Extraordinary Renditions
Extraordinary Renditions by Andrew Ervin, published by Coffee House Press in 2010, is a first edition work comprising 183 pages. Set against the backdrop of Budapest, this book explores the intertwined lives of three expatriates, each grappling with their own struggles and histories. The narrative unfolds as world-renowned composer Lajos Harkályi returns to Hungary to debut his final opera, while Private First Class Jonathan “Brutus” Gibson faces a moral dilemma at a U.S. Army base, and aspiring violinist Melanie Scholes prepares for a pivotal performance.
Readers will find a rich tapestry of themes including the scars of war, the complexities of cultural heritage, and the pursuit of personal liberation. As the characters confront their pasts and navigate their present challenges, the story delves into the psychological and political landscapes of their lives. With elements of music and performing arts woven throughout, Extraordinary Renditions presents a nuanced examination of resilience and the human spirit amidst the turmoil of history and personal conflict.
Official synopsis Publisher
Set in Budapest–a city marked by its rich cultural heritage, the scars of empire, the fresher wounds of industry, and the collateral damage of globalism–Extraordinary Renditions is the sweeping story of three equally tarnished expatriates. World-renowned composer and Holocaust survivor Lajos Harkályi has returned to Hungary to debut his final opera and share his mother’s parting gift, the melody from a lullaby she sang as he was forced to leave his Hungarian home for the infamous Czech concentration camp Terezín. Private First Class Jonathan “Brutus” Gibson is being blackmailed by his commanding officer at the US Army base in Hungary, one of the infamous black-sites of the global War on Terror, and he must decide between going AWOL or risking his life to make an illegal firearms deal in Budapest. Aspiring musician Melanie Scholes is preparing for the most important performance of her career as a violinist in Harkályi’s opera, but before she takes the stage she must extricate herself from a failing relationship and the inertia that threatens to consume her future. As their lives converge on Independence Day, they too will seek liberation–from the anguish of the Holocaust, the chains of blackmail, and the bonds of conformity.
A formidable new voice in American fiction, Ervin tackles the big themes of war, prejudice, and art, lyrically examining the reverberations of unrest in today’s central Europe, the United States’ legacy abroad, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Publisher
Topics
FAQ
What is “Extraordinary Renditions” about?
Who is the author of “Extraordinary Renditions”?
When was “Extraordinary Renditions” published?
What is the ISBN for “Extraordinary Renditions”?
What are the book details (language, pages, edition)?
