Interview of J.R Thornton Author of Lucien-A Novel.

I want to welcome  J.R. Thornton to Books R Us. Mr. Thornton is the author of Lucien. The author has provided an interview just for my readers. Thanks for stopping by. 

 

About The Book:

The son of working-class Czech immigrants, Christopher “Atlas” Novotny is a talented painter who arrives at Harvard on a full scholarship. Raised amid hardship, he is unprepared for the privileged world his freshman roommate, Lucien Orsini-Conti, introduces him to.

 

Born to wealthy European diplomats, Lucien plays the part of the confident, sophisticated bon vivant. Where Lucien is bold and brash, Atlas is timid and introverted. Growing up a lonely outsider, Atlas is insecure, impressionable, and in awe of his brilliant roommate. But is Lucien all that he seems?

 

Sensing a willing disciple, Lucien introduces Atlas to a glittering new world of lavish parties and elite social clubs. When Atlas struggles to afford his new lifestyle, Lucien offers a solution, convincing the naïve artist to become a forger, passing off fakes to galleries and dealers.

 

But Lucien’s charismatic facade conceals something darker and more sinister. As Lucien’s behavior grows increasingly unstable, Atlas is forced to take on escalating risks with devastating consequences. 

 

Interview: 

 

Can you tell us when you started writing?

I started writing when I was very young, mostly just for fun at first. As I got older, I took as many creative writing courses as I could in school. I actually wrote the earliest draft of my first novel during my senior year of high school.

Can you tell me who or what inspired the book?

The idea for the book really came together over the course of several years. There wasn’t one single moment of inspiration - it was more a combination of different influences and ideas that gradually merged into the story.

Can you tell us how you came up with your title?

The title of the novel is simply the name of the main character, Lucien. I experimented with countless other title ideas but never landed on one that felt quite right. Lucien is such a dominant, larger-than-life presence in the story that naming the book after him ultimately felt like the most natural choice.

Can you tell us a little about your main characters?

At the start of the novel, both characters are freshmen at Harvard. Lucien is charming, confident, and worldly - a kind of “golden boy” who presents himself as coming from a wealthy European family. Atlas, by contrast, is a very talented artist from a more modest background. He’s something of an outsider: lonely, thoughtful, and not someone who has ever really belonged to the in-crowd.

Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? If so, what do you do about it?

Not in the sense of sitting down and being completely unable to start writing. What I do encounter sometimes are difficult plot problems that require time and focus to work through. If someone is struggling just to get started, I often suggest doing a quick warm-up exercise - take a random line of dialogue, have a character respond to it, and see where the conversation leads.

Where is this book set, and why did you choose that setting?

The book is set at Harvard. I wanted to write a campus novel, and since I went there for college, it’s a world I know very well.

What’s next on your writing to-do list?

I have some ideas for a sequel to Lucien and would like to work on that next.

If you were going to hang out with one of your characters, who would that be?

I have say to Lucien. At this point I know the character so well that when I imagine him in my mind it’s like thinking of a friend. I can put him in different situations and know how he’d react, or what he would say.

What do you like to do for fun when you’re not writing?

I like to stay active and enjoy sports, such as running, soccer, and tennis. I’m a big soccer fan.

Where do you like to go on vacation? Can you tell us briefly about this?

Now that I’m living in Milan, it’s very easy to travel around Europe, especially during the summer. Over the past couple of summers I’ve spent time in Greece, which I’ve really enjoyed. 

How long did it take you to write the book, and how long did it take to get published?

Too long!

Who is your favorite character in the book, and why?

There are a number of relatively minor characters in Lucien I’m quite fond of. There’s a pair of frat bros named Dante and Steinway who have quite funny dialogue exchanges. Those scenes were fun to write.

Do you have any tips for a young writer just starting out?

Learn not to take critical feedback personally. The purpose of feedback is to help you improve your work. You want the people reading your writing to feel comfortable being honest with you. If they’re worried about upsetting you, they’ll only tell you what sounds nice rather than what’s actually helpful.

