I am so excited to introduce to the world, A Song for Somme. Set at Oxford University during the Jazz era, this historical fiction book tackles the complexities of man’s quest for happiness as the characters try to make sense of suffering in our world.
As many people know, I was on vacation in England for the past couple weeks, and although the main purpose was for vacation, it was also a trip to finalize the editing/research for A Song for Somme as well as creating promotional material for Jen Malech Books.
The book’s main setting takes place at Oxford University and The Eagle and Child Pub, as well as Central London and the Cafe Royal. My research prior to getting to visit these places consisted of A LOT of reading, and watching documentaries and various television shows/movies. Thus, it was a true dream to stroll through these set locations. It truly brought the story to life as goosebumps were crawling down my skin, the characters voices filling the golden cobble streets that I walked upon.
So, here’s a quick synopsis:
After spending a few years in America, Lloyd Fox, a classical pianist, has returned to England in the year 1922 to study music composition at Oxford University. Upon his arrival, he reunites with Charles Atwood, his arrogant and affluent friend who served with him during the war. To Lloyd’s dismay, Charles insists that in a post-war society, jazz music is going to revolutionize the future of all entertainment in England.
Lloyd, however, is not convinced and takes quietly to transforming his experiences from the war into haunting compositions. Full of remorse from the war, a war in which his younger brother died in The Battle of Somme, Lloyd tries to find the happiness that the rest of society has seemed to find so easily. It isn’t until Charles takes an interest in a spunky and well-educated girl from Ireland, the independent and musical Cherry, that Lloyd begins to face his deepest and darkest secrets from before and during the war.
In a series of unforeseeable events, as Charles takes to touring with an American jazz band all throughout England, Lloyd and Cherry are forced to face a secret of their past that intertwines together in a way that neither of them could have ever predicted. Tragic misfortune will leave Lloyd to determine whether or not he will use his music to live in the past or move forward with the times.
A Song for Somme will be available on Amazon and various online bookstores as of November 17th, 2017. The book will also be available in Kindle for all my Kindle readers out there. For those who would like to be put on the pre-order list, feel free to message me. The first twenty-five people to pre-order or order the book will get an exclusive gift in the mail. You won’t want to miss it!
As in the words of Lloyd Fox, “It is interesting to think of our lives, all a series of decisions that lead us to the present moment in time.”
Cheers until next time, friends!
JM Books Co. 