“Life was so innocent back then. Remember … back in those days? People were carefree and wild. Life was filled with endless possibilities and growth.”
The tree wished it had an eyebrow to raise—it knew better than to go along with this nonsensical naiveté.
Thoughtful, surprising existential adventure between life and death.
“Coussement debuts with a searching speculative drama about the meaning of life and death and how emotional wounds from our past affect our future. [While] very much a novel of the mind, Coussement’s style allows readers to feel like they are hanging out with familiar friends, somewhere between this world and the beyond.”
Production grade (incl. editing): A
- Publishers Weekly Booklife Reviews
“To grieve is to love.
To love is the purpose.”
When mysterious circles, one of wildflowers and one of concrete, suddenly appear in two gardens separated by an imposing wall, a series of events is set into motion that will change the lives of everyone involved.
Ghost wakes to find that he is, in fact, dead, and has many more questions than answers. Why is he still here? Where else is he supposed to be? How is he supposed to get there?
Without a physical body, Ghost can no longer find comfort in the pleasures that helped him get by in life and is forced to search for the truth about his past and his present. He enlists the help of Leora and Xander, the neighbors who now live on the land that once belonged to him. As memories of Ghost’s haunted past return, all three of them face existential turmoil that challenges their sense of self. Storms rage outside in the gardens and inside their own hearts. Leora, buckling under
depression and grief, finds an unexpected friend in Xander, who doubts if he’s ever really lived at all.
While Ghost dives deeper into his traumatic history filled with love and loss, the storms worsen and the wall grows higher until only one question remains for each one to answer: Do I have the courage to face what I fear most in order to find meaning in both life and death?
“Linda Coussement's masterful storytelling takes readers on a transformative journey, exploring the complexities of emotions and the power of self-discovery. With its poignant exploration of love, loneliness, and the fragility of humanity, this book resonates with spiritual seekers, offering profound insights and a renewed sense of hope.”
- Guru Gian/Jasper Kok, International Kundalini yoga teacher and author of Kundalini Yoga (R)Evolution
“Coussement has created a world that leaves behind a deep and lasting impression. A beautiful story that excels in its realistic portrait of the meaning of life.”
- The Prairies Book Review
CONTRAST is a character-driven work of magical realism/fabulism.
Jenny Offill’s DEPT. OF SPECULATION meets Salman Rushdie’s TWO YEARS EIGHT MONTHS AND TWENTY-EIGHT NIGHTS in this novel with a metaphysical edge. CONTRAST is a multiple POV novel told from the perspectives of Ghost, Leora, and Xander, and explores intersecting quests for understanding, meaning, and healing.
Readers will enjoy the story, the heart, and the humor, and also find themselves pondering the philosophical questions the characters face alongside them: “Do I have the courage to face my inner demons in exchange for a more fulfilling and meaningful life?”
Available in Paperback, Hardcover, and eBook at most major retailers.
“‘CONTRAST’ not only entertains but also inspires deep contemplation. This book is a journey of self-discovery, a meditation on the human experience, and a portal into a realm where the boundaries between present and past blur, revealing the interconnectedness of all life. It is a timeless gem that will captivate and challenge readers for generations to come.”
- Andy Chaleff, Author of The Connection Playbook: A Practical Guide to Building Deep, Meaningful, Harmonious Relationships
“A profound exploration of humanity, the meaning of life, and the possibilities that lie beyond death's veil.”
- Chelsea Tucker, Independent Book Review
Part of a book club or just want to dive deeper? Get the CONTRAST book club guide. It’s filled with thought-provoking questions and engaging exercises to spark lively discussions and ignite new perspectives.
“The book’s dreamlike quality and slow drizzle of information make for a compelling read. A haunting novel of forgotten traumas and restorative friendships.”
- Kirkus Reviews
⋆⋆⋆⋆ - Loved it! 😍
- Susie Helme, Reedsy
Playlist.
This playlist contains music that represents and adds depth to all three characters. It outlines their generational differences while maintaining harmony and balance.