Paths of Sanctuary is a magic-realism novel which traces the life of an African-American family from enslavement in 1786 through post reconstruction to its eventual settling in Sanctuary, a small mountain village situated geographically just below the first gates of heaven. The novel centers on the forbidden commingling of the people of clay (humans) with the people of fire (angels) and the friction that occurs whenever two bordering cultures co-exist. Told in an almost lyrical narrative, Paths of Sanctuary explores the hidden complexities discovered within family, including the trials found within infidelity, friendship and love.
New from Coolgrove
Paths of Sanctuary by
Ihsan Bracy
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paths of sanctuary
a novel by ihsan bracy ISBN paper: 1-887276-49-1 US: $ 14.95, Size: 5.25" X 8" Pages: 331 Illustration & cover art:Rafael Leonardo Black |
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At times his writing is so lyrical you are easily swept away by the beauty of his words. The world he has created is full of magical-realism, colorful, interesting characters worth rooting for, and a litany of sub-plots that often commands more attention than the main plot. And, the third-person, exposition-heavy narrative allows readers to observe characters from various points of view.—AALBC Jill Robinson The human characters are utterly human and equally flawed. Those flaws and a variety of misunderstandings all drive the story toward an inevitable series of tragedies. Bracy's prose is both mystical and muscular and therefore utterly appropriate. Highly recommended for public and academic libraries but not for "gentle readers."—Library Journal Jim Dwyer Bracy depicts myriad aspects of African American family dynamics. This tragic novel delves back into the horrific slave trade and merges into present emancipation at the Gates of Heaven. The author creatively carves out mystical characters with names such as Dance, Time, Passage, and Silence. Each character's life exemplifies his or her name. This novel is filled with hints of voodoo and the paranormal. Issues surrounding marriage are depicted in this novel. The young couple is very happy at the beginning of their marriage. Dance is responsible and faithful, while Time is an industrious wife. Each one however, brings baggage into the marriage, and when life's pressures hit, the negative aspects of both emerge. Problems in this marriage include ineffective communication, listening to gossip, alcoholism, infidelity, and even incest.—Multicultural Review Maxine Agazie This novel works with both hands, a visionary work with a command of craft that ensures Ihsan Bracy's literary legacy, work that acclaims the craftsman a master and makes it all worthwhile. An exquisite post modern folkology, the novel every writer wants to write and every reader wants to read. —Arthur Flowers, De Mojo Blues, Another Good Lovin' Blues, Confessions of a 21st Century Conjure Man "ihsan bracy is a visionary wordsmith. In a story that spans both time and the imagination, he has managed to capture the most painful and yet the most beautiful of our experience, while gifting us with an epic, bordercrossing story that transcends the conventional, and leaves readers lifted. Thank you ihsan, for journeying on. Paths of Sanctuary is well worth the wait." - Sheree Renee Thomas, Editor of the Dark Matter Series Bracy is a writer unafraid to enter the deepest night to find the brighter light within. In his invention, I see our own as Black Americans, a winding road through an emotional landscape, taking us from our rough arrival to new knowledge of self and destiny.— Terence Taylor, Dark Dreams, Voices from the Other Side, Whispers in the Night, Bite Marks CoolGrovePress is a recipient of the 2007-2008 Face Out Re-grant from the Council of Literary Magazines and Presses [CLMP] . The publication of Paths of Sanctuary has been possible in part due to this grant. |
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