levon a

Readers will be mesmerized by the rich layers and the magical storytelling found in the bold debut novel, levon a by J.D. Radke. Chinese culture, history, and dangerous political objection intertwine with memorable characters that seem somehow more than human. Set in a place where the ancient past lingers in memories, objects, and the dust of forgotten temples, levon a serves as both an escape from reality and a wake up call to face it.

Told in reverse chronological order, the story begins in cosmopolitan modern day Shanghai, China. A bloody disagreement at a posh wedding, and the complicated past of an uninvited guest are just the beginning (or the end) of an intricate tale of good, evil, purpose, regret, and lust that weaves backwards in time to reveal the truth, much like a memory plays out in our minds.

The beautiful storytelling is the triumph of the novel, and readers who initially question the experimental format will sing its praises by the end. Similar reverse order has been executed by literary greats such as F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nathaniel Hawthorn, and even Plato. It works in levon a (a novel, backwards) because it serves to deepen the meaning of the actions. After the enigmatic characters experience the consequences of their choices, the complex reasons and events that occurred previously reveal why they made them.

About the Author: J.D. Radke lives in a charming old house on a picturesque street in St. Paul, Minnesota where he often writes on his open front porch. He is retired from Delta Air Lines, and appreciates his air travel perks as he promotes his book.

After studying Economics at Carleton College, Mr. Radke studied Mandarin Chinese in the MIM program at the University of Saint Thomas. He has always been a writer and journaling has been a constant part of his life, allowing him to collect everyday moments that would otherwise be easily forgotten. He has contributed articles in the Asian Pages and the Asian American Press.

Mr. Radke was the first American to work for Shanghai’s international airport in Pudong, China. He is a founding member of the Minnesota club of Shanghai and has served as the vice chair of the transportation committee at the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai.

Among his many business ventures, Mr. Radke owned a small tattoo shop in the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains in Southwest China. The tattoo designs were all made in house by locally famous calligraphers.

While working on levon a he collaborated closely with the banned Chinese poet Sheng Xue, a prominent figure in China’s democracy movement today. Together they created a flawed heroine who is unforgettable. J.D Radke has dedicated this book to his young son to show him through example that we all can be brave.