Taboo Topic Addressed: Historical Novel About Passing

March 22, 2011 - PRLog -- Set against the turmoil of post Civil War America, Terry Persun’s latest novel, Sweet Song, tells a tender, raw and provocative story of Leon, the mixed race son of a white landowner and a black house servant.  Leon, who is raised black but an outcast from both cultures, finds himself suddenly on his own--and passing for white.

Searching for his place in the dynamic, violent world of 19th century Pennsylvania, he encounters a gang of dispossessed thieves, mill workers, saloonkeepers, musicians, businessmen, thugs, freedom loving idealists and malevolent racists -- a vivid panorama from America's multifarious past.  He endures hardship and makes passionate connections, all the while wrestling with his divided heritage in a world where honesty, even with his friends, might prove fatal.

Full of vivid scenes, lively action and lyrical prose this archetypal American story of transformation and self-discovery will stay with the reader for a very long time.

When asked what prompted him to address such a challenging topic, Terry had this to say: “I grew up the only dark-skinned boy in my school (due to my Native American heritage), which was misunderstood as African American by many of the children. From this experience, I felt that I understood the topic well and wanted to put it into a historical context to strengthen the tension.”

"Sweet Song dares to tell a story of American history that few are brave enough to tackle.
Some may take issue with a non African-American writer delving into the topic of race, but we Americans have a shared racial history and our stories co-mingle in complicated ways. As far I’m concerned any storyteller, regardless of color, willing to confront this delicate subject in order to get at America’s racial truths has my admiration and respect. Persun does just that." -- Brian McDonald author of "Golden Theme" and "Invisible Ink"

About Terry Persun:
Terry Persun has published 5 novels, 2 poetry collections and a non-fiction book about small presses.  His writing has earned honors such as nomination for the Foreword magazine fiction book of the year, POW! Book of the Year Award, Star of Washington Award, and finalist for USA Book News Best Books list. Terry lives and writes on a small farm in Chimacum, WA.

Terry is available for interviews and appearances. Please contact Katherine at the number or email above.

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