What's new at 8th House...
Coming Soon!! "PERESTROIKA - An Eye for an Eye, a Tooth for a Tooth" by João Cerqueira
8th House Publishing proudly announces the upcoming launch of João Cerqueira’s novel, “PERESTROIKA - An Eye for An Eye, A Tooth for a Tooth” slated for release in February, 2024.
Finalist for the 2021 Eyland Awards, Finalist for Fiction Factory Chapter Novel Competition 2012, finalist in the 2023 Latino Book Awards, and winner of the Bronze Medal in the Portuguese Fiction category.
João Cerqueiro’s latest work “Perestroika” isn’t just a novel; it’s a resonant exploration of the human condition set against the canvas of recent European history. It challenges readers to ponder the very essence of truth, revenge, and the quest for redemption. Unique in its fusion of historical and literary fiction, it stands as a singular work in a league of its own.
For readers who revel in the rich tapestry of historical and literary fiction, and those with an interest in the intersections of politics and human rights, “Perestroika” is an intellectual and emotional odyssey. At its core, the novel confronts the crises facing today’s world—from the European upheavals to Russian aggression, Far Right leaders, and global power shifts.
More than just a novel, this is a call to contemplate the delicate balance between political freedom and humanitarian values. Dive into the pages of “Perestroika” and experience a narrative that transcends borders, ideologies, and genres.
ABOUT THE BOOK
In the turbulent landscape of an alternate Europe lies the captivating tapestry of “Perestroika,” a literary masterpiece that weaves together the threads of revenge, redemption, and catharsis against the backdrop of an imaginary country called Slavia. With a masterful narrative, this novel stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of humanity in the face of political upheaval.
As the specter of Perestroika sweeps across Europe, communist regimes crumble, and a new era dawns in the People’s Republic of Slavia. In the corridors of power, former leaders grapple with the harsh reality of change, while those who suffered under their rule seek justice and revenge.
Amidst the chaos, the central figure emerges – Lia Kirchner, a woman driven by the shadows of her father’s tragic fate in a re-education camp. As the daughter of a painter who perished, Lia embarks on a quest for truth that intertwines with the larger tapestry of political intrigue and personal vendettas.
President Alfred Ionescu, once an influential leader, finds himself confined in an asylum of his own making. Zut Zdanov, the head of culture, faces the haunting specter of his dark past in an encounter with allegations of child abuse. Helena Yava, fueled by the grief of losing a lover, seeks vengeance by any means possible. Igor Olin, the steward of the economy, battles for the dignity of his disabled son in a world grappling with change. Meanwhile, art historian Silvia Lenka delves into the mysteries of her own parentage.
Drawing inspiration from Pilate’s eternal question—“what is truth?”—Perestroika is a kaleidoscope of history, politics, arts, tragedy, and humor. In a world echoing the fall of the Berlin Wall and mirroring the rise of leaders inspired by figures like Putin and Trump, the novel transcends conventional genres, offering a unique blend of entertainment and intellectual depth.
About the Author:
JOÃO CERQUEIRA holds a PhD in Art History from the University of Porto, is the author of nine books and is published in eight countries. His novel, “Jesus and Magdalene” won the 2020 Indie Reader Awards, the Silver Medal for 2017 Global Ebook Award, and was nominated for the Latino Book Award 2015. His recent novel “The Tragedy of Fidel Castro” won the USA Best Book Award 2013, the Beverly Hills Book Award 2014 and the Global Ebook Award 2014. His latest novel “PERESTROIKA - An Eye for an Eye and a Tooth for a Tooth” was a finalist for the 2021 Eyland Awards, a finalist for Fiction Factory Chapter Novel Competition 2012, finalist in the 2023 Latino Book Awards, and winner of the Bronze Medal in the Portuguese Fiction category. He was born in Viana do Castelo, Portugal where he currently resides.
The Harvesting of Haystacks Kane - Promo Video
Check out the book promotional video for the upcoming release of Steve Schlam's "The Harvesting of Haystacks Kane".
“The Harvesting of Haystacks Kane” is a powerful and accomplished literary work that is set to captivate readers with its unique approach to storytelling and exploration of deep existential themes.
The novel follows the story of Herschel Cain, known as Haystacks Kane, a reluctant professional wrestler and passionate butterfly collector who has been exploited by ruthless promoters, managers, and even his own wife. After suffering a severe injury in the ring, Haystacks lies in his hospital bed, unable to speak and struggling to uncover the deeper truths of his existence.
Schlam’s masterful use of stream-of-consciousness narrative technique brings a remarkable plasticity to the literary form, immersing readers in Haystacks’ innermost thoughts, emotions, and memories. Through a series of flashbacks and introspections, the novel explores the existential aspects of Haystacks’ life, including his search for meaning, identity, and ultimate liberation from the pain and suffering of his past.
“The Harvesting of Haystacks Kane” is a profound and insightful work that delves into the spiritual and philosophical dimensions of the human experience, and offers readers a deeply moving and unforgettable journey into the heart of the human condition.
