Stephen O. Boyo’s The Marionette Adrift is set between November 1974 and January 1976, and focuses on the months preceding the death of the Spanish dictator General Franco. In this fictional account, Boyo has drawn parallels with real events during this traumatic period in Spanish social and political history. Additionally, the novel explores the disturbing yet touching travails of main protagonist Lars Brunner’s Jewish father Samuel Brunner, and his experiences of persecution in Eastern Europe during the Second World War.

Introducing the book to its readers, Boyo explains: "The Holocaust memoir in chapter 2 of this novel is fictional. However, actual historical figures and events before and during the Second World War are referenced."

A wonderfully-written, movingly vivid account, this Holocaust memoir provides a key subtext to the unfolding events in the novel; the present reflects the past as son later flees persecution and endures hardship, just like his father. The Marionette Adrift also offers a socio-political lesson in modern Spanish history. In the era of Generalissimo, the Basques had no rights, were deprived of self-determination and autonomy and suffered repression.

Boyo’s effective narrative conveys its’ supporters enthusiasm, emotional dedication and fierce resilience for reviving the Basque language and culture. Boyo’s book stresses that the characters involved as ETA freedom fighters in The Marionette Adrift are fictional, bearing no resemblance to anyone living or dead. The author has not included any factual contemporary events, although fictional parallels have been drawn.

Stephen Boyo has been writing short stories since he was a teenager. After a brief career in law he moved on to work in finance, education and public affairs. He is currently based in London, where he writes and paints abstracts as a hobby. With some non-fiction works published in the past, The Marionette Adrift is his first published novel. Published by YouWriteOn.com, paperback, 256pp. Available in major bookshops.

For publicity information contact publicity@themarionetteadrift.com