Thursday, June 6, 2019

Book Spotlight: Supernova by Faiz Yusuf



Official Summary

Though born as an orphan, Ezra happens to open up a donated present- a guitar and through the help of internet videos, he learns how to play it. He accidentally comes across the Assistant Manager in Universal Music Records. A striking conversation with him leads him to see the potential in Ethan’s words. New York Times hails him as the “next big thing”. Until he realises what can push you up can pull you down with the same force.

In his own words, Ezra explains, “This story is not about how to achieve your dreams, though I did. This story is also not about how love arrives and leaves at unexpected times, even though it did. And again, this story is also not about how life is not a wish-granting factory and there will be a time you’ll be blamed for mistakes you never made, though I indeed was. This story is about everything that takes place in between those lines- the good, the bad and the worst, and that life will keep moving on no matter what, at a pace, you would mostly have little control over.”

'Supernova' is a detailed story of how a person gets more than what he wishes for and loses more than he could bear.




Advance Review for Supernova

“Ezra is a classic tragic protagonist for the modern era, full of hubris and youthful desire, seeking power, fortune and fickle fame. With little fore-thought he leaves behind life at his orphanage embarking on a rocket for the stars; only mid-flight, does he realise that what awaits him is an all-consuming fireball. Like the ancients, Ezra sees the cosmos as eternal, but he inhabits a modern, uncaring universe in which, as we all know, stars either fizzle or implode spectacularly. 

The main character reminds us of the isolation that fame brings. By rising above those dwelling on earth, Ezra cuts himself off from the intimacy, connection and kindness that would give his life meaning, by so doing he makes us question our own goals and desires. Ezra doesn’t realise that stars by their very nature can be looked at but never approached. 

By placing his narrator at the end of the events of the book, looking back through time, Yusuf creates for us the experienced guide that we all wish we had to reassure us passing through the stormy emotions of youth.And for those readers still caught in their thrall he offers the reassurance that something better awaits you on the other side.

Ultimately, a world-weary but wiser Ezra is reborn, stronger than ever, giving us hope that even the most tumultuous, violent and seemingly random misfortunes of our lives serve to teach us something important. Yusuf’s third book, somewhat ironically infused with celestial metaphor, attests to his worldliness and a wisdom well beyond his years.

-      Elena Jacobson, CEO, Infinity Advisors

Links