Dean Serravalle Libri

"Where I Fall, Where She Rises is a novel that follows two women on opposite ends of a terrorist kidnapping. While one woman suffers and falls at the hands of her captors, the other exploits the fame of such a publicized event to secure a future for her unborn child. Lea Ironstone is a Canadian freelance journalist who recalls her time spent in the very dangerous red zone of Baghdad, after the 2003 U.S. invasion. A self-destructive addict, she refuses to relegate herself to the safer green zone, where most mainstream news journalists like Paul Shell are protected. Desperately seeking a more controversial story to re-establish his fame as a television journalist for GNN, Paul Shell contacts Lea and agrees to meet her in the red zone for a recent finding. They are kidnapped by an insurgent terrorist sect and tortured repeatedly. Carol Shell, Paul Shell's wife lives in New York. Eight months pregnant, Carol is approached by Timothy Abel, her husband's agent. Timothy wishes to represent her "victimhood," which he sees as a very marketable and exploitable asset. Her appetite for fame and celebrity eclipses her familial priorities and she is coerced into a lifestyle that hinges on personal promotion. Lea and Paul find themselves incarcerated in a basement dungeon expecting their next "artistic" torture, while Carol makes her next public appearance to further her star. Lea and Paul's relationship evolves into a mutual understanding of their united fate, while Carol, on the other side of the world, rises in public stature. The novel evolves into an emotional satire, which depicts two strong women who attack the consequences of war on two different fronts."-- Provided by publisher

Exploring the blurred lines between creator and creation, this novel delves into an author's psychotic break as he navigates the complexities of storytelling. The narrative unfolds around his quest for Kashif, a terrorist known as the Chameleon, who uses facial surgeries to evade capture. As the author's real life intertwines with Kashif's fictional journey, the story examines themes of identity, inspiration, and the challenges of maintaining boundaries between reality and fiction, leading to unexpected consequences for both the author and his character.

Set against the backdrop of the historic Welland Canal, the narrative explores Leo's journey towards self-discovery and realization. The metaphor of Lock 7 symbolizes the pivotal moments in his life, highlighting the theme of epiphany that often arrives just when it feels too late. Through introspection and reflection, the story delves into the complexities of life and the significance of timing in personal growth.