GreatReads.org P.C.R. PENFOLD
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Halfway Down the Mountain
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A young, black Haitian enters the Dominican Republic to escape a harrowing experience in Haiti. He has a special skill for drawing which leads him to further life changes when he meets the owner of the sugar plantation where he works and encounters Voodoo.
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Also included in this book: Note of a Violin
A boy-to-man story set in early 1900s. Charlie finds that WWI is at odds with his personality and love of music. A violin, and the secret it holds, becomes his saviour.
Inspiration for Halfway Down the Mountain:
The inspiration for writing this book stems from a profound fascination with resilience and the transformative power of art amid adversity. Imagining the journey of a young Haitian, escaping trauma, and discovering his artistic talent in a foreign country: the Dominican Republic, allowed me to explore themes of survival, cultural intersections, and the enigmatic world of Voodoo. The intricate dance between personal growth and the external forces shaping one's destiny compelled me to weave a narrative that not only captivates but also resonates with the universal pursuit of identity and healing. It's a story of strength, change, and the indomitable human spirit. It's set in the Caribbean islands, an exotic location, the voodoo culture has always fascinated me. Set in a past era, the fate of these people has not changed much.
Excerpt from Halfway Down the Mountain:
That same evening, Tostado stood on his terrace listening to the crash and scrabble of the ocean as it breathed and sighed heavily onto the beach beneath his villa. The air was thick and thundery and sweat was already trickling down the folds of his cheeks. He tossed back his rum, including the ice which he rattled around his teeth until he could crunch into it. He removed his sandals and shorts and walked over to the pool which lapped at the edges with the sudden movement of the wind.
He dived in cleanly and gasped at the sudden coolness on his skin. Turning to re-surface, he felt a thin cord wrap itself around his ankle, tugging as he dived up. In an effort to free himself, he flicked his feet and pointed his arms straight up, thrashing his feet rapidly to pull away, his heart starting to beat faster. The cord tightened around his ankle and his foot; he felt close to panic. Still under the water, he turned to look at what was there. He could see nothing despite the feeling of a cord wrapped securely. The rush of fear energised him and he swam rapidly until his feet could find the first of the wide steps that descended into the pool.
Reviews of Halfway Down the Mountain:
"Halfway Down the Mountain" is a riveting tale of survival and transformation. The narrative is a poignant exploration of resilience and the redemptive power of art. Richly descriptive prose immerses readers in the lush landscapes and complex emotions of the story. This novel is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the potential for change amidst adversity.