Besnowed

by John M. Bauer

Besnowed is a nostalgic novel filled with the warmth of winter. The story and its atmosphere capture the spirit of holidays with love, memories, meals, and snow. Words Falling Swefen Kumri is returning to his hometown, Besniwod, after years of quarantine have kept him and his family stuck in the big city of Veranum. The memories in the frost lead him to begin reliving how he fell in love with his wife, Lumi. From the first tearful train ride into the city to an overdue homecoming with their two kids, Rwen and Zori.

Over the week of celebrations and feasts, Swefen reminisces with friends and family as he tries to learn for himself and show his children what Frithlic Nyun, the biggest holiday of the year, is really all about. With the efforts of continental reforestation changing the climate as fast as the culture, he can't help but worry about how his love could get lost in translation.

392 pages, Paperback

Published May 13, 2023

About the author

John M. Bauer spent his youngest years on a farm in the middle of nowhere. His dad was a lawyer for the local tribe and he grew up thinking he would one day raise pigs. After several more moves across countries and continents, he ended up leaving that swine-fueled dream behind and settling into an apartment just outside Paris. The constant shifting of the Earth has left John with a feeling that nowhere is ever truly home.

Adrift on that tiresome sea, he spent years writing for other people and their goals: podcasts, blogs, marketing copy, press releases, and other nightly noise. Disillusioned, overexposed, and anxiety-ridden, he began seeking refuge from the emotional tithe. In words and stories, solid ground finally began to form.

John now captures that magic, exploring the space between us all. Conversations around cheap cups of coffee or just a reminder of the significance all too often lost in otherwise mundane moments.

Reviews

[Charis Alfonso · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely mesmerizing. The writing is poetic and vivid, pulling you right into the cold, haunting beauty of its world. Every line feels intentional, layered with emotion and atmosphere. It's one of those rare stories that lingers long after you've finished reading. Truly unforgettable!

[J.J. Hynd · Rating 5 out of 5]

A warm hug in the winter wrapped up in beautiful prose.