Iracema's Footprint

The mysteries of village life come into focus for a young Brazilian who ventures into the interior of northeast Brazil to work at a federally funded health post. His relationships with his secretary and an American Peace Corps Volunteer and the political intrigues surrounding a local election immerse him in interwoven trails of violence, love, poverty, prostitution, and insanity. The landscape becomes as much a character as the quaint villagers who flavor the action of this expansive tale. The Amazon huntress, Iracema, for whom the village is named, is a vital presence in the folklore of northeast Brazil. Working alongside Ben, the American, Marcus attempts to institute a health program in Iracema while slowly unraveling the mysteries involving the life of his secretary, Maria. The trio of friends are thrown into a vortex spun from the mistakes made earlier by Ben and the upcoming mayoral election. Threats, madness, and brutality are the stepping stones leading to the outcome of the election and the fate of the three friends. Author Bernard F. Blanche began writing while in college at Villanova University. Initially interested in writing short stories, his stint in the Peace Corps has motivated some journal and diary writing. Now a retired high school English teacher, he has penned newspaper and magazine articles, as well as written and presented motivational and informative speeches. He is presently working on two forthcoming novels, Bonefish Bob and Black Dad/White Dad. Publisher's website: http://www.strategicpublishinggroup.com/title/IracemasFootprint.html