Eric Madeen's bestselling literary fiction, 'Water Drumming In The Soul: A Novel of Racy Love in the Heart of Africa,' will be offered at no charge in e-book format from August 31 through September 2, 2026, at Amazon. The promotion provides an opportunity for readers to delve into a narrative inspired by Madeen's own Peace Corps experiences in Gabon.
The novel follows Peace Corps volunteer David Fields as he endeavors to build a medical dispensary in a village dominated by superstition and fear of a witch doctor. His mission becomes intertwined with a passionate relationship with Assam, a woman whose water drumming captivates him. Their connection evolves into a complex love story set against the backdrop of equatorial Africa, exploring themes of culture, identity, and human connection.
Madeen's background as a former Peace Corps volunteer lends authenticity to the narrative. After graduating from the University of Arizona, he spent over two years in Gabon, where he helped construct a primary school. His personal experiences, including getting lost in the rainforest and falling in love, are woven into the fabric of the novel, giving it a vivid realism.
The book has received praise from readers and critics alike. An Amazon reviewer described it as "a rollercoaster of emotions" and "a modern-day classic," while Zaheer Baber, Professor of Sociology at the University of Toronto, commended Madeen's storytelling for presenting "a more nuanced and genuine portrayal of African culture." Author Elizabeth Montano compared Madeen's writing to that of literary masters, noting, "Hemingway definitely comes to mind."
Madeen, a recently retired associate professor of modern literature at Tokyo City University, has authored several other works, including 'Tokyo-ing!', 'Asian Trail Mix: True Tales From Borneo to Japan,' and 'Tennis Clubbed, Snubbed and Rubbity-Dub Dubbed.' His writing has appeared in publications such as Time, Asia Week, and the Daily Yomiuri.
The free download period for 'Water Drumming In The Soul' runs from August 31 to September 2, 2026. Readers can access the e-book through Madeen's author page on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Eric-Madeen/author/B08VGRNJVW. This limited-time offer allows a wider audience to engage with a story that has already found a place in the Permanent Collection of Books by Peace Corps Writers at the Library of Congress.