Schlam’s exceptional talent as a writer shines through in this novel, as he skillfully weaves together a tapestry of voices, perspectives, and emotions to create a powerful and thought-provoking literary work that is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Haystacks Kane is a 607-pound professional wrestler and dedicated butterfly collector. He’s been preyed upon, his innate kindness and gentle good nature harvested by unscrupulous promoters and conniving managers; an ex-wife who keeps him on the hook for alimony; fellow denizens of the sordid netherworld he inhabits; and the raucous ravenous crowds with a thirst for violent cheap thrills.
Now, gravely injured and unable to speak in the wake of his disastrous encounter in the ring with his archrival and nemesis Valentino, he lies motionless in his hospital bed (indeed, two beds lashed together), immobilized, his body broken. Fighting for his very life, he drifts in and out of consciousness seeking to uncover the deeper truth of his existence, rummaging through the trunk of his memories to discover exactly what it is--the it that has deprived him of his wife, taken every member of his family from him, laid him low, and the it that will release him from the bonds of his history and transport him to the Eden he dreams of: Greece, Rhodes, the Valley of the Butterflies known as Petaloudes, where he can live as his true self at last, in peace and tranquility amid “the sound of butterflies.”
About the Author:
Steve Schlam was born in New York City and has lived in cities and towns across the United States and in Mexico. An actor as well as a writer, he has performed on stages in all the places he has called home and earned a Master’s Degree in Creative Writing and English under the tutelage of “Catch-22” author Joseph Heller. “The Harvesting of Haystacks Kane” is his first published novel.
CBC interviews Gandhar Chakravarty at the TIFA 2023 panel in Toronto
In case you missed it, here's the CBC interview of the TIFA panel, "Bengalis in CanLit with K. Gandhar Chakravarty, Arif Anwar, Laboni Islam and Subrata Kumar Das", featuring 8th House author Gandhar K. Chakravarty.
CBC Interview: https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-193-fresh-air/clip/16011476-two-bengali-canadian-poets-discuss-push-pull-born-one
Broken Pencil Reviews Rolli's "Plumstuff"
Broken Pencil a mega-zine dedicated to exploring independent creative action, from the best of the underground press, interviews, original fiction and commentary on all aspects of the indie arts. From the hilarious to the perverse, reviews Rolli's "Plumstuff".
Charles Anderson, is one of those playful polymaths who wins you over with his humour and whimsical line-drawings then bludgeons you with gleeful irreverence and wordplay.
Coming soon: The Harvesting of Haystacks Kane
Steve Schlam’s Debut Novel “The Harvesting of Haystacks Kane” set to captivate readers with its unique approach to storytelling and exploration of deep existential themes.
We are proud to announce the official release date of Nov. 15, 2023 for "The Harvesting of Haystacks Kane".
“The Harvesting of Haystacks Kane” is a powerful and accomplished literary work that is set to captivate readers with its unique approach to storytelling and exploration of deep existential themes.
The novel follows the story of Herschel Cain, known as Haystacks Kane, a reluctant professional wrestler and passionate butterfly collector who has been exploited by ruthless promoters, managers, and even his own wife. After suffering a severe injury in the ring, Haystacks lies in his hospital bed, unable to speak and struggling to uncover the deeper truths of his existence.
Schlam’s masterful use of stream-of-consciousness narrative technique brings a remarkable plasticity to the literary form, immersing readers in Haystacks’ innermost thoughts, emotions, and memories. Through a series of flashbacks and introspections, the novel explores the existential aspects of Haystacks’ life, including his search for meaning, identity, and ultimate liberation from the pain and suffering of his past.
“The Harvesting of Haystacks Kane” is a profound and insightful work that delves into the spiritual and philosophical dimensions of the human experience, and offers readers a deeply moving and unforgettable journey into the heart of the human condition.
Schlam’s exceptional talent as a writer shines through in this novel, as he skillfully weaves together a tapestry of voices, perspectives, and emotions to create a powerful and thought-provoking literary work that is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Haystacks Kane is a 607-pound professional wrestler and dedicated butterfly collector. He’s been preyed upon, his innate kindness and gentle good nature harvested by unscrupulous promoters and conniving managers; an ex-wife who keeps him on the hook for alimony; fellow denizens of the sordid netherworld he inhabits; and the raucous ravenous crowds with a thirst for violent cheap thrills.
Now, gravely injured and unable to speak in the wake of his disastrous encounter in the ring with his archrival and nemesis Valentino, he lies motionless in his hospital bed (indeed, two beds lashed together), immobilized, his body broken. Fighting for his very life, he drifts in and out of consciousness seeking to uncover the deeper truth of his existence, rummaging through the trunk of his memories to discover exactly what it is--the it that has deprived him of his wife, taken every member of his family from him, laid him low, and the it that will release him from the bonds of his history and transport him to the Eden he dreams of: Greece, Rhodes, the Valley of the Butterflies known as Petaloudes, where he can live as his true self at last, in peace and tranquility amid “the sound of butterflies.”
About the Author:
Steve Schlam was born in New York City and has lived in cities and towns across the United States and in Mexico. An actor as well as a writer, he has performed on stages in all the places he has called home and earned a Master’s Degree in Creative Writing and English under the tutelage of “Catch-22” author Joseph Heller. “The Harvesting of Haystacks Kane” is his first published novel.
For more information about the author and his work, please visit us at www.8thHousePublishing.com.
8th House Publishing
Montreal | New York
Start a Conversation
1-888-936-3668
[email protected]