Work In Progress

Literary author

The War Within

Jeff Baxter is a man most of us would love to have as a friend. Successful in his work, family man who approaches life with a seriousness that befits his experiences. He has a secret that even his wife is not privy too and when it is exposed it opens up a raft of challenges and opportunities. New experiences that will change his relationships and his view of the world. Focusing on the Vietnam War this novel will speak to all of us that seek to discover what being human really is.

Status: draft seeking a publisher.

 

The Author and the Procurator

Nineteenth century Russia was a hotbed of political, social, religious and cultural ferment. Lev (Leo) Tolstoy was a celebrated author in his own time who was a thorn in the side of both the Church and the State. His confrontations with the Church brought him into conflict. This novel is based on his life during a period of upheaval, beginning with a discovery by the narrator that positions Tolstoy in an unexpected context.

Status: draft.

The Calley Business

A sequel to The War Within it traces Jeff Baxter’s obsession with William Calley the perpetrator of the My Lai Massacre. To confront or not confront is Jeff’s question?

Status: draft.

 

The Baklava Man

‘The man is dead,’ replies the bakery assistant to Jack’s request for baklava. This simple reply takes Jack and Cressida Meredith to the Greek Island of Kalymnos where they  search for the Baklava Man, the island that was the home of writers Charmian Clift and George Johnston.
 
In their quest they meet an array of local characters including eccentric American Marianne, the 83 year old taverna owner, Yanis, his 90 year old brother chef, Ross,  Marinos, the aged seafarer on his balcony, Father Cristos, the wise priest, and Nick, at the Information Centre. These characters form the basis of a novel that twists and turns with Frida, the statuesque Swede who unsettles Jack and Cressida and then the Russian, Sophia,  turns their lives on their heads.
 
Based on John’s recent experiences on the island of Kalymnos, but taken to the edge of mystery, intrigue and secrets.
 
Status: writing first draft.