ALEXA NAZZARO BELEN / ALEXA BELEN
Dive into the heart of intrigue with 'The Golden Pen,' a compelling blend of history, mystery, and truth. Told through the first-person perspectives of multiple characters, this novel offers a deeply personal exploration of narrative threads. Journalist Jan Havel Smith from 2024 is catapulted back in time as he seeks his maternal heritage within the historical shadows of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. On the cusp of recognition for his research, Jan’s path unexpectedly crosses with an heiress vying for revenge, drawing him into a conflict with the shadowy Imperium Historia Veritas (IHV) and leading him on a perilous adventure across different eras.In 1895 Dapitan, Philippines, the mystical Golden Pen enables Jan to witness the enduring friendship between Dr. José Rizal and Austrian scholar Ferdinand Blumentritt, deepening his understanding of the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s demise and the Philippines’ geopolitical significance. This encounter also brings him face-to-face with a manananggal, a mythical creature from Philippine folklore, adding layers of complexity and enchantment to the story.’The Golden Pen’ challenges conventions and redefines the pursuit of identity and truth. Jan’s experiences, from historical alliances in the Philippines to encounters with folklore, highlight the novel’s homage to the power of stories. It invites readers into a world where the past converges with the present, showcasing the pen’s might and the magical essence that resides within our shared heritage.The novel’s unique features:Experience the modern translations of Dr. José Rizal’s 'Diarios y Memorias (1961)' detailing his travelogue from the Philippines to Spain. Discover the newly translated 1890 Preface of 'Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas' and dive into the 15-page prologue by Professor Ferdinand Blumentritt, a testament to his love for the Philippines and advocacy for reform. Explore Professor Blumentritt’s 1886 letter warning Professor Hugo Schuchardt about Dr. Rizal. Read through twenty correspondences from the 'Epistolario Rizalino' collection. Delve into Dr. Rizal’s letter to Dr. A. B. Meyer about the conserved Dapitan species sent during his exile. Find yourself immersed in Baybayin, the ancient script of the Philippines.
