The Day I Left

by Jason Korolenko

"THE DAY I LEFT is a ghost story, a murder mystery, and a descent into madness, where between France and Arizona the protagonist faces his past catching up with, and overcoming, his presence. I'm walking away from this book feeling dizzy and uncertain of my own circumstance." - Craig Childs, author of APOCALYPTIC PLANET.

Jarrod Nelson, a twenty-something American studying in France, is in love with his professor's sister, Caroline. But the professor's sudden, violent death drives a wedge between the lovers, and Jarrod finds himself struggling with demons he thought he'd buried long ago. How far will Jarrod go to win Caroline back? And how far will Caroline go to stay away?

A tale of love and madness, the bastard child of BAG OF BONES and SHUTTER ISLAND, THE DAY I LEFT will get its hooks into you on the first page and not let go until well after the last.

"A fine debut by a writer with international flare and solid insight into the mania we each, every one of us, carry somewhere within our tortured souls." - Charlie Stella, author of JOHNNY PORNO.

Genres: Mystery, Suspense

197 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 22, 2012

About the author

Jason Korolenko is a musician, writer, and raconteur. His book, RELENTLESS: 30 YEARS OF SEPULTURA, a complete biography covering the struggles, strife, and successes of Brazil's most popular musical export, Sepultura, has been published in four languages worldwide. His novel, THE DAY I LEFT, drove Orion Book Award winner Craig Childs to declare, "I'm walking away from this book feeling dizzy and uncertain of my own circumstance," and was hailed by renowned author Charlie Stella as "a fine debut by a writer with international flare and solid insight into the mania we each, every one of us, carry within our tortured souls."

Reviews

[R.W.W. Greene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. K is one to watch. Forget the usual ghouls, ghosts and night bumpers, J.K. finds the origin of fear in the heads of his characters.

[Kelly Gamble · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a story that makes me think. This novel definitely falls into that category. The author takes you on a beautifully orchestrated ride on the edge of reality, and does so without wasting words.

[Gary Nilsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Day I Left is a brilliant plunge into the world of insanity – or is it? Jason Korolenko crafts the tale of Jarrod Nelson in the first person, allowing the reader to experience the frightening journey in a visceral way. We perceive, through the development of the story, that his belief of what is happening might be contrary to the truth and so the tension ratchets ever higher with every conversation he has. We simply can’t tell if his thoughts are born of experience or paranoia. Either way, it’s disturbing, and we come to suspect that Nelson is spiraling out of control. Even Korolenko’s artful interjection of the rare second person narrative adds flavor to our impressions as he relates parts of his tale in real time to Gerardy, the man investigating the events of the story. Hitchcock would have had a field day adapting this excellent book to film.

[Mark Tullius · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first fiction I've read in quite some time. I immediately fell into the story, the narrator's voice strong and easy to follow. Korolenko does an excellent job of weaving this tale. A smart book that makes you think and keeps you guessing.
My wife, an avid, and very critical, reader finished this book in one day and also gave it five stars.

[Ming · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not a fan at all. It's fairly obvious that our protagonist is screwed up from the get-go, and it's a tedious crawl through his head. And he's so whiny and annoying that I don't actually want to spend any time in his head.

[Crystal Rafuse · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had more twists and turns than a New England back road! I couldn't put it down I was so desperate to figure out what was going on! Great read! Highly recommended!

[Conor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twisted but deep.