The Harvesting of Haystacks Kane - Coming Soon!

Big, bold, brash, brassy, and ballsy, ...Haystacks Kane explores the nature of reality and illusion, cognition and imagination, and life and death. In his  remarkable debut novel, Steve Schlam bends back the borders and boundaries of storytelling and character craft, providing eloquent testimony to the resilience of the human spirit. 

--Richard Walter, bestselling author, screenwriter.

Watch the book promotion video.

Men Reading Books reviews "PERESTROIKA: An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth" by João Cerqueira 

Read the latest review of João Cerqueira's award-winning novel, PERESTROIKA: An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth: 

Joao Cerqueira has written eight novels, and his most recent, due for publication on 1/24/24 in the UK and Canada, is entitled Perestroika: An Eye for an Eye, a Tooth for a Tooth. He has received numerous awards for his prior books. In a private correspondence to me, he wrote, “Because of the Russian aggression against Ukraine and the threat of a third world war, I think this book addresses issues of critical interest in discussion on the problems of today’s world.” In my opinion, Mr. Cerqueira has achieved his goal of producing just such a historical novel. In addressing the element of war between real information and disinformation to which the world is now subjected, the author began his novel with a question that Pilate asked Jesus, “What is truth?”

- Men Reading Books

Get the full review here.

"PERESTROIKA" wins the Highly Recommended Award of Excellence from The Historical Fiction Company.

Joao Cerqueira's "PERESTROIKA - An Eye for an Eye, a Tooth for a Tooth" Finalist in the 2021 Eyland Awards, Finalist in the Fiction Factory 2021, Bronze Medal in the 2023 Latino Book Awards, nominated for the Pushcart Prize 2023, receives five stars and the “Highly Recommended” award of excellence from The Historical Fiction Company.  COMING SOON in FEBRUARY 2024 Download the press release or book information sheet.

"Perestroika" not only delights with a well-crafted story but also prompts reflection on the human condition in the face of the pressures of tumultuous history.

-⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 stars “Highly Recommended” award of excellence from The Historical Fiction Company

Read the full editorial review. 

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.

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.

Read the full review here.

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 March 4, 2024 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 at 2023 Toronto International Festival of Authors 

The World in Other Words : Bengalis in CanLit Event

Join 8th House author K. Gandhar Chakravarty at the The World in Other Words: Bengalis in CanLit event: 

1:00pm ET, Sunday, September 24, 2023, Brigantine Patio, 60 mins. More information can be found here.

We're excited to announce an exceptional literary gathering at the upcoming 2023 Toronto International Festival of Authors. "The World in Other Words," an enlightening author reading event that spotlights the invaluable contributions of cross-cultural influence in CanLit, is celebrating authors of Bengali origin in Canadian Literature this year. Celebrating the rich diversity within CanLit, this event showcases the significance of Bengali writers on the esteemed stages of Canadian literary awards, such as the Scotiabank Giller Prize and the Griffin Poetry Prize. Join us on Sunday, September 24, 2023, at the scenic Brigantine Patio, as we engage in a thought-provoking dialogue featuring distinguished 8th House author K. Gandhar Chakravarty, the insightful Arif Anwar, and the talented Laboni Islam. Facilitating the discourse is the renowned writer and curator Subrata Kumar Das. This session promises to be a compelling exploration of literary heritage and cross-cultural narratives. The event commences at 1:00pm ET, offering you an enriching 60-minute experience. We're excited to welcome everyone to this FREE and open-to-the-public event, where words and worlds seamlessly converge. Don't miss this unique opportunity to be part of a literary exchange that transcends borders and bridges hearts.

From the 2023 TIFA organizers:

"Canadian Literature encompasses the contributions of writers and poets of many different language origins. Bengali origin writers are no less significant in the expansive canon of CanLit. Many of whom, such as Bharati Mukherjee, are represented on the short and long lists of Canada’s major literary awards, including the Scotiabank Giller Prize, Griffin Poetry Prize and others. Meet a few of these English-language writers of Bengali origin at this exciting talk session, including (8th House Author) K. Gandhar Chakravarty, Arif Anwar and Laboni Islam. Noted writer and curator Subrata Kumar Das will moderate the conversation."

"Mr. Grimsby" by Rolli in the latest issue of Cutleaf

8th House author Rolli graces the pages of the latest edition of Cutleaf with his compelling and introspective essay, "Mr. Grimsby." With his signature blend of wit, candor, and literary finesse, Rolli delves into the intricacies of the human experience, captivating readers and sparking profound contemplation.

In "Mr. Grimsby," Rolli crafts a narrative that intimately explores the depths of emotion and the complexities of mental health. Through his evocative prose, he invites readers on a journey that traverses the peaks and valleys of the human psyche, shedding light on the enigmatic Mr. Grimsby—a character that embodies the shadows we all wrestle with from time to time.

