“I really enjoyed reading this novel.
It took a awhile to get into, but once immersed its hard to
put down. I look forward for more books from author G. Rusk.”
Judiah M.
Kauai
“Monsoon Madness is a
superb novel, written with so much sensory imagery that the
reader actually experiences the events and scenery along with
the characters. Both hilarious and infuriating, Monsoon
Madness is a wonderful, gripping story of survival
of both woman and nature. Gae Rusk's writing is mesmorizing.
I couldn't put it down. FANTASTIC!!”
Laura K.
Kauai
“The vivid detail that reveals the inner
workings of the unusual characters of Monsoon Madness
twisted around my ideas about erotic adventure. These people
are different! In what is truly a smart new genre, the "literary
bodice-ripper," Rusk gives us the rare sexy, racy, escapist
read with a central character who is striking enough in her
personality and odd enough in her ethic to earn real-time gossip.
Yes, Cecily Havenshack is the lamest woman of the
70s. No feminism here...she is defined by her men, and she comes
to her unusual kind of self-realization during her shallow and
unsatisfying marriage.
Rusk cleverly exploits the human parallel of the
brutal seduction and marriage of so many ancient goddesses,
those classically feminine archetypes.
I love the descriptions of Nepal, and in a way,
I feel like I've been invited on a private visit with a knowledgable
ex-pat who lives well in a third-world country.”
Ann M.
CA
“This book is SO visual and SO sensual; beautifully
written... It is a great vacation book, especially if you are
stuck at home, since the pages take you a million miles away.
Monsoon Madness would be a great
film...Halle Berry: buy this book! You'll be glad, a fine role
for you! A diplomat's wife goes animalistic in the wilds of
Nepal.
I want to know how Cecily turns out at 40!"
Madeline
N.
Washington DC
“The story was excellent, full of unexpected
twists, and I was aghast at what your heroine had to endure
to find her freedom. You have a wonderful way of presenting
situation and place. Your story brought back memories of being
in foreign places in my youth, when I was so totally clueless
about human nature, always refusing to believe the worst but
being terrified anyway.”
Tess B.
CA
"Monsoon Madness is the most
powerful and horrifying account of the breakdown of a woman
that I have ever read. I think of John Updike's use of place
to shape character and Michel Tournier's sense of geography
as the driving force of the story."
Bill S.
Arizona
"Monsoon
Madness, a novel by Gae Rusk, AM '75, was featured
as part of a showcase of alumni authors at the Stanford Bookstore
during Stanford Reunion Homecoming Weekend in October."
Stanford Educator
Fall '05
"Monsoon Madness is wonderful!
A true page turner."
Paula R.
Honolulu
"I bought and read your book, practically in
one sitting. And now I can't wait for the sequel - I really
want to know what happens to Cecily next!"
Martha R.
Seattle
"Couldn't put the book down, read until 3am. Fantastic.
You've invented a new genre, the anti-romance novel.
Worked for me."
Sandy
T.
Kauai
"I just finished
your novel - I was mesmerized! Suzanne gave it to me for my
birthday. As soon as I started reading I could tell it would
be a wild ride. Gae you are a gifted writer, I can't wait for
your next book..."
Kathy A
Phoenix
"Monsoon Madness is
a seductive journey into a sensual, exotic world. Gae Rusk's
viscerally poetic images are haunting and unforgettable. Once
I started reading, there was no stopping -- or turning back."
Jill
Marie Landis
Author of Heat Wave
Kauai
"Gae—I very much enjoyed
meeting you and your delightful children. Steph and I bought
Monsoon Madness at Borders, and I read it on
the plane ride back to CA. What an interesting concept—blending
reincarnation with the immortality of the gods. To me, the key
sentence is found on p. 124: 'She is his consort now
and for the next thousand avatars, with no escape in sight.'
But, of course, she does escape by breaking the inevitableness
of her karma when she seeks revenge on Beau (Zeus, who is no
longer the primary god, but is subject to the whims of the local
gods, and is no longer in control [correct?]). Whether Cecily
is Io, or Leda, or Sylvia doesn’t matter, she was raped
and broke the chain, and I think that is what is important.
I look forward to reading more of your
work."
Tom W.
Irvine CA
"I wanted to also let you know I read
your book while at Cheryl's. I really enjoyed it and will be
anxious to read your next."
Vicky S.
Tyrone GA
“Gae Rusk’s writing sings off
the page.”
Jocelyn Fujii
Author of Under the Hula Moon
Honolulu
“Wickedly funny and provocative, Monsoon
Madness is a great adventure.”
Cris
Evatt
Author of 30 Days to a Simpler Life
Kauai
"Gae, I read Monsoon Madness
several months ago and put it on the shelf, not sure who to
recommend it to. I enjoyed reading the book and have been trying
to think of literary language to send you about the compelling
narrative, unpredictable action, scenic descriptions, etc. But,
I guess I was still bothered about the brutal victimization
and how she seemed to accept it. I thought back to the Salvador
days and how heat in the tropics has that effect of suspending
common sense and reverting/converting to the sensual. Just something
to break the oppressive monotony of the weather. So it must
be with the monsoon.
At school there are half a dozen teachers and staff
that pass books around. We don't all have the same tastes in
literature, so I am always a little careful what I recommend
to whom. The other day I was talking to the school secretary,
Grace, who is an avid reader of anything that has print on it.
We were talking about Dan Brown. My oldest son likes his books
and I had just read the one about the NSA (Grace's son works
for the Agency and they got a big hoot out of it) Well, to make
the long story short, I gave her Monsoon Madness
to read. The next day she had read half and was very intrigued
by the characters, setting, and mystery of what was going to
happen next. The next day she was done and left me a sticky
note on my desk, "funny, sad, loved it" I talked with
her later in the day and she said it was compelling and then
we got into a discussion about the ending. Was she going for
revenge (Grace's take) or to be victimized again (my possibility)
The principal (also a woman) overheard our conversation and
she took the book to read. I think you will have a number of
fans at Clear View when it makes the rounds.
Gae, I also enjoy reading your poems on the website.
And I am happy that this book has been published and it looks
like others are on their way. All of the very best to you and
your children."
Jim
D.
San Diego
