Saverio Monachino's latest psychological thriller, 'Little Bit of Faith,' has achieved bestseller status in the Mystery Thriller and Suspense category in the Kindle store. The book's success is notable because it draws directly from Monachino's personal experience recovering from a traumatic brain injury that left him in a coma.
The novel centers on Dr. Arthur McAiden, a patient who gives his neuropsychologist, Dr. Emily Selwood, a written account of his accident and recovery. Selwood initially uses the account to assess McAiden's cognitive recovery, but her understanding of reality is challenged when characters she assumed were fictional from his narrative appear in her life. The story explores the nature of true faith, perception, belief, family love, religious fanaticism, and the meaning of existence.
In an interview titled "The Power Of Love And The Nature Of Belief" with Theresa O'Brien published in the Lehigh Valley Press, Monachino's process was detailed. The author, who publishes under a pseudonym to protect the privacy of real-life individuals who inspire some characters, began writing as part of his own outpatient rehabilitation to regain his ability to express ideas.
The book's ascent to bestseller status highlights a growing reader interest in psychologically complex fiction that blends genres. Monachino amalgamates influences from authors like John Irving, Tom Robbins, and Louise Penny, serving psychological thrillers with a side of comedy. He believes humor helps make profound truths about the human condition more accessible.
For readers, 'Little Bit of Faith' offers a unique perspective on trauma and consciousness, moving beyond typical medical thrillers. Its exploration of how we distinguish reality from fiction, and the role of belief in recovery, resonates in an era increasingly preoccupied with subjective experience and mental health.
The ebook was available at no charge on August 20 and 21, 2024 via Monachino's Amazon author page. The author is scheduled to appear at the Doylestown Bookshop on August 31 alongside several other local authors.
Monachino is also the author of the murder mystery 'By Any Means,' a comedic tale involving a Montreal inspector investigating a murder committed with a hard salami. Both 'A Little Bit of Faith' and 'By Any Means' are available on Amazon. More information about his work can be found on his website at https://comicfictionnoir.com.
