Book of the Month

Futuristic Political Thriller Hits Home

Fast forward 40 years and imagine a United States of America where laws have been radically reversed, including the political lightning rod, abortion. Divisive protracted debates about this issue ended painfully. Citizens hoped division and discord were finally over. The two most recent generations of citizens are now adults, and America has a new normal. But Michael Gryboski’s work goes much deeper than that one issue. The plot and characters wrestle with serious moral principles.

Memories of Lasting Shadows takes readers into a vision of the future and a nation that has come to terms with the old norms, seen as part of a dark period, but struggles to determine its present and future course. The story navigates partisanship, protests, and firebrand speeches fueling politics’ lucrative industry and its product: perpetual ideological conflict.

Gryboski enhances the plot by providing readers more than a glimpse into impressive technological advancements that touch many aspects of daily life, from driverless cars to hydration patches and prenatal medical care.

Regardless of political persuasion, there are deep themes embedded in the story and its characters. Is the perspective of good and evil unchangeable, or can it be manipulated by circumstance? Does the end justify the means? Are

humans inherently good or evil? Is personal redemption real?

The two main characters in Memories of Lasting Shadows are deeply divided. United States Senator Benjamin Pettus is a former doctor who practiced when choice was the law of the land. He strug-

gles to preserve his legislative legacy, and to hide his past. Roberta Sheridan was born and raised in a different time. For her, terminating an unborn child is illegal and reprehensible. She is a devout Christian and principled journalist. At the urging of a colleague who is a selfprofessed “citizen journalist,” Roberta hears of deep secrets that could derail Pettus in an upcoming election. While investigating, she discovers the truth but is left with more questions than answers. Is the past ever really gone? Are we any different than our adversaries?

Michael Gryboski was born and grew up in the Washington DC metro area. He is a George Washington University graduate, lives in Richmond, Virginia, and writes for The Christian Journal. Michael says, “I’d rather be right than widely accepted.”

I remember reading somewhere that life’s essence is seeking a brighter future, but remembering that the past is forever within us. Memories of Lasting Shadows is a political thriller and an awakening of sorts that captures that thought. A must-read, particularly for those who enjoy spirited debates when ideological views collide. Zebra

rating: 5 stripes

Author Michael Gryboski

Courtesy photo Review: Memories of Lasting Shadows Publisher: Ambassador International - Emerald House Author: Michael Gryboski Reviewed by: Ralph Peluso, Literary Editor Zebra Rating: 5 Stripes

Ralph Peluso

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Meet the authors for LIVE discussions with Zebra Literary Editor Ralph Peluso

March 9,

TUESDAY Reading, Writing and Ralph with author Tina Rae Kantiano discussing her book, Living the Dream, with witty, curt insights into relationships and their trials and tribulations.

March 23, TUESDAY Reading, Writing and Ralph with guest Paige Etheridge, author of Pink, Not Fanged. Etheridge returns to the show to talk about her new book, a thrilling coming-ofage story steeped in the mystical.

quick!”

Time and space don’t let me discuss all my favorite songs and singers in detail, but I must give a shout out to Tracy Lynn Olivera’s I’m Not Getting Married (from Company) with adroit backup singing by Katie and Christopher! I also must say that James Gardiner’s editing for this production was incredibly well done.

Matthew Gardiner’s direction and choreography keep your interest focused while gracefully transitioning from a traditionally sung single piece to perhaps a fantastic mashup of several songs from different shows! The brilliant vocal arrangements are courtesy of David Loud, and Jonathan Tunick supplied the spectacular new orchestrations. The entire presentation was created with special permission from Stephen Sondheim himself. By the way, Signature has produced more Sondheim shows in 30 years than any other theatre in the United States, so they truly know what they are doing!

What else can I tell you? If you do not know or don’t appreciate Stephen Sondheim’s music the way your friends and family do, this is an inexpensive way to immerse yourself in his work! You’ll be glad you did! Or, if nothing else tickles your fancy, with the help of closed captions, you can finally hear/read all the marvelous rhymes from this master of words.

Just listen/read carefully when Katie Mariko Murray sings On the Steps of the Palace from Into the Woods, when Sondheim rhymes these lyrics:

“I’ll just leave him a clue, For example, a shoe” with “And then see what he’ll do, Now it’s he and not you, who’ll be stuck with a shoe In a stew, in the goo And I’ve learned something, too Something I never knew On the steps of the palace!”

Which finally rhymes with malice, nine stanzas earlier!

Well, you get the picture. The man’s a genius!

Simply Sondheim Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, Co-Conceived by David Loud & Eric Schaeffer, Directed & Choreographed by Matthew Gardiner. Streaming February 2 through March 26, 2021 through Marquee TV. Tickets on sale at SigTheatre.org or call the Box Office at 703820-9771.

QUOTABLES

May the winds of fortune sail you, may you sail a gentle sea, may it always be the other guy who says ‘this drink’s on me!’ —Irish blessing