Barry Knihy

"Rooftops" explores trauma, survival, and redemption through the story of Eddy, a young boy from an immigrant family entangled with organized crime, raised by a Vietnam War veteran suffering from PTSD. The author, diagnosed with a rare trauma-based memory condition, provides a unique perspective on mental health, offering insights into a complex experience often depicted in fiction. Written with lyrical simplicity, the narrative captures the raw essence of Eddy's life, blending elements of fantasy reminiscent of "Life of Pi" and "American Psycho." It is a gripping tale marked by horror, but not in the conventional sense; it is both shocking and gentle, unflinching in its portrayal of Eddy's journey. The reader is drawn into the characters' thoughts, torn between the urge to continue reading and the hope for a brighter outcome. As Eddy navigates his troubled past while attempting to craft a story about demons and vampires, he is accompanied by Jackdragon, a creature from his childhood dreams. Together, they traverse from 1970s Sydney to New York, confronting the shadows of Eddy's history and ultimately seeking forgiveness. The unexpected ending adds a layer of surprise, making this a compelling read that merges high art with elements of horror. Highly recommended.

One ill-fated evening at the Reform Club, Phileas Fogg rashly bets his companions that he can travel around the entire globe in just eighty days -- and he is determined not to lose. Accompanied by his hot-blooded French manservant Passepartout, Fogg travels by train, steamship, sailboat, sledge, and even elephant to win the extraordinary wager, overcoming storms, kidnappings, natural disasters, Sioux attacks, and the hot pursuit of dogged Inspector Fix of Scotland Yard -- who believes that Fogg has robbed the Bank of England. "Around the World in Eighty Days" gripped audiences on its publication and remains hugely popular, combining exploration, adventure, and a thrilling race against time.