Dear Agent

 

I am seeking representation for my upmarket novel, "Thermidor," a thought-provoking narrative that explores racial tensions, identity and the drive for achievement. This story will resonate with readers who appreciated "The Ocean at the End of the Lane," by Neil Gaiman by the way both novels weave rich stories with imaginative and fantastical elements and the “The Shadow of the Wind” by Carlos Ruiz Zafon for their quests with lively characters in vivid settings. Fans of the movie "Green Book" and the HBO series "Tremé" will also find affinities with this novel.   

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Nick is haunted by the disappearance of his father, Martin Shade, a renowned jazz musician who vanished in the 1970s when Nick was just eight years old. Now in his thirties, Nick's life takes an unexpected turn when Vanessa Gibb, a former girlfriend, shows up at his doorstep with a proposal. Vanessa wants to film a documentary about Martin, and she needs Nick's help.

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Their quest takes them to New Orleans, where Nick and Vanessa uncover a shocking secret: a love affair between Nick's mother, Marisa Miller, and Desmond Bates, Martin Shade's friend and former bandmate. This revelation sets the stage for a journey back to 1969 San Francisco, where Marisa met Martin, a brash young trumpeter, and Desmond, a brilliant Black pianist. The struggles of a racially integrated jazz trio in the 1960s are vividly depicted and lay the foundation for the novel's central conflict: the tumultuous friendship between the two band members, tested when a tragic robbery puts them in competition for Marisa. As Nick delves deeper into the past, reality begins to blend with imagination as he discovers the mysterious influence of a musical instrument that wields a special power over everyone who owns it.

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 "Thermidor" is a captivating narrative that delves into the role of memory, time and our understanding of the past. It is a quintessentially American story that draws on the magic realism I grew up reading in the works of Juan Rulfo and García Márquez.  For more information about me and my novel please visit my website:

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https://www.thermidorthenovel.com/

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Thank you for considering my submission. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my work with you.  

Ben Cruz

Ben@thermidorthenovel.com