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
& soon at other online distributors
Book
Trailer: The Agony of Joy
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.
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.
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.”
the novel: 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.
primary reasons the author returned to university, completing another degree in
Psychology, graduating Spring 2013, was to help others in this and other
regards, as well as continue personal healing.
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
the Author
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 operate the independent publishing label and writer
cooperative Flying With Red Haircrow.
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.”
things, Red Haircrow enjoys photography, traveling, learning languages and
cultures, and is quite active in Native American affairs, life, traditions and
history.
Songs of the Universal Vagabond
Works
Is Multi-Colored In My World
Sally Bend 
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