E x e d r a
In ancient Greece, an exedra was a room or space designated for discussions
Comments & Reviews
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A Moody Milieu
Ardis Lowney expresses her fascination with Humphrey Bogart, foreshadowing her descent into the underworld of spying and silent killing. Later in the story when she is recruited and trained as an Allied spy next to the likes of Ian Fleming at Camp X, Bogart surfaces as her model of what a spy should be like. More ->
Wolfram and Fatima
Prior to 1939, Portugal managed to avoid bankruptcy, the perils of Communism, and the Second Great War—“evasions” that were the work of Prime Minister António de Oliveira Salazar, the defacto dictator of Portugal. Salazar’s work on two files, Wolfram and Fatima, was especially pertinent. Read more ->
Magic Realism Illuminates
Breath of the Adamastor is Ardis Lowney’s story of sea turtle research in WWII Portugal and her extraordinary discovery at sea. While the story and the interactions between characters are realistic, the characters conjure fairy tale-like, enigmatic elements that tilt reality to reveal a deeper understanding of the human condition. Read more->
Pioneering Professional Women
It wasn’t common in the 1930's for women to obtain a post-secondary education and pursue a professional career. Ardis Lowney drew inspiration from two professional women: a marine biologist and the aeronautical engineer pictured above. Read more->
Themes, Motifs, and Symbols
Literary themes explore the human condition on a universal level. There are six in Breath of the Adamastor.
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National Gallery of Ireland, May 5, 2023
Spirituality is the New Religion
One need only visit a museum of art to see religion's deep connection with humankind throughout millennia. Our absorption with who we are, why we are here, and where we are heading, is neither old or new, nor increasing or waning. It is ever-present. More->