services in Baltimore.
The final position in his professional career was with Har Sinai Congregation, a Jewish Reform synagogue in Baltimore, where he served as Executive Director for 23 years before retiring in October 2005.
In retirement, Fred pursued his interests in hiking with The Maryland Hiking Club, exploring nature, and volunteering at The Irvine Nature Center, where he guided schoolchildren on nature hikes and assisted in the Center’s nature store.
Writing had been an interest since childhood, though Fred did not pursue it seriously until retirement. Beginning with children’s books, he became a member of the Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Association. Among the works he wrote were Vera and the Blue Bear Go to the Zoo, Never Bite an Elephant (And Other Bits of Wisdom), The Day the School Bus Drivers Went on Strike, If You Count, and The Day the School Devices Went on Strike. Although these works were never published, Fred hopes that if the CONCERTO books gain recognition, opportunities for these earlier works may follow.
The journey of writing the CONCERTO companion books began after Fred noticed a note on the local library bulletin board announcing the formation of a writer’s group led voluntarily by a local author. Joining the group with nine others, he learned the essentials of writing—maintaining the protagonist’s point of view, building tension toward a climax, rewriting, and developing complex characters with flaws, peculiarities, and unique personalities.
Over four years, Fred devoted significant time to writing, researching, rewriting, and submitting the manuscript. Originally one book titled The Auschwitz Concerto, the project was later divided into two volumes and self-published. For a time, the title The Box was also considered.
Encouragement from the teacher and fellow writers in the group played a pivotal role in shaping the novels, as Fred also contributed to the successes of others through critique and support.
In the Author’s Notes, Fred explains the purpose of making the books available to the public. Before embarking on the project, he knew little about the Holocaust beyond its staggering toll of nine million lives and its place as one of history’s darkest chapters. In writing the novels, he not only gained deeper knowledge of history and human suffering but also developed a heightened awareness of current issues that demand attention. As he notes, what affects one group of people has the potential to affect all of us.
You can find the Fred on these links:
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Thank you so much for hosting Fred Raymond Goldman on your lovely blog today, with an extract from his compelling novel, A Virtuoso in America.
ReplyDeleteTake care,
Cathie xx
The Coffee Pot Book Club