Baehler Pens New Historical Novel
of British India in 1800s

Island author Jim Baehler has a new book out this week. The Temple of Ill Omens is set in India before, during, and after the Sepoy Rebellion of 1857.

Baehler says that the novel is true to actual events, portraying tumultuous times as seen through the eyes of a family whose members witness pitched battles and political intrigue. A young boy and girl come of age, and there’s a star-crossed love between a man and a woman who can never be together. Says Baehler, "Underlying all is the clash of civilizations and the burning desire of people to throw off the yoke of British occupation and assume responsibility for their own destiny."

One of the novel’s advance reviewers, Burton Pollock, said, "The author’s ability to paint his characters and settings with a brush so insightful, so rich and vibrant, kept me constantly compelled to keep reading. I felt as though I were there in India for a short time and living among the people. I was overwhelmed by the author’s impeccable descriptions of every facet of British and native life in the India of that time, as well as the very detailed portraits of each character in the book. I loved the complete unpredictability of the story. I never knew where it was taking me."

Baehler’s novel, published as a trade paperback at $16.95, is available from the author: James R. Baehler, 531 Main Street #627. He’ll sign all copies purchased.