The bestselling literary fiction ebook 'Water Drumming In The Soul: A Novel Of Racy Love in the Heart of Africa' by award-winning author Eric Madeen will be available at no charge in e-book format on June 4, 2025. The novel, which has received significant critical acclaim, will be accessible through Amazon, where readers can download the digital version without cost during the promotional period.
This development matters because it provides broader access to a work that has been praised for its authentic portrayal of African culture and nuanced character development. Professor Zaheer Baber of the University of Toronto's Sociology Department 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." Such representation in literature has significant implications for how Western audiences understand and engage with African narratives beyond stereotypical depictions.
The novel follows Peace Corps volunteer David Fields as he builds a medical dispensary in an equatorial African village while navigating cultural differences, tropical illnesses, and social taboos. The story takes a dramatic turn when David meets Assam, a woman whose water drumming captivates him and leads to a complex romantic relationship. Author Elizabeth Montano, writer of The Eternal Dawn Trilogy, compared Madeen's work to literary masters, stating it was "a novel so beautifully and realistically written I found it on par with works by whom we consider masters … Hemingway definitely comes to mind."
Madeen's personal background as a Peace Corps volunteer in Francophone Gabon, where he constructed a primary school complex in an equatorial village, informs the novel's setting and authenticity. This experience provides the foundation for what readers have described as a story that "not only tells a passionate love story, but it also delves into thought-provoking themes like culture, identity, and the power of human connection" according to one Amazon reviewer. The temporary free availability of this work represents an opportunity for readers who might not otherwise encounter this type of culturally specific literature to access it without financial barrier.
The author has written several other books including 'Tokyo-ing!', 'Asian Trail Mix: True Tales From Borneo to Japan', and 'Tennis Clubbed, Snubbed and Rubbity-Dub Dubbed', all available through his Amazon author page. More information about Madeen and his work can be found at his personal website. The free promotion of 'Water Drumming In The Soul' represents a significant moment for literary accessibility, particularly for a work that has been recognized for its cultural authenticity and literary merit.
