Quiet Desperation

Jake is a craft distiller who secretly and illegally makes Mula; a forbidden whiskey famous in New Mexico lore. He doesn’t think of himself as an outlaw any more than a recluse, but three years after Emelia's tragic death he’s still withdrawn. While Jake has carved out a life, he's prone to episodes of sadness when triggers cause him to remember the life he and Emelia once shared. Jake rarely leaves home except to ride his bicycle or to play poker with a cohort of retired Los Alamos scientists. Calling themselves the Americans for a New America, they’re like any group of old men found in bars and coffee shops across the country, except they’re doing more than simply complaining. These highly resourceful intellectuals responsible for the country’s cold war security tease at the edges of destabilizing the political Oligarchy with an altruistic plan to stealthily return America to its foundational ideals.

Jake’s quiet carefully-structured life is abruptly disregarded the night Sympatico bursts in desperately escaping Miguel, the pathological parasite who controls a human trafficking ring. After winning Sympatico’s freedom, Jake tries passing her off on his politically passionate Venezuelan priest. Only intense persuasion can convince Jake that helping this deeply damaged Bolivian is his burden even though it means delaying the virtual insurrection he and his cohorts are about to launch. Uncomfortable with this awkward and unexpected responsibility, Jake does what he can. Unfortunately his attempts fall short and are explosively misinterpreted. Over time Jake and Sympatico develop a deep bond built on admiration, respect and a healthy co-dependence. Through each other these two displaced souls realize that beyond life’s unfairness happiness is obtainable and memories, regardless of how tragic, are a necessary consequence.

QUIET DESPERATION is a 101,000-word literary novel dealing with social, political and multi-cultural issues. This character driven story is for anyone who’s been compelled to deal with grief and confront their life while striving to find happiness. QUIET DESPERATION’s subplots appeal to readers interested in southwest culture, the craft distilling industry and seeking to understand our life, our society and our purpose.

Quiet Desperation is a story in three parts. Al Azar is the first volume of the trilogy.