If your book were to be made into a movie, who would you like to play the main character and why?

I’ll go with Jacob Elordi for Lucien even though he played quite a similar character in Saltburn

Can you tell me where we can purchase your book?

Try your local bookstore; if not there, you can find it on Amazon or at Barnes & Noble.

About the Author: 

Born in London, J. R. Thornton graduated from Harvard College in 2014, where he studied history, English, and Chinese. An internationally ranked junior tennis player, he competed for Harvard and on the professional circuit. He was a

member of the inaugural class of Schwarzman Scholars and obtained an M.A. from Tsinghua University in Beijing. His debut novel, Beautiful Country (2016), which was loosely inspired by his experiences living in Beijing as a teenager, was reviewed by literary luminaries such as Gary Shteyngart, Mo Yan, and Fareed Zakaria. The novel became a best-seller in China, and the film rights were subsequently purchased by WME/IMG. His second novel, LUCIEN, was first published in China in 2024 and ranked among the top 25 bestselling new novels of the year. He now lives in Italy and works for AC Milan. 

 https:www.jrthornton.com/

Purchase The Book: 

Amazon

Barnes & Noble 

 

 

Spotlight of America- Book One Of The America Series by Mike Bond.

 

 I want to welcome Mike Bond to Books R Us. Mike is the Author of the America Series. He is touring the Blogosphere with Author Marketing Expert. Thanks for stopping by.

 

ABOUT THE BOOK:

A nation in motion forms the backdrop of America by Mike Bond. Cultural experimentation, political unrest, and personal discovery converge as young lives unfold
during a defining chapter of modern history.

Troy, Tara, Mick, and Daisy come of age during a time when certainty feels impossible. Troy, orphaned and newly adopted, clings to the stability of family while dreaming of flight and exploration beyond the limits of Earth. Tara discovers who she is through music, her voice shaped by a decade of rebellion and creative freedom. Mick, Troy’s brother, pairs athletic fame with a growing resistance to authority, increasingly unsettled by the war overseas. Daisy searches for justice and understanding through service, activism, and her study of the human mind. As their stories intertwine, the turbulence of the era presses in on every choice they make. Their lives reflect a generation pulled between hope and disillusionment, freedom and responsibility, as the country itself struggles to define what it stands for.

 

About The Author: 

Mike Bond is the author of nearly a dozen bestselling novels and an ecologist, war and human rights journalist, award-winning poet, and international energy expert. His work
spans more than thirty countries across seven continents, often drawn from firsthand experiences in remote, dangerous, and war-torn regions. His novels are praised worldwide for their intricate plots, vivid settings, and explosive pacing. His reporting has covered wars, revolutions, terrorism, and major environmental crises. Learn more at his website.

 

 

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4qtsBxK

 

READ AN EXCERPT: 

FREEDOM

THE BOY STARED through the cyclone fence at the dirt road, golden meadow and forested hills beyond. He listened a moment more to the din of other boys playing in the concrete yard behind him, scrambled up the cyclone fence ripping his shirt on the barbed wire top and dashed across the meadow uphill into the cool shadowed forest.

Minutes later he glanced down from the hilltop at the hostile brick walls and barred windows of the orphanage. A black Ford police car with white doors had stopped at the gate, its yellow roof globe flashing. Two priests and a cop were walking along the road, one priest gesturing at the forest.

He imagined them catching him, hitting him, wished he’d never run away, turned uphill through the dark trees then down a wooded valley to a stream. He knelt in the wet moss, his reflection rising toward him – dirty and skinny, tan hair askew – and drank the icy water tasting of rock and mud. So this is what it’s like to drink from a stream.

He followed the valley for a long time till he saw a dirt road ahead through the trees. A big red car was there. Afraid he’d been seen, he pulled back into the trees. From the car’s open windows came voices, a man and woman. If he moved back up the hill they’d surely see him. He’d be taken back to the Boys’ Home, the Fathers would whup him.

