Ms. Lisa Perskie is debuting in the literature world with her book Laela and the Moonline.
“It’s about what it is like to come of age—when you want to know and act upon your true identity, your authentic self and contribute to a better, more just, and evolving world. The main character faces many challenges and develops reliance on God to find the spiritual powers to transform herself and the world around her.” - Ms. Lisa Perskie
About the book
Laela and the Moonline is a young adult fantasy novel in which Laela deals with the themes of our times and the darkness too. A summary follows.
“Surprises unfold in the predictable. . . . You can never fully foresee the foreseen.”
Long ago, the four tribes of Aerizon lived as one people, but the time of unity has passed. Now, three of the tribes collectively called the Treedles inhabit the forest canopy. The fourth tribe, the Mergons, live on the ground and pose a constant threat to the Treedles. Laela is a young Treedle girl coming of age in the treetop realm of Aerizon. Her destiny, as yet unrevealed, will cast her in the role of catalyst for epic change.
Laela grows increasingly restless with the cultural limits and expectations for young Treedle women. In her quest to understand and express her authentic self, she faces soul-transforming psychological and physical tests. Unlike Treedle women before her, she pushes back against traditional gender and cultural boundaries. Propelled by mysterious forces, she ventures into the forest and onto the lands below, breaking ground for a new era.
As she evolves spiritually, Laela faces mental challenges, redefining her perception of the impact one person can have on the world. Finally, she gains the courage to raise her voice in defense of herself and her people. Seekers of truth and justice will relate to how Laela grapples with the challenge of finding her guiding values.
Note from the author
"Various sources of inspiration led me to write Laela and the Moonline. I lived in Colombia, South America, for over two decades and made many friendships with rural and Indigenous people who inspired me with the wisdom of those who live close to nature and to God. They approach life as a spiritual journey. In my own journey, I have tried to apply the spiritual teachings of the Baha’i Faith to everyday tests and challenges. I can say that I am always learning and not learned yet! Through Laela and her world, I try to show this process of discovery and transformation.
As a young girl growing up in the midcentury, I was often frustrated by the roles and expectations that seemed to limit, if not oppress, women. My intense desire to work toward justice, have a voice of influence, and choose my dreams was quelled during girlhood when I was told and cajoled to please others. No one asked girls about their powerful aspirations or guided us in discovering our authentic voice, much less equip us to rise up to promote social justice.
So many millions of girls continue to be oppressed by social norms and even laws, barring them from developing their talents and impeding them from contributing to making this a better, more peaceful world. I wrote Laela and Moonline for them." - Ms. Lisa Perskie
Laela and the Moonline is now available on Amazon and other sites.
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