Welcome to the Rhode Island Authors Showcase! Each day in November, this blog will feature a different Rhode Island author. Read the post and leave a comment and you are eligible to win this day’s giveaway!
Leave a comment every day this month for over 30 chances to win either our Grand Prize (a $250 Amazon gift card), our Bonus Prize (a $100 Amazon gift card), or a Cheer-Up Prize (amount to be determined), just in time for holiday shopping!
A winner will be randomly selected one week after the publication of the blog post, and the Grand Prize and Bonus Prize winners will be randomly selected on December 7, 2021. For the daily giveaways, the author will contact you directly to coordinate delivery. Print books for delivery within the US only, please.
Elizabeth B. Splaine lives in Rhode Island with her husband, sons, and dogs. When not writing she teaches voice at the Rhode Island Philharmonic Music School. Swan Song is her fourth novel. She can be reached via her website www.elizabethsplaineauthor.com.
You can also follow her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethsplaineauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/elizabethsplai2
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizbsplaine/
and on Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/ezs3uxf6
Few people know the following facts about Adolf Hitler. He had a nephew who fought for the Allies, and he had an affair with his niece, Geli Raubal. On the night of September 18, 1931, following a screaming match with Hitler, Geli shot herself in the heart with one of his Walther revolvers. She was one of seven women who attempted suicide following an affair with the megalomaniacal leader. Hitler was devastated and ordered the suicide covered up. As his memory reinvented Geli and her suicide, her death became regal, an honorable, heroic choice to which he would refer again and again over the ensuing years.
In her historical fiction novel, Swan Song, Elizabeth Splaine imagines Hitler’s twisted state of mind as he makes the acquaintance of Ursula Becker, an operatic diva who so closely resembles Geli that he cannot help but be drawn to her. Hitler sees Ursula as his second chance; he yearns to possess and control her. But Ursula’s will is strong and her personality rebellious. As she continues to defy him, Hitler’s broken mind conflates the two women and, over time, the truculent Ursula becomes Geli. Hitler is left with two choices: once again cause the death of someone he cherishes, or allow her to live and openly defy him. The personal decisions he makes, as seen through Ursula’s eyes, reflect the turmoil he continues to create throughout the world.
Splaine wrote Swan Song for many reasons, not the least of which is to continue educating future generations about the danger of bigotry. As the greatest generation passes away, we must remember that war is never black and white. Rather, it’s a grotesque spectrum of gray in which morals are traded for food, and dignity for warmth. The ugly side of humanity is paraded before the world to be judged. In recent politics we have been continually reminded of “us” and “them.” Swan Song reminds the reader that, to ensure survival and prosperity, there is only “we” and “us.”
Elizabeth is thrilled to be the featured author in Ink Fish Books’ Rhody Reader Box, an innovative project that supports local businesses while giving back to charity. Check out her website or https://www.inkfishbooks.com for more information.
As her book is about a Jewish opera singer who rises to fame in Nazi Germany and becomes the object of Hitler’s twisted obsession, Elizabeth, a retired opera singer, is giving away a 1/2 hour virtual voice lesson (value approx. $40.) Tap into your inner diva! You can connect with Elizabeth from anywhere.
Join us on SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, from 9:00am to 3:00pm at the CROWNE PLAZA in Warwick for the 9th Annual Rhode Island Authors Expo!
Wow, “grotesque spectrum of gray” we all view it every day. Thank you!
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An opera singer? How impressive.
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I have only been able to sing on key when singing lullabies to my sons when they were infants. Also, the song Jeremiah was a bullfrog. I express my love of music via dancing.
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“Swan Song” sounds like a very interesting story that I would love to read. I did a study of Hitler, mostly relating to his political life, and did not know about that side of him…fascinating! I am also a singer and would love to win your prize. I Cantor at Masses, Funerals and Weddings. I wish you much continued success in your future.
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I have read numerous books regarding Hitler’s life but most during his later years. It appears your book will give me a view of him from an earlier period.
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Hi , I love the title of your book and the cover is so very intriguing, your book sounds very intriguing! And yes Hitler is pure evil. Thank you for writing about this, I will be adding your book to my TBR list for sure! Have a great week and stay safe.
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What an inspired way to share the depths of Hitlers horrendous propensity to treat people, even those he believed he loved, with such evil and the scare of how he could erase his part of that evil doing from his memory, and try to erase it from all history. Thankfully, there are many people like you who will not allow that to happen!
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To delve into the mind of a monster is no easy feat. We should all sing more (even if it is off-key).
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Swan Song sounds good. To be able to sing. Sigh. My daughter is the one with the gift of a good voice.
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This sounds like a book my past book club would have loved to discuss! I am totally tone deaf and have a horrible singing voice. Winning would be a waste on me! However I have enjoyed reading the showcases.
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This is a book that sounds amazing and a tough read. I look forward to reading it. Being a Jewish women, I have been finding the last few years hard to understand. People need to remember the past and see that it can and has been repeating itself. On that note, I have been told that I can’t carry a tune! Haha, I would love to prove this person wrong! All the best
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Swan song does sound like a great read. Thank you for sharing here.
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“Swan Song” is definitely on my TBR list!
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Thanks for the opportunity, Martha! And thanks for all of your comments, fellow writers. I look forward to seeing one of you either in person or online for a voice lesson!
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Sounds fascinating, Elizabeth. My most recent book also focuses on Hitler. Pure evil.
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Swan Song sounds amazing. Thanks for the great post.
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