A warm breeze stirred the leaves. His heart hammered, his knees shook with fear and fatigue. Soon the car would leave and he could cross the road.

The woman was moaning. Holding his breath he listened. The man must be hurting her. She cried out; the boy glanced round but there was no one who could help.

Shivering with fear, he worried what to do. If the man killed her and he had done nothing to help, it was a terrible sin. But if he tried to help her he’d get sent back to the Boys’ Home. Standing, he tried to see better. The man was pushing the woman down in the back seat, maybe strangling her.

The boy dashed across the road and banged on the car. “You leave her alone Mister!” he yelled, voice shaking, “I’ll call the cops!”

They were naked from the waist down. “Get him out of here!” the woman screamed. The man threw open the back door shouting, “You little shit!” and slapped the boy hard across the head. The boy tumbled into the ditch and scrambled through brambles uphill. The man wasn’t following but the boy kept running, gasping for wind, legs weak with fear that the man would circle somehow and get him. He ran till he could run no more, stumbled, fell, and ran again.

After a while he stopped and bent over panting, watching behind him. He couldn’t stop shivering but wasn’t cold. He tried to talk to himself and his voice trembled. His head spun, his ears whined. If the man wasn’t killing her what was he doing? Why had she said get him out of here? Why were they naked like that?

Confused and terribly lonely, the boy moved on through the forest, jumping in terror at the crash of an animal running away, a flash of tawny fur. Even the Boys’ Home was better than this.

In late afternoon he came to a big place of empty, run-down tarpaper-covered buildings, some of their windows broken, tall grass spiking up from their concrete yards. He felt hungry and afraid, then angry at himself for feeling it. He snuck along one building and looked in a window hoping for something to eat, but there were only empty concrete floors, yellowed newspapers, rusty cans, torn tarpaper, and a broken toilet lying on its side. He slipped through a half-open door and stepped silently from room to room around broken bottles, boards with nails sticking up and chunks of fallen ceiling.

A window shattered overhead and he ducked into a closet, broken glass in his hair, deafened by his pounding heart, hoping whoever it was hadn’t seen him.

Maybe it was a bird hit that window. Stupid bird.

He tiptoed from the closet toward the door. Another window crashed. He ran stumbling over cans and bottles. Someone was shooting at him. At the door he halted, fearing what to do. Blood ran down his cheek onto his shirt. They were going to kill him.

Steps scuffed outside in the concrete courtyard. A kid. The kid picked up a rock and slung it. Glass shattered and the rock hopped across the floor inside.

 

 

 

Interview by Hans Peter Bech Author of Tumult in Mecca (#contests- Enter to win a Starbucks Gift Card, #ireadbooktours)

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  Tumult in Mecca: From Civil Servant to Global Business Adventurer: Henrik Bertelsen's Unexpected Journey by Hans Peter Bech
Category:  Adult Fiction 18+, 276 pages
Genre:  Literature & Fiction, Historical Fiction, World Literature European/Scandinavian, Coming of Age
Publisher:  BOOX 
Release date:   August 2024
Content Rating:  G: There is no language, sex scenes, etc. 

Book Description:

Tumult in Mecca: From Civil Servant to Global Business Adventurer transports readers to 1979, a year of upheaval and change.

Henrik Bertelsen, a Danish civil servant and baby boomer, is dedicated to his stable life in Copenhagen. Alongside his English wife, Sammy, they are building a co-housing community and navigating the complex adoption of a child from Indonesia. Henrik longs for peace and stability to secure his career.

But life takes an unexpected turn when he is offered the chance to renovate hospital kitchens in Saudi Arabia. His adventurer's spirit is awakened, and Henrik plunges into a world far removed from the predictable corridors of Danish bureaucracy.

As the project escalates, Henrik finds himself caught in the Mecca conflict—an armed religious uprising that places him in grave danger. Trapped between rebels and police in one of the holiest cities in the world, he must rely on his instincts to survive.

