Georgina Fatseas, a rising author and storyteller, has ventured into uncharted territory with her latest works, Destruction and The Obelisk. These two captivating novels delve into the profound consequences of war, shedding light on the often-overlooked emotional scars carried by veterans.
In Destruction, which Fatseas-Sano penned during the COVID-19 lockdown, she draws inspiration from a variety of sources. Her keen interest in current affairs and international news, regularly featured on Australian television, provided a catalyst for this gripping crime/mafia tale. Additionally, her fascination with European documentaries—exploring history, culture, and natural wonders—deepened her understanding of the world in which her characters would unfold.
The story of Destruction unravels when Stefan Nowak discovers three newspapers featuring fabricated stories about his son, Ivan, with different women. This revelation sets off a chain of events that places the Nowak family in imminent danger from the Polish mafia. Forced to enter witness protection, they soon discover that leaks within the system compromise their safety, leading to a relentless series of attacks. As the mafia’s frustration mounts, they shift their focus to destroying Nowak’s international flower trade business and targeting their employees and associates.
Amidst the chaos, the police hatch an audacious plan, creating a fictional business specializing in exotic Polish food. By merging their operations with the mafia, the authorities hope to infiltrate the criminal organization. Unbeknownst to the mafia, their pursuits align with a larger political agenda, as Mr. Bigs, a high-ranking member, colludes with the Russian government in their quest to revive past glories.
Fatseas-Sano weaves intricate plot developments throughout Destruction, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Her narrative challenges readers to become detectives, piecing together the clues that reveal a surprising and unexpected ending.
Meanwhile, The Obelisk draws from deeply personal encounters with three Austrian World War Two veterans. Fatseas-Sano embarked on a heartfelt mission to unearth their stories, recognizing that the mental wounds inflicted by war often remain buried beneath layers of silence. The author emphasizes the significance of acknowledging and understanding the invisible scars veterans carry, as society tends to focus solely on visible physical injuries.
These veterans, like her own Austrian-born uncle, often grapple with the trauma of war long after the battles have ended. Fatseas-Sano recalls her uncle’s profound reaction when encountering a World War Two program on television, triggering memories that left him sobbing. Curiosity compelled her to inquire further, and her uncle reluctantly shared glimpses of the horrors he endured during the conflict. His account revealed the atrocities of war, including forced conscription, witnessing executions, and a desperate life as a deserter on the run.
In The Obelisk, Fatseas-Sano combines her research with her passion for history, exploring the intricate web of human experiences shaped by war. She highlights the invaluable perspectives veterans offer and the critical need for society to engage in empathetic dialogue. By sharing their stories, she aims to break the barriers of silence that often shroud these veterans, allowing their experiences to be heard and understood.
Georgina Fatseas-Sano’s writing transcends entertainment, serving as a powerful reminder of the lingering effects of war. Her novels, Destruction and The Obelisk, illuminate the invisible struggles faced by those who served, challenging readers to confront the painful realities hidden beneath the surface. Through her work, she invites us to foster empathy, extend gratitude, and provide support to those who have sacrificed so much for our collective well-being.