This remarkable essay follows closely on the heels of Rolli's recently released and critically acclaimed work, Plum Stuff. As an accomplished author with a knack for delving into the nuances of the human condition, Rolli continues to captivate audiences and ignite meaningful conversations with his thought-provoking writing.

Rolli's uncanny ability to craft narratives that resonate deeply with readers has solidified his place as a literary luminary. His work has a way of eliciting introspection and fostering empathy, making him a guiding voice in contemporary literature.

We are delighted to share Rolli's captivating essay, 'Mr. Grimsby,' which you may read here, in the latest issue of Cutleaf. Readers and enthusiasts are encouraged to delve into the pages of Cutleaf to experience the magic of "Mr. Grimsby" firsthand. Rolli's unique voice, distinctive style, narrative brilliance and his willingness to delve into the complexities of life, promise an unforgettable reading experience that will leave you both delighted and inspired.

For more information about Rolli and his remarkable literary journey, as well as to explore his latest release Plum Stuff, please visit 8th House Publishing.

About Rolli: ROLLI (aka Charles Anderson) is a Canadian author and cartoonist. His words/drawings have appeared in The New York Times, The Saturday Evening Post, Playboy, The Wall Street Journal, The Walrus and in variuos literary magazines across North America – Quarterly West, The New Quarterly, subTerrain, The Antigonish Review, Grain, Byline, Stickman Review, Feathertale Review, and many others. Rolli was the recipient of the 2007 John Kenneth Galbraith Literary Award; and as a winner of the 2008/2009 Commonwealth Short Story Competition, his work has been broadcast in over 30 countries. Follow him on Twitter at @rolliwrites.

About Cutleaf: Cutleaf is a prestigious literary journal dedicated to showcasing exceptional works and thought-provoking narratives. With a commitment to curating a diverse range of voices and styles, Cutleaf offers readers an immersive and enriching reading experience that lingers long after the final word.

8th House Publishing Teams Up with Edelweiss to Amplify Access to Exclusive Advanced Review Copies (ARCs)

8th House Publishing is thrilled to announce an exciting collaboration with Edelweiss, the premier online platform for discovering, requesting, and reviewing advance reader copies (ARCs) of upcoming books. The convergence of 8th House Publishing's innovative literary creations and Edelweiss's cutting-edge platform is a pivotal moment that promises to enhance the reading experience for both reviewers and literary enthusiasts alike. This collaboration enables reviewers, bloggers, librarians, and other key influencers to gain unparalleled access to 8th House Publishing's pre-release titles, fueling the conversation around the most exciting forthcoming releases.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this collaboration is the commitment to accessibility. Reviewers are granted free Digital Review Copy (DRC) downloads, allowing them to immerse themselves in the pages of forthcoming masterpieces without any cost. This not only empowers reviewers to provide insightful and well-informed feedback but also cultivates a dynamic exchange of ideas between creators and the literary community.

"We're thrilled to join forces with Edelweiss to make our ARCs easily accessible to reviewers and enthusiasts," stated Christine Kalo, Chief Marketing Officer at 8th House Publishing. "This collaboration embodies our dedication to fostering a vibrant literary ecosystem, where voices are heard, stories are shared, and creativity knows no bounds."

Edelweiss users can now seamlessly explore 8th House Publishing's diverse range of genres, from thought-provoking fiction to captivating non-fiction and everything in between. By offering a user-friendly interface and a vast collection of upcoming titles, Edelweiss empowers reviewers to discover hidden gems, amplify deserving voices, and contribute to the literary landscape.

To celebrate this partnership and showcase the wealth of upcoming titles, 8th House Publishing invites all members of the literary community to visit their Edelweiss profile and dive into a world of literary wonders.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Christine Kalo, Chief Marketing Officer, 8th House Publishing; Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; Phone: 1-888-936-3668

About 8th House Publishing: 8th House Publishing is a dynamic and forward-thinking publishing house committed to nurturing emerging voices and presenting captivating stories to the world. With a diverse array of genres and a dedication to innovation, 8th House Publishing continues to redefine the boundaries of literary excellence.

About Edelweiss: Edelweiss is a premier online platform that connects publishers, reviewers, bloggers, librarians, and other influencers in the literary world. It offers a comprehensive and user-friendly interface for discovering, requesting, and reviewing advance reader copies (ARCs) of upcoming books, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and amplifying exceptional voices.

Follow 8th House Publishing on:

Website: www.8thhousepublishing.com Twitter: @8thHouseBooks Instagram: @8thHousePublishing Facebook: 8thHousePublishing