Yvonne
American writer and poet Veronika Carnaby carries a vintage charm about her that transcends well into her written works.Channelling the calibre of her greatest influences, Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, The Beatles, and Bob Dylan, Veronika infuses her writing with a poignancy and passion for literature, music, and twentieth century culture. Whether through her feats or her unprecedented knack for the written word, she has etched an indelible mark as a pioneer in her own right.
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‘BOHEMIA‘
Don’t miss out on Carnaby’s thrilling new read for the modern beatnik, in which she provides a wild, unrestrained account of ’60s counterculture youth bursting out of their creative shells. In her debut novel, Veronika Carnaby picks up where the Beat Generation left off. Set in 1960, Bohemia chronicles a group of twenty-somethings who defy the “ideals” of a mid-twentieth century society to seek creative fulfillment. In the process, they spotlight the creative path that artists of all mediums tread, all the while depicting the challenges faced by youth in the decade that changed the world.
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When asked what ‘Bohemia’ meant to her both personally in her motivation to write it and in respect of any message that she would like the reader to take away from the experience, Veronika had this to say:
‘Bohemia’ is an unconventional account of rebellion, artistic freedom, and youth in the 1960s…something of a Beat Generation-influenced work, if you will. I credit a lot of personal experience for helping shape the plot, as well as the cultural shift that the 1960s gave way to. With this story, I wanted to portray the fact that stepping outside of the boundaries can be ok and that it shouldn’t always be frowned upon, as it was and very much still is. That’s not only mirrored in the character’s actions and attitudes, but also in the freeflowing technique that the book was written in. Creative people, especially those who are just starting out, feel that they have to conform and be a mass-produced product in order to be noticed. The truth of the matter is that genuineness and unconventionality is often what helps make a mark on the world. There’ll always be backlash. That’s something you can’t avoid regardless of what you undertake, so don’t be afraid to take risks, to be different, to create what’s true to yourself.
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As this is an author invitation to read and review, a PDF of ‘Bohemia’, was sent to me free of charge, by its author, Veronika Carnaby.
This will in no way influence any comments I may express about the book, in any blog article I may post. Any thoughts or comments are my own personal opinion and I am in no way being monetarily compensated for this, or any other article.
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Bohemia sounds like a great read. I hope you enjoy it!
“don’t be afraid to take risks, to be different, to create what’s true to yourself”<-wonderful advice.
Hi Naida,
Personally, I thought that the entire paragraph was full of inspirational thoughts and sound advice and is hopefully a good omen for the quality of writing in the book itself.
Unfortunately, as Veronika observes, ‘stepping outside of the boundaries’ is still very much frowned on, in many spheres of society today, although I’m sure that it will be in the creative arts and crafts, that we shall notice any signs of seed change happening first.
The 1960′s were definitely a rebellious time in our modern history, however that pace of change has somehow become diluted and dumbed down in recent years.
Thanks for taking the time to stop by, in what I can imagine are still some difficult times for you, on the East Coast. I sincerely hope that some semblance of normality and routine is returning to the area.
I love hearing about new (to me) authors, thanks for introducing us to Veronika.
Sounds like a book I’d love!
Hi Vicki,
It is always good to have the opportunity to spotlight a talented up and coming author such as Veronika and I am looking forward to fitting ‘Bohemia’ into my reading schedule.
I really do enjoy the opportunity to read a book, which is written in a totally new style and from a diverse genre to my normal reading choices and I have found some excellent examples over the last few months.
Obviously, I can’t claim to enjoy every debut novel I read as much as others, but then that may also be true of experienced writers whom I follow on a regular basis. There are often times when I can read the latest in a long list of books and suddenly come across a story which I don’t particularly enjoy.
Thanks for stopping by, it is always good to chat with you.
Always interested in author interviews as they so often provide a fascinating insight to the name behind the book, thanks for the introduction to Veronika.
Hi Tracy,
I don’t tend to post too many author interviews, however I do like to feature new authors and books, as they come to my attention.
I generally leave links in a post or review, so that readers can visit the author website, but you would be amazed at how many readers don’t bother following them, so a dedicated introduction post seems the best way to go.
I am hoping that seeing you back on the posting circuit, means that you are on the mend from your recent illness? I too have come down with the dreaded lurgy, but it isn’t really a surprise as just about everyone I have come into contact with has it and is quite prepared to germ share!!!
I have never heard of this author before but it does sound as though it might be worth watching out for. I will keep a look out for your review.
Hi Linda,
As I commented, we here in the UK gave so much to the world in the 19060’s and were such reknowned trend setters, that I just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to read this book and view the decade through the eyes of an American commentator!
Thanks for your interest in the post, it is appreciated.