by
by R J S t e w a r t
Synopsis
Using interior monologues from each of its five characters, Errors of Night explores the regret of a former Nazi general, the self-doubt of a speechless and disabled Italian Marchesa, the deep resentments of an elderly Italian partisan, the choices of a mid-life caregiver, and the questions of a Benedictine priest. Stewart's book ventures deep into the souls of each with insights that will bring readers to the edges of their own self discovery.
Praise for Errors of Night
Errors of Night is in the same league as Flaubert's Madame Bovary and Tolstoy's Anna Karenina. Like those two novels, I cannot stop thinking about the characters; the Marchesa, the General, the gardener Attilio, the Priest, and Fina. They are unique, fascinating, and deeply human -- how often does a reader have the opportunity to look into another's soul? The conflicts - war vs. peace, conflicting memories, trauma, redemption, chastity vs. love, honor vs. duty - combine to create the conflicts and mystery of being human. Stewart's language is poetic, and his metaphors are remarkably creative, weaving a rich tapestry of prose, doubling the reader's sheer pleasure. The plot introduces new questions at just the right moments to pique the reader's interest, such as the question about the relationship between the Priest and Fina (will he break his vows for love?). The novel's historical facts are intriguing and enrich one's understanding of war. -- John (JB) Winsor, author of River Stone, Love of the Hunt, The Punishments and Maggie’s Revenge.
Stewart’s novel captivates me in many ways. The narrative reveals compelling characters in their search for reconciliation, forgiveness, and peace in the aftermath of the Second World War’s devastation to a small village in Italy. In this northern Italian countryside, live an invalid Marchesa, her adopted daughter, and an Italian gardener who is a veteran. They receive an an unexpected and unwelcome visit from an elderly German General, and his son, a priest. The author’s research and frequent visits to Tuscany give depth and clarity to this particular place and time in post-war Italy. Stewart’s creative format for the book is striking in its power and clarity, and he writes a literary prose to delight the senses. It is a novel to be savored. -- Richard Stephen Scheideman
CAPTIVATING STORY ... every word adding value. None wasted. Stewart exhibits comprehensive knowledge of arcane facts that projects each characters deepest thoughts and emotions while rounding out the story. There are five characters, each of whom is fully formed, sympathetic, flawed and very real. A wonderful read that will have one going back to reread passages for the enjoyment of Stewart's lyrical wording. -- R. Alan Rudy
ISBN: 9780996544122
I loved learning about the different perspectives of the war from the safe emotional distance of a few decades later, and being able to recreate the big picture in my head through the personal experiences of diverse people. A wonderful weave of stories that creates a fantastic counterpoint! --H. Kellogg