WHEN THE DESERT ADVANCES

About the Book

" a sensitive study about an unorthodox thinker who offers arresting observations about prison life in France. A. Sean's sense of style infuses his story with realistic characters and dialogue. The powerful plot and stark narrative spin together a dramatically intricate story."
-Teri Boccuzzi, managing editor, Rutledge Books, Inc.

"I was consistently engaged from page one. Tight and confident."
-Daniel Langton, poet and senior member of San Francisco State University's Creative Writing Graduate program

"A. Sean has broken the mold once again. A most refreshing and informative read. Nothing like a good chuckle in these morbid days "
-Eric Nisenson, Jazz writer and author of Blue: The Murder of Jazz; Ascension: John Coltrane and his Quest, among other works

This is more than a good read. It's an experience."
-Victor Villasenor, author, Rain of Gold

Everyone loves to hate the French. And quite rightly so, according to Ben, an American writer and the protagonist of this grey comedy composed inside La Rose du Dragon, a prison in Le Var region of France. Originally he planned a week in France to do research for his magnum opus, Sox of Sand, a religious farce about the Desert Fathers of 4th century a.d. However, while staying at a friend's apartment in Monte Carlo, he unwittingly becomes involved with a group of ex-pat Czechs, one who is a restaurateur and 6'10" basketball star for Monaco.

One evening the giant shows up at the apartment to take Ben to his restaurant for dinner. Failing to be able to communicate a polite refusal, Ben reluctantly accepts. The night transforms Ben from a visiting writer to "Prisonier l'americain."

And thus Ben's adventure as a captive of the French penal system and French Justice begins. As the years go by he realizes the contrariness and arduous nature of French Law. Resigning himself to his situation he concentrates on the completion of his "magnum opus" while plotting escape.

Meanwhile Ben struggles to help his fellow inmates, to arrange secret rendezvous with Sassie, a young German, in La M.A.F., the women's prison, and to deal with restless Arab thugs calling for the death of all American Infidels as the first Gulf War commences.

About the Author

A fourth generation San Franciscan who spent his formative years in Europe, A. Sean received his Norwegian Seamen?s papers at 18 and traveled throughout the Atlantic and Baltic seaports. By 20 he matured into his ?practicing Bedouin? role, hitching across North Africa, continuing overland to Asia, then to North and Central America. Attempted crossing the Darien Jungle, but failed. Lived mostly in Northern California, Manhattan, Europe, Brazil, Hawaiian Islands, Sri Lanka and South Asia. Worked at various occupations from pushing racks in the garment district of N.Y.C. to snake charming at the World?s Fair.