Meanderings of a Bent Mind - by Gordon N Hideaki Hideaki (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Meanderings of a Bent Mind is a collection of interwoven, speculative, and fabulist stories that blend elements of fantasy, fairy tale, and gritty wartime narrative. The stories often feature young girl protagonists and explore themes of kingship, nobility, and magical realism. Some stories involve talking animals interacting with humans, while others play with puns, such as in "The Battle of Byte Mountain," where computer terminology is humorously woven into a feudal fantasy setting. The collection also delves into time slips, ghost tales, and archaeology, with some wartime narratives adding bittersweet contrasts to the fantastical elements. The stories, though diverse, maintain a sense of continuity through recurring motifs. The collection will appeal to readers of fantasy, philosophy, and young adult fiction, with a fabulist style reminiscent of Jorge Luis Borges.

Review Quotes

"The stories in Meanderings of a Bent Mind are absolutely wonderful...Not only do the individual stories resonate with insight and imagery, but there's also a profound gentleness that runs throughout...like a thread that ties everything together. This is the kind of book everyone should have at the ready. An explorative and exciting (yet calming) set of quick reads that dare to stretch the imagination and venture into uncertain territory."

-Livvie Taylor-Young, Eugene, Oregon, facilitator, Creative Writing Group: Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, University of Oregon

"Immerse yourself in lovely tales of real and imaginative characters in vivid environments as they explore and discover friendship and connections only the heart comprehends."

-Lorene Lederer, San Carlos, California, member, Creative Writing Group: Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, University of Oregon

"These stories, wisps of plot and character really, speak to a sense of innocence and wonder that for many adults has long since disappeared. They fit well with a child's fleeting sensibilities, and a grown-up's fleeting memories."

-Randall C. Luce, Eugene, Oregon, member, Creative Writing Group: Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, University of Oregon