An Interview with Terry Persun and A Review of "SWEET SONG"

Terry Persun's book, Sweet Song, was selected by professors at SUNY Stony Brook as one of the six books in consideration for all incoming freshman. Persun considered this a "huge step forward for the novel." The fact that professors saw the virtue in his writing made him proud to be chosen.

Sweet Song has gone on to become an Amazon paid bestseller in the historical fiction category throughout 2013 and the sales remain consistently high in 2014. It also won the Silver IPPY Award for Best Regional Fiction.

Persun has received rave reviews for Sweet Song from his readers. As one said, "Love this book. A story that reaches down deep and addresses an issue that floats through our world. Everyone should read this to help them understand the inequities that are set up between people."

Sweet Song is an archetypal American story of self-discovery, set against the turmoil of post-Civil War America. Sweet Song tells the story of the mixed race son of a white landowner and a black house servant. Leon, raised black but an outcast from both cultures, finds himself suddenly on his own-and passing for white.

Wrestling with a divided heritage in a world where honesty, even with friends, might prove fatal, he falls in with dispossessed thieves, mill workers, saloonkeepers, musicians, businessmen, thugs, freedom loving idealists, and malevolent racists-a vivid panorama from America's past. This tender, raw, provocative novel speaks from the heart about where we've come from and who we are.

Terry Persun's Sweet Song takes place along the west branch of the Susquehanna River. Persun grew up near Williamsport, Pennsylvania and knows the area well, having hiked the logging roads and Indian trails during his childhood. His research to write the novel was extensive, and his understanding of human nature proves incredibly observant and accurate.

Persun feels that Sweet Song is more relevant now than ever as people young and old explore the subject of race relations. Person said," I think it should be taught in African American Studies courses and other programs as well. Race is a huge subject and we're not over it yet. This book tries to level the playing field a little, but showing more than one side, and also showing the depth with which race can penetrate a society."

For more information on Terry Persun and his titles, visit his website at www.terrypersun.com. To purchase Sweet Song, visit http://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Song-Terry-Persun/dp/1935961063/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1394293463&sr=1-1.

Photo courtesy of Terry Persun.

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