The nOvel
Set in 19th century France, after the French Revolution, Rene' Bernard follows the intertwined lives of a budding artist, a General's daughter and a lovable lion.
Thoroughly enthralling and best in adventure, MacDougall describes the many adventures of a young budding artist set during the era of Bohemian culture.
Thoroughly enthralling and best in adventure, MacDougall describes the many adventures of a young budding artist set during the era of Bohemian culture.
This book is dedicated to Dinesh Shaw, M.D.
September 22, 1953 to may 16, 2016
Forward
From a very early age, I have enjoyed the art of reading _____ an activity I excelled at but was even more in awe of. And although our present era has presented us with similar activities, just without the same sort of commitment, I have always been transfixed with this transcendental phenomenon that can only be accomplished through the act of reading. It is in many ways surreal, even as a child I understand this occurrence, and maybe that is why I now, as an adult, vividly understand and appreciate the art of empathy, and never the less a story that is able to accomplish such a commendable task.
I've never written a forward before; and even now as I sit and write this I feel unworthy. I am introducing a story that has provoked the same feeling that I experienced when reading how many ever-fictitious adventures that had enthralled my childhood. Not to presume that this work is for that of a child, but the story here similarly conjures up of much of a feeling of excitement and wonderment, which may just be the reason why humankind is and always has been, to a fault, fascinated with storytelling. I would like to think of this work by Mr. MacDougall similarly; it is a story, in and of itself, but one that is able to stimulate the same feelings of delight and charm that only a well versed storyteller can recite. and as any good story teller will assume, magical realism is interwoven throughout the text. The lines between realism and fantasy are somewhat blurred, which simply just makes for a better story.
Within this story, we will together fight along generals, befriend a lion, and experience the same awkward and cringe-worthy adorable nature of young romance. We will be propelled into the life of an artist, and all that that could possibly entail. We will experience both art and love in its many forms ____ from the fluidity that comes from female relationships to maternal bonds between younger siblings, to the love of Paris herself, and to tender love that comes from a matured couple. Here is to the story that encapsulates the art of storytelling, the heart of love, and the thrill of adventure.
Without further ado, I urge you onwards dear reader.
Nichole Shaw,
Editor
nicholeshawpublishing@gmail.com
