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by Izidore K. Musallam (Author)
The story of four artists at their journey's end, both mentally and physically. The four are set on a collision course with their fate when a sudden miracle happens. Their four lives become intertwined into one as a mysterious woman comes to their rescue. A jazzy novel with a deep resemblance to the wandering soul of improvisation. The characters are loose and liberated, with comic spontaneity of thoughts and movements. Continuously they question their being with doubt and anxiety. A story told from the inside out in a modern world.
A singer, a writer, an actor and a painter, all four were once successful and famous. As life progressed they were left behind in their own corners, alienated from the surrounding and from themselves. For each one, their loneliness led to a little life that had its downs with no ups. Life became an empty box of candies that lured the four artists separately but surely into the abyss.
Then the unexpected happened: she appeared from nowhere. From her painted toenails to her head of a long black hair-some smooth and some curly-and a slender body and a classical bone structure with a gorgeous face. She had the complexion of a night-blooming lily, but above it all, her manner as much as her looks turned men's hearts into hope. A muse, a lover or maybe an invitation to a party, the four artists had no choice but to attend.
The story moves forward in a fast tempo of unpredictable romance. Especially when a young woman introduces herself into the menu of love rather than desire. Love is for the young, desire is usually for the old. The mix is tonic or even bitter, but the taste is sweet for men who were born artists and died when they are still living.
A thief of personal memories, his gang and the artists collide. The conflict leads to entanglements that demand that the living act and fight for their possessions and the reaffirmation of their existence, and they do.
Recognize that art is a gift-a gift that takes a lifelong to unwrap. When it is revealed, it is always surprising and astonishing. Sometimes the revelation is dark, disappointing and defeating; still, to be a complete artist one needs to celebrate it, and only then maybe the purpose of life becomes less hazy.
