Bestselling author Eric Madeen announced his literary fiction ebook 'Water Drumming In The Soul: A Novel Of Racy Love in the Heart of Africa' will be available at no charge on Amazon on April 23 and 24, 2025. The novel, which draws from Madeen's own experiences as a Peace Corps volunteer in Gabon, has received critical acclaim for its authentic portrayal of African culture and complex character development.
The story follows Peace Corps volunteer David Fields as he attempts to build a medical dispensary in an equatorial African village while navigating cultural misunderstandings, tropical illnesses, and social taboos. The narrative takes a dramatic turn when Fields meets Assam, a local woman whose water drumming captivates him, leading to what reviewers describe as a passionate and tension-filled love story. Elizabeth Montano, author of The Eternal Dawn Trilogy, compared the work to Hemingway, calling it "a novel so beautifully and realistically written I found it on par with works by whom we consider masters."
Academic praise has highlighted the novel's cultural authenticity. 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 as in presenting a more nuanced and genuine portrayal of African culture." This free promotion comes as Madeen's writing continues to gain recognition for its cross-cultural insights and literary quality.
Madeen's background as a Peace Corps volunteer informs much of the novel's setting and themes. After graduating from the University of Arizona, he constructed a primary school complex in a Gabonese village surrounded by rainforest, an experience that directly inspired 'Water Drumming In The Soul.' The author, who has written six books across multiple genres, brings this firsthand knowledge to his depiction of equatorial Africa's complexities.
Readers have responded enthusiastically to the novel's emotional depth and cultural exploration. One Amazon reviewer described it as "a rollercoaster of emotions that'll have you laughing, crying, and everything in between" while praising its "thought-provoking themes like culture, identity, and the power of human connection." The novel represents a significant contribution to literary fiction that bridges cultural divides through personal narrative.
The free promotion offers readers access to Madeen's complete works through his Amazon author page, which includes his other acclaimed titles such as 'Tokyo-ing!' and 'Asian Trail Mix: True Tales From Borneo to Japan.' Additional information about the author and his publications is available at his official website. This limited-time offer provides an opportunity for both new readers and literary enthusiasts to experience a work that has been praised for its authentic cultural representation and compelling storytelling.
