My Travels with a Dead Man by Steve Searls

ABOUT THE BOOK

Jane Takako Wolfsheim learns she can alter time and space after meeting a charismatic stranger named Jorge Luis Borges.

Inextricably she falls for Borges. Soon, however Borges’ lies and emotional abuse, and nightmares about a demonic figure, “the man in black,” nearly drive Jane mad. After her parents are murdered, Jane flees with Borges. Both the ghost of haiku master, Basho, and the Daibutsu of Kamakura, a statue of Buddha that appears in her dreams, offer her cryptic advice. Unable to trust anyone, Jane must find the strength to save herself, her unborn child, and possibly the future of humanity.

MY REVIEW

Adrift in a life full of lies, Jane has lost years of her life, lost her parents, lost her freedom, and most likely lost her mind. She’s a traveler who holds powers to “manipulate space-time through will”, but she is the one being manipulated and she’s in danger. Who should she trust? The son of a famous writer, an ancient haiku master, the daughter of a Viking King? What do they want of her? What is her purpose?

This fantastical story was quite a psychedelic and soul-searching trip which surprisingly captivated me throughout. Jane’s philosophical odyssey of identity, time, and space is full of suspense and doom which is what kept me reading until the end. If you enjoy magical characters, interesting destinations, and time travel, give this book a try.

Thank you to Mr. Searls for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Steve Searls retired from the practice of law in 2002 due to a rare chronic autoimmune disorder (Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Cell Associated Periodic Syndrome). He began writing poetry in 2001 and, using the pseudonym, Tara Birch, was the featured poet of Tryst Poetry Journal’s Premiere Issue. He’s also published numerous poems as Tara Birch in print and online, including the poetry chapbook, Carrots, and Bleu Cheese Dip, in 2004.

Steve was also active as a blogger posting under the name, Steven D, at Daily Kos (2005-2017), Booman Tribune (2005-2017), and caucus99percent (2016–present). Steve’s published essays on Medium include “Clara’s Miracle,” about his wife’s cancer and resulting traumatic brain injury from chemotherapy, and “My Rape Story.” Raised in Colorado, he now lives with his adult son in Western NY. My Travels With a Dead Man is his first novel.

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