The literary fiction novel 'Water Drumming In The Soul' by best-selling author Eric Madeen will be available as a free e-book for one day only on Monday, September 29, 2025. The novel, described as a modern-day classic that redefines traditional narratives, follows Peace Corps volunteer David Fields as he builds a medical dispensary in equatorial Africa while navigating cultural complexities and falling in love with a local woman named Assam.
Set in steamy equatorial Africa, the story explores David's struggles with tropical maladies and social taboos as he becomes captivated by Assam's water drumming, where she plays a stream as a drum. The novel has been praised for its authentic portrayal of African culture and its challenge to traditional stereotypes. Zaheer Baber, Professor of Sociology at the University of Toronto, noted that "Madeen's storytelling prowess shines through and resonates with authenticity. The characters, particularly Assam, are beautifully developed, challenging traditional stereotypes in presenting a more nuanced and genuine portrayal of African culture."
Elizabeth Montano, author of The Eternal Dawn Trilogy, compared the work to masters like Hemingway, calling it "a novel so beautifully and realistically written I found it on par with works by whom we consider masters." The novel delves into themes of culture, identity, and human connection while maintaining what one Amazon reviewer described as "a rollercoaster of emotions that'll have you laughing, crying, and everything in between."
Madeen's personal experiences as a Peace Corps volunteer in Francophone Gabon, where he built a primary school complex in an equatorial village, informed the novel's setting and authenticity. Like author Paul Theroux who inspired him, Madeen continues to identify with his Peace Corps background, which gives his writing what reviewers have called "vigorous fictional reality."
The free e-book promotion represents a significant opportunity for readers to access a work that has been celebrated for its literary merit and cultural authenticity. The novel's availability at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Eric-Madeen/author/B08VGRNJVW? for one day only highlights the growing trend of limited-time digital promotions in the publishing industry. Madeen's other works, including 'Tokyo-ing!' and 'Asian Trail Mix: True Tales From Borneo to Japan,' are also available through his author page.
This promotion matters because it provides broader access to a novel that challenges conventional literary representations of Africa while offering readers a deeply emotional and culturally authentic narrative. In an overcrowded literary fiction market, 'Water Drumming In The Soul' stands out for its unique perspective and genuine portrayal of cross-cultural relationships, making its temporary free availability significant for both readers seeking fresh narratives and the industry's exploration of digital distribution strategies.
