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ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN VORAKA
Article Published on 22nd Sep, 2023 by Gloria Poletti | www.vorakamag.com
Introducing the masterful storyteller, Michael Owino, an acclaimed author hailing from a unique blend of Danish and Tanzanian heritage. Born and currently residing in Copenhagen, he has emerged as a prominent voice in the world of fiction thrillers. With a steadfast passion for storytelling, Michael has penned four gripping novels - "Caught in Time," "The Attack on the Ferris Wheel," "MILK," and "Stalked" - that effortlessly keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Michael is currently working on a monumental ten-book series called "The Tennis Club," a literary opus that promises to captivate readers for years to come. The first book, "Stalked," was published in March 2023 and has already garnered widespread acclaim, earning Michael several prestigious awards for his exceptional storytelling.
Drawing inspiration from his multicultural background, Michael makes fascinating stories by seamlessly blending elements of both his Danish and Tanzanian roots. His novels are renowned for their intricate plots, relentless suspense, and vividly drawn characters that leap off the page.
Authenticity is one of Michael's defining traits as an author. He puts in extra effort by fully engaging himself in the real locations where the stories of his novels take place, experiencing the settings firsthand. This dedication to research and experience is evident in his writing, giving his storytelling a real and absorbing quality.
Fiction thrillers are Michael's genre of choice, providing him the perfect canvas to explore the depths of human psychology, challenge societal norms, and keep readers guessing until the very end. His ability to craft intricate webs of intrigue and masterful plot twists has garnered him a loyal following of readers eagerly anticipating his next literary creation.
Beyond writing, Michael indulges in his other passions. An avid traveler, he continuously seeks new adventures and cultural experiences that enrich his storytelling. His journeys often serve as inspiration for the vibrant settings and diverse characters that populate his novels. Moreover, Michael is a keen observer of the world around him, finding inspiration in everyday moments and the complexities of the human condition.
As a Danish-Tanzanian author, Michael Owino believes in the power of literature to bridge cultures and foster understanding. Through his writing, he strives to shed light on untold stories and explore the intricacies of identity, belonging, and the universal human experience.
With each novel he publishes, Michael fascinates readers with his masterful storytelling, pulse-pounding suspense, and thought-provoking themes. His works not only entertain but also leave a lasting impact, inviting readers to delve deep into the labyrinthine corridors of the human psyche. Get ready for an exciting adventure as you read Michael Owino's novels, where the boundaries between fiction and reality blur, and the magic of storytelling comes alive.
ABOUT THE NOVEL "STALKED" BY MICHAEL OWINO
Stalked is a book that partly deals with love, but also with people who have somehow ended up being obsessed with something they cannot control. The book also deals with the difficulties of being a black woman in a position of power and the jealousy it can bring if a black woman has married a wealthy white man. The family that the book is about consists of Gabriella and her husband Oliver, and their two children, Lea, who is five, and little Galvin, who is three. Gabriella is the CEO of one of the world's largest pharmaceutical company's Danish division, and her husband Oliver is a renowned shipping agent. At first, everything is harmonious, and we get an insight into how love blooms in an almost perfect family. But one
early morning, when the family is on their way to work, luck turns. A hit-and-run driver hits the protagonist Gabriella's car and nearly kills her and the children. Afterwards, several disturbing events follow, and we find out that a crazy stalker is stalking and harassing Gabriella.
"After the big introduction party where we get to know the different members of the tennis club, the book
takes off. A few days later, Gabriella is confronted with a terrifying letter that has been placed on her car windshield, which is clearly racist and offensive. At first, Gabriella doesn't want to tell Oliver anything about the incident, but the security chief of the medical company persuades her to inform Oliver and the police about the incident. From there, the book becomes a regular thriller as the hunt for the stalker begins, while the family becomes more and more aware that something is seriously wrong and that there may be one or more people who want Gabriella dead. With STALKED, you are guaranteed excitement and drama until the last page, while at the same time, The book will surely give you something to think about."
The book is about love in two different ways. The love that we all can immediately recognize, which is about family. Love for parents, spouse, and children. This is the love that most people see as fundamental. On the other hand, the book's protagonist is obsessed with an unattainable love. His dreams have not been fulfilled, and the woman he loved has left him.
Early on in the book, we meet a person who is disillusioned. I cannot reveal the name, but his problems start at an early age when he has to make a compromise with his parents to pursue his great interest. The parents force the main character to take the education they think he should take, which is the same as the father's. The parents are old and set in their ways and have no empathy for the boy's interests. So the reader gets an insight into what it can do to a young person if you take away their dreams. Whether these factors are what drives the person to act as he does, the reader will have to judge for themselves, but a failed marriage and lost youth dreams can do a lot to people.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR MICHAEL OWINO
Thank you for joining us, Michael. To start, could you tell us more about your unique Danish and Tanzanian heritage and how it influences your writing?
My mixed heritage, being part Danish and part Tanzanian, influences my writing in a special way. The Danish side makes me think logically and practically, adding structure to my stories. The Tanzanian part brings warmth and emotion, making my characters and themes more relatable and culturally rich. So, my writing benefits from this mix, offering readers a deeper and more diverse experience.
How has Copenhagen's cultural richness influenced your perspective as a writer?
Copenhagen's cultural richness has been a significant influence on my perspective as a writer. The city's vibrant arts scene has provided me with ample inspiration and a creative environment that nurtures my creativity. Moreover, it has encouraged me to adopt a more global outlook in my writing, broadening my horizons and allowing me to explore diverse themes and perspectives.
To continue reading the full interview, click here to download the September 2023 issue.