Escape brings him more than safety—it opens the door to a lucrative job offer from an American tech company, setting his life on an entirely new path. Tumult in Mecca masterfully weaves Henrik’s personal quest for fulfilment with the global turbulence of 1979, capturing the tension between career and adventure, ambition and family, security and risk.

Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ B&N 
add to Goodreads

INTERVIEW:

Question:

The title *Tumult in Mecca* suggests it’s about Islam. Is it a book about religion?

Answer:

Religion plays a significant role in the story. The protagonist, Henrik Bertelsen, is an atheist, while his wife, Samantha, is Catholic. When they apply to adopt a child from Indonesia, a predominantly Muslim country, the adoption agency advises them to align their religious affiliation, as atheism might not be well-received in the donor country.

Henrik, an economist working for the Danish government, later becomes involved in a business project in Saudi Arabia, a country deeply influenced by religion. There, he has to navigate a culture where the dominant religious values often conflict with his own moral beliefs.

Henrik’s journey reflects a challenge many people face—balancing the pursuit of personal happiness and success while coexisting with others who hold vastly different worldviews. It raises important questions about how much we’re willing to compromise our principles and how flexible we can be in such situations.

Curious and adventurous, Henrik embraces new experiences and approaches these cultural differences with an open mind. In 1979, he finds himself immersed in Saudi Arabia's business environment, a country governed by Sharia law and undergoing a controversial modernization effort, which faces opposition from religious authorities.

Henrik faces a moral dilemma. On one hand, he worries that his work may support a regime that oppresses its citizens, particularly women. On the other hand, he hopes his involvement might help push the country toward a more modern and free society. Although he’s unfamiliar with the Quran and struggles to understand Sharia law, the business opportunities and financial rewards keep him engaged.

Henrik’s story in Saudi Arabia reflects broader dilemmas we all face—balancing personal gain with ethical concerns while navigating different cultures and belief systems.

Question:

You’re a Danish author. Are your books relevant to an American audience?

Answer:

Most of my books sell well in the USA, which is by far my largest market. However, those books are nonfiction, covering topics like international business development in the

software industry. I also wrote a business biography about Navision, Microsoft’s first billion-dollar acquisition outside the USA.

As for *The Henrik Bertelsen Saga*, of which *Tumult in Mecca* is the first book, it likely appeals most to Americans interested in business, international affairs, and exploring different cultures.

Henrik is a husband, father of two adopted children, a musician in a rock band, and an international businessman in the rapidly changing computer industry. Balancing these roles is challenging, especially with external events constantly disrupting his plans.

Having worked with American companies, travelled extensively in the U.S., and having relatives in several states, I believe many Americans can relate to Henrik and his wife, Samantha. The pursuit of happiness and well-being is never straightforward, and finding peace of mind in a constantly changing world is a challenge most people face, especially those striving to reach the top of Maslow’s pyramid.

Question:

Your nonfiction writing has been successful. Why did you start writing fiction?

Answer:

I have stories to tell, and I love telling them. Plus, I’m good at it.

Writing books allows me to create rich, nuanced stories. Readers expect to spend hours immersing themselves in the world I unfold, and I enjoy fulfilling that expectation.

I’m also at a point in my life where I want to control my own time and destiny. Being an author and publisher offers me the ultimate freedom. I can write what I want, when I want, and wherever I want. It fits perfectly with my love of travel.

That said, I don’t write just for myself. I’m ambitious about reaching a broad audience, which is why I do interviews like this.

Question:

Do your books convey messages, and if so, what are they?

Answer:

Indirectly, yes, they carry several messages.

Henrik and Samantha both pursue full-time careers while raising two adopted children. Anyone with kids will recognize the challenges of managing that balance. They make some fundamental life choices that make it possible—you’ll have to read the book to find out what those are!

Henrik takes significant financial risks, and many of his ventures fail. But living in Denmark, these failures never threaten the family’s well-being. The Scandinavian

model, with its universal healthcare, free education, and strong social security, helps him bounce back.

