To and Fro Upon the Earth: A Novel
$15.99
To and Fro Upon the Earth is a hauntingly beautiful debut novel that explores the human spirit’s struggle for meaning amidst chaos.
Jay, a man released after a decade of confinement, steps into a world both familiar and foreign, grappling with loss and the fragments of a life left behind. His journey unfolds through bus trips to unknown destinations, desolate deserts, a storm-ravaged fishing vessel, and surreal visions that blur the lines between reality and dream. From the bustling success of a businessman to the perilous fight for survival at sea, Jay’s story is a puzzle with missing pieces, forcing him to confront grief, identity, and the search for order and meaning in a chaotic existence.
McDowell’s lyrical prose, inspired by literary giants like Hemingway and Joyce, weaves a tapestry of introspection and resilience. The novel is enriched with historical references—quotes from Alexander Pope, C.S. Lewis, and Solzhenitsyn—and vivid depictions of real deep-sea creatures, grounding its philosophical depth in tangible detail. As Jay faces monstrous storms, both literal and metaphorical, he discovers that survival is not about solving the puzzle but finding peace within it.
Perfect for readers of literary fiction and survival narratives, To and Fro Upon the Earth is a profound meditation on life, faith, and the indomitable will to endure.
Available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook.
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Description
Endorsements
—Courtney Hancock, reviewer
“…well written…not for the faint of heart…McDowell takes perceived notions and completely shatters them…I believe that this novel is his wake up call to society.”
“McDowell has expertly drilled deep into the core of humanity, exposing a raw nerve, a painful discovery but not without purpose…I too have struggled to make sense of the suffering, which has now propelled me into the present journey of grieving the losses. To and Fro Upon the Earth could not have come at a better time in my life.
—Linda Zupancic, Writer WIP, editor, British Columbia
“I love the use of flashbacks and dream sequences to explore Jay’s struggle and his issues of meaning and purpose. It was like an unfolding mystery, with a revelatory ending!”
—Hannah Parson, reviewer, Fremont, VA
“A great read! From the first page, I found myself fascinated with Jay’s journey in both the past and present, and what he would find. His dreams (nightmares!) are enthralling.”
— Laura Yarbo, New York
Markus McDowell is an author & editor. He lives on a boat and travels extensively, writing novels, short stories, travel reviews, and more. Markus holds a Ph.D. from Fuller Theological Seminary and a law degree from the University of London, and has lectured at universities in the US, Europe, and the UK. In addition to fiction, he writes nonfiction and academic works in law, theology, and literature in the ancient world.
Additional information
| Weight | .5 oz |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 9 × 5 × 1 in |
| Format | Paperback, ePub, mobi |
