The Drummond Diaries - 9/23/72: Liberal vs Conservative - If one's opinion reflects that of a conservative, we call him a conservative; if that of a liberal, we call him a liberal. But notice the effect: thinking in terms of binomial, linear, and opposing ideas is in effect admitting an inability to understand one's position in its entirety. Issues and attitudes are never so monochrome; they are tangled by the long, spiral web of personal and societal history. But when one's thinking is simplified the issue is made "clear." We don't notice that it is also denigrated and defeated before it is ever comes into focus. Thusly does each side fulfill the expectations of the other while remaining oblivious to the underlying reasons.

Writer's Digest Review of "The Ropewalk"

This is an ambitious and inspiring book, written by a philosopher-poet. The writer is clearly interested in the line between rational and irrational, primal and urban, male and female. It reminds me of Henry James at times and of William Faulkner at times, as well as Lewis Thomas and Sir Thomas Browne. There are sentences in here that are absolute poetry. The mysterious child, Sonya, certainly alludes to The Turn of the Screw, as well as Rousseau’s wild child. I am also impressed by the uncertainty of the narrator, and at times thought that the narrator might be that interesting fictional device, the unreliable narrator. The novel shows amazing potential.

Judge, Writers Digest Self Published Book Awards

The Ropewalk - a brief history of a lost time. The next book will be a prequel with different characters dovetailing with Egan Drummond. Onward and upward.

A brief excerpt to get the feel of the story...

To pique your interest, you can get a feel for the tempo of the style by going here:
http://indaindex.com/the-ropewalk-by-john-knauf/#comments

The Cannibal Bowl (ref.: "The Ropewalk")

Think the cannibal bowl doesn't really exist? Check out a pic of me standing near it.

The perfect seasonal read

What is a Ropewalk and why is Egan living in one? Find the answer in this award-winning thriller that addresses your most pressing issue: What do I read next?

"The Ropewalk" wins another award

"The Ropewalk" has been awarded its second Honorable Mention, this time at the New York Book Festival. You can read my reviews, or the first four chapters of the book itself, at the Amazon site. Go ahead, chance it; see what the hype is all about.

"The Ropwalk" is in the New York Review of Books

FYI: Page 45 of the April 26, 2012 edition of the New York Review of Books (hardcopy only, not the online version) has "The Ropewalk" listed as one of its new releases. Its description reads:

"Two people trapped by winter storms in a remote setting must come to terms with events they cannot understand. Set in the late 1970s, The Ropewalk highlights the confrontation between fading ideals and unexpected realities from the historical past."

Blogtalk Radio Interview about "The Ropewalk"

For anyone interested in listening to a blogtalk radio interview about "The Ropewalk," check out this link. I was asked to be on Danek Kaus' radio show "About the Author," and the interview took place on Tuesday, April 10. The talk was cut a little short when they lost my connection, but all the essential elements are there. The direct link is:

http://bit.ly/HvMMnM

Read the first three chaptres free.

If you go to the Amazon "Look Inside" feature, you can now read the first three chapters to get a feel for the story. Happy reading.

Literary Award

"The Ropewalk" was awarded Honorable Mention at the New England Book Festival in January. You can read an excerpt at the Independent Author Index site.

New listing for "The Ropewalk" and its author

I am now listed with The Independent Author Index, and my profile/information, as well as an excerpt from the book, can be seen at: http://indaindex.com/john-knauf/