Burn My Letters by Ruth Bonetti (independent release July 2016)
At the end of the 19th
century Finland is a dark and repressive place. Pacifist and political
dissenter Karl Johan Back is conscripted to fight for the Russian despots that occupy
his country. In 1899 he flees to an untamed land on the far side of the world. Finding
refuge on ridges overlooking the Byron Bay lighthouse in northern New South
Wales, he grows orchids and lush tropical fruit.
Intrigued by her
‘black sheep’ great-uncle, Ruth Bonetti pieces together the motives that
propelled his flight. Finnish relatives share a treasure-trove of letters that provide
answers to the many questions raised by Karl Johan’s quest for freedom.
Why did Russian
military police pursue him as far as Suez?
Why did he publish
under a pen-name?
And, most intriguing
of all, why did he implore his family to burn his letters?
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Looking forward to getting my copy of this Ruth - such a fascinating story. congrats on the launch :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats Ruth. Hope it does well for you.
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