Cym Lowell's Jaspar's War Book Club

If women dressed as nuns disrobing and then running through the streets in order to detract attention from the bad guys whets your appetite, then Cym Lowell's Jaspar's War is the novel for you.  This manly man's thriller topped with some testosterone and a side of C 19 H 28 O 2 has male written all over it with characters such as Henre Tremont, "world-famous grand prix driver . . . who moved like a leopard, the result, perhaps, of Olympic quality gymnastics routines" (40-41), Nulandi, whose "life as a commando started at about age 12"  (37), and Jason Brontus, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York and "active Tae-Kwon-Do black-belt"  (19).  Hey, no complaints here.  Even Lowell's visual imagery in the form of simile definitely connotes a male perspective, "In the silence the burp of a mouse would have sounded like a lion's roar in the jungle"  (223).  Kudos for originality  . ..

The problems for me lie in the feminine presence in this read;  Jaspar, an upper class housewife and mother in a short amount of time is transformed into a physically agile killer with an insatiable sexual appetite for the purposes of the mission despite the misfortunes surrounding her husband and children.  I have difficulty believing this scenario despite my hub's objections.  Furthermore, I feel she was too slow in her connecting the pieces of the metaphorical puzzle.  

In regards to grammatical errors, a comma splice on page 40, a split infinitive on page 136 missing the "to," and awkward wording, "though with a new a cold set" (161) makes my toes curl and not in a good way.  

For the purposes of book club, a visit to Chief Bearstrike through gustatory perception with roasted trout filets, baked cornbread, "sliced vegetables, hummus, and pita"  (194) are sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Book Giveaway:  Interested in a FREE copy of Cym Lowell's Jaspar's War?  Describe your ideal macho man in the comments section below.  The hunkiest description wins.  Post by April 13, 2014. 

Learn More about Author Cym Lowell

A film that brings tears to your eyes . . . 
Love Story

Describe your first kiss.

I was a young teenager in a workers' hotel in England with my parents. An older girl asked me to come to her room. With no such experience, I assumed it was a game of some sort. She began kissing me. I took off..

Your favorite children's book, and why . . .

Whooba Monsters, which my oldest daughter and I prepared when she was a child, then played the game throughout her and her siblings youth, now with grandchildren.

A cause that's closest to your heart, and why . . .

Operation Next Chapter, which has opened a whole new vista of giving back. I have also discovered The Dorr in New York City that will be an object of my philanthropy in the future. Both are quite amazing. 

  

If you could be a character in any novel, who would you be and why?

I would be John C. Jaegerman in the Riddle of Berlin because he is a character that I created many years ago. In hindsight, I was writing about my own emotional feelings at the time.

Explain the worst job that you've held.

Any job where I am told what to do. I like freedom to achieve a result in my own way. I have done the dirtiest jobs in the world.

A quote that motivates you . . .

"I have a dream . . . ."

The title of the one song you would take with you on that deserted island . . .

Perhaps Love.

Three Wishes

1. To love and give.
2. To be loved and appreciated.
3. To give back, providing whatever of my experience in life can benefit younger generations.

  

Favorite game you played as a child . . .

Whiffle ball.
 

What would you like readers to take away from your writing?

Thoughtful emotional identity with my characters.

Cym Lowell