Abandonment and Guilt Create Poignant Mother-Son Novel

Polk City, FL (PRWEB) May 19, 2008 -- Ethan is a successful musician, but despite the success, he goes through periods of self-examination. Missing in his life is his mother who left the family when he was only ten. Author Mike Mihalek uses music as a metaphor for the relationship of his characters. Julie, John, and their son, Ethan, are reflected in the novel's title "Three Chords" (ISBN 9780980150421, ABISVC 2008).

Young Ethan grows up without a mother, fearing Julie left the family because of him, while his father, John, takes the blame to spare his son any pain. His parents' failure to provide a model relationship causes Ethan to grow into a young man who cannot connect emotionally with his lovers. Only when Ethan is ready to confront his past and find his mother does he begin to mature and learn how to love. But in that quest he also places himself and those he cares about in a dangerous situation.

Julie is now living in Florida where she is working to help an aging man and his granddaughter keep their small marina in business. Upon finding his mother, Ethan learns she is caught up in a scheme to vandalize the marina she calls home. Mihalek shows deep insight into Julie's motivations as well as the subculture of greed and uncontrolled real estate development that have severely damaged the Florida ecosystem. Has Ethan arrived in time to prevent dire consequences?

Amid this dramatic plot, Ethan and his mother must come to terms with the past. Slowly, they peel away personal layers they have hid from themselves and each other to bring about their reconciliation. Ethan learns of his mother's history of drugs, incest, and abuse, but he also develops compassion for her.

"Three Chords" is told with compelling dialogue, clear images, and realistic character portraits. The novel haunts readers as they relate to the characters' broken relationships and their longings to correct the past. Mihalek writes honestly of his characters, while still allowing the reader to empathize with them. He explores the turmoil of the human condition and provides an outlet for forgiveness and understanding. Few authors have explored their characters so deeply or provided such insights as Mihalek.

About the Author

Mike Mihalek's deep love for music became the theme for his first novel, "Three Chords." He strives to combine his respect for the environment, insights into human nature, and offbeat sense of humor in his fiction. The rich and often bizarre world of Florida, where he's lived for the past twenty years, has played a major role in his work.

"Three Chords" (ISBN 9780980150421, ABISVC 2008) can be purchased through online bookstores. For more information, visit the publisher's website at www.RoseHeartBooks.com or the author's website www.2headedmullet.com. Publicity contact: www.ReaderViews.com. Review copies available upon request.

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