Bayan by Pramudith D. Rupasinghe

An insightful meeting with seventy-three-year-old Ivan in Ukraine inspired Pramudith D. Rupasinghe to pen down this Biographical Historical Fiction named Bayan. The book is an exquisite amalgamation of history, human sentiments, music, and philosophy. In over seventy years, Ivan — the protagonist — has witnessed, suffered, and enjoyed numerous ebbs and flows of the circumstances. As a result, he holds not only an ocean of memories but also a treasure of wisdom and awe-inspiring experiences. Living a life of solitude, accompanied by only a bayan, he plays and sings melodies reminiscent of the days long gone. Then, in a turn of events, a stranger enters his house and stays as a guest with him for a few days. What begins as a cultural and philosophical monologue eventually turns into a walk down a memory lane that was too personal and too emotional.

Ellie, Everlasting by Isabel Scheck

Reviewed by me for Reader’s Favorite. If knowing that Ellie, Everlasting by Isabel Scheck showcases Neverland as a real place, you have an image of an all fun and happy book, then you are very badly mistaken. Ellie, Everlasting goes too dark too soon. Yes, the plot revolves around Peter Pan, Tinkerbell, and other fairies,…