Coming Soon!! "PERESTROIKA - An Eye for an Eye, a Tooth for a Tooth" by João Cerqueira
8th House Publishing proudly announces the upcoming launch of João Cerqueira’s novel, “PERESTROIKA - An Eye for An Eye, A Tooth for a Tooth” slated for release in February, 2024.
Finalist for the 2021 Eyland Awards, Finalist for Fiction Factory Chapter Novel Competition 2012, finalist in the 2023 Latino Book Awards, and winner of the Bronze Medal in the Portuguese Fiction category.
João Cerqueiro’s latest work “Perestroika” isn’t just a novel; it’s a resonant exploration of the human condition set against the canvas of recent European history. It challenges readers to ponder the very essence of truth, revenge, and the quest for redemption. Unique in its fusion of historical and literary fiction, it stands as a singular work in a league of its own.
For readers who revel in the rich tapestry of historical and literary fiction, and those with an interest in the intersections of politics and human rights, “Perestroika” is an intellectual and emotional odyssey. At its core, the novel confronts the crises facing today’s world—from the European upheavals to Russian aggression, Far Right leaders, and global power shifts.
More than just a novel, this is a call to contemplate the delicate balance between political freedom and humanitarian values. Dive into the pages of “Perestroika” and experience a narrative that transcends borders, ideologies, and genres.
ABOUT THE BOOK
In the turbulent landscape of an alternate Europe lies the captivating tapestry of “Perestroika,” a literary masterpiece that weaves together the threads of revenge, redemption, and catharsis against the backdrop of an imaginary country called Slavia. With a masterful narrative, this novel stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of humanity in the face of political upheaval.
As the specter of Perestroika sweeps across Europe, communist regimes crumble, and a new era dawns in the People’s Republic of Slavia. In the corridors of power, former leaders grapple with the harsh reality of change, while those who suffered under their rule seek justice and revenge.
Amidst the chaos, the central figure emerges – Lia Kirchner, a woman driven by the shadows of her father’s tragic fate in a re-education camp. As the daughter of a painter who perished, Lia embarks on a quest for truth that intertwines with the larger tapestry of political intrigue and personal vendettas.
President Alfred Ionescu, once an influential leader, finds himself confined in an asylum of his own making. Zut Zdanov, the head of culture, faces the haunting specter of his dark past in an encounter with allegations of child abuse. Helena Yava, fueled by the grief of losing a lover, seeks vengeance by any means possible. Igor Olin, the steward of the economy, battles for the dignity of his disabled son in a world grappling with change. Meanwhile, art historian Silvia Lenka delves into the mysteries of her own parentage.
Drawing inspiration from Pilate’s eternal question—“what is truth?”—Perestroika is a kaleidoscope of history, politics, arts, tragedy, and humor. In a world echoing the fall of the Berlin Wall and mirroring the rise of leaders inspired by figures like Putin and Trump, the novel transcends conventional genres, offering a unique blend of entertainment and intellectual depth.
About the Author:
JOÃO CERQUEIRA holds a PhD in Art History from the University of Porto, is the author of nine books and is published in eight countries. His novel, “Jesus and Magdalene” won the 2020 Indie Reader Awards, the Silver Medal for 2017 Global Ebook Award, and was nominated for the Latino Book Award 2015. His recent novel “The Tragedy of Fidel Castro” won the USA Best Book Award 2013, the Beverly Hills Book Award 2014 and the Global Ebook Award 2014. His latest novel “PERESTROIKA - An Eye for an Eye and a Tooth for a Tooth” was a finalist for the 2021 Eyland Awards, a finalist for Fiction Factory Chapter Novel Competition 2012, finalist in the 2023 Latino Book Awards, and winner of the Bronze Medal in the Portuguese Fiction category. He was born in Viana do Castelo, Portugal where he currently resides.