A key message throughout the books is that taking responsibility for your failures is crucial to learning and personal growth. This idea aligns with Stoicism, a philosophy I strongly support.

I also designed Samantha as Henrik’s wife and life coach. At the same time, Henrik encourages Samantha to pursue her professional potential, even when they could afford for her not to work. He does this partly for selfish reasons—he wants a life partner who shares as many of his experiences as possible, including work-related ones.

Question:

There are countless books out there. What makes yours stand out?

Answer:

“The Henrik Bertelsen Saga” is unique. “Tumult in Mecca” and the seven books that follow are the only novels written by me, so they naturally stand out in that sense!

More seriously, I believe they’re different because the universe I create touches on many aspects of life.

Initially, I referred to them as business novels because they focus on Henrik’s professional life. I’ve since stopped using that label because it confused people—some thought they were textbooks!

Publishers often categorize books in ways that don’t resonate with readers. I prefer to compare my work to that of well-known authors with similar themes. If you enjoy Ken Follett, Jan Guillou, Jeffrey Archer, Ken Kesey, or Wilbur Smith, you’ll likely enjoy *Tumult in Mecca*. It’s also a good fit for fans of biographies and contemporary history.

And yes, it’s based on a true story—as they say.

Question:

“Tumult in Mecca” was originally written in Danish, and much of it takes place in Denmark. How does the English version differ from the Danish?

Answer:

I had to rewrite certain parts for an international audience. Coming from a small country, there are places, institutions, and historical references that only locals would understand. Other than that, the foreign language versions are essentially identical.

Question:

The story in “Tumult in Mecca” feels very realistic. Is it autobiographical?

Answer:

The short answer is no.

The book falls under the genre of autofiction. This means it’s based on autobiographical elements, but the events, institutions, and characters may be fictional.

Readers will find the historical framework to be as accurate as possible, but within that framework, the characters move through fictional events. Still, nothing in the book is beyond the realm of possibility.

Question:

Can you give a brief summary of the book?

Answer:

“Tumult in Mecca” takes place in the second half of 1979.

The protagonist, Henrik Bertelsen, is a civil servant in the Ministry of Labour in Copenhagen, dealing with Denmark’s major economic issues. During a slow summer period, Henrik gets involved in a business venture in Saudi Arabia with his older brother, Jakob. They’re mistakenly invited to bid on a project to renovate and run five hospital kitchens near Mecca for 10 years.

Although neither knows much about hospital kitchens, they successfully complete the project, impressing the Saudis and getting invited to work on more ventures. Drawn by the money and adventure, they continue, but soon realize that the cultural and business conditions in Saudi Arabia are very different from Denmark. With their full-time jobs back home, they decide to step back from the projects—but it’s not that simple.

Meanwhile, as Denmark prepares for an election, Henrik is offered a job at a major American computer company. The role doesn’t fit his career plans, but the salary increase is tempting, especially as he and his wife, Samantha, are in the process of adopting a child from Indonesia.

On a later trip to Saudi Arabia, Henrik and Jakob are invited to bid on a project at the University of Mecca. However, as non-Muslims, they’re not allowed to enter the city. After some negotiations, this issue is resolved, and on an early November morning in 1979, just before sunrise, they stand on a hill outside the Grand Mosque, waiting for the morning prayer to begin. It’s the first day of the 14th century in the Muslim calendar, and excitement is in the air.

Then, all hell breaks loose.

I won’t say what then happens, but it’s quite an adventure!

Meet the Author:

Hans Peter Bech is a bestselling author and a frequent blogger on how to make information technology companies global market leaders. He has produced numerous books, papers, podcasts and videos on business development in the software industry. Hans Peter is also a keynote speaker, workshop facilitator, and an advisor for governments and companies. He holds an M.Sc. in macroeconomics and political science from the University of Copenhagen.
Connect with the author:  website ~ X/Twitter ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads

Enter the Giveaway:

Tumult in Mecca: by Hans Peter Bech Book Tour Giveaway