The Sparrow's Refuge

By Timothy Sells

The Sparrow's Refuge is set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War. Our young protagonist finds himself mired in a deep, manic depression at Louisiana State University. He returns to Ohio State University. He does well for a year. Then again he falls into a black abyss. He is stable for the next three years and earns a fellowship. He travels to Bogot?, Colombia, and works for the International YMCA. He soon rockets to a manic high with delusions of grandeur and invincibility. He convalesces in the nearby city of Cali during the Pan-American Games. He quite literally is taken into the loving home of the Carrasquel family. There he finds healing, acceptance, and refuge. He stays and strengthens. He falls in love with one of the daughters. Though he relapses, he gets stronger under a doctor's care and with medication. He grows. He becomes aware of the needs of others. He wants to marry and take care of his Colombian girlfriend and stay in Colombia. They feel safe and secure there. However, his family, friends, and a fellowship await him in the United States. He becomes anxious. He is eligible for the draft to Vietnam but opposes the war.The Sparrow's Refuge is replete with a rich cast of characters. In the United States we see the Navy recruiter, a counselor at heart; Cousin Dick, the prankster plumber; Millie, the angelic bank manager; Jeff, the mechanic-mentor; Janis, the asymmetrical, bee-loving hippie; Birdie, the tomboy pool shark; LT, the battlefield-commissioned Vietnam Veteran; and Steve and Phil, the fun-loving roommates. In South America, the list continues. There is Dr. Carrasquel, the kind and generous anesthesiologist; Graciela, his alluring and wonderful wife; Victoria, the doe-eyed pediatrician-to-be; Elizabeta, the fiery, raven-haired beauty; the wicked Madame LaRue, owner of a bordello of absinthe and young girls; Flaca, the champion young dancer; Lupe, in love with the Virgin Mary; Marta Inez, the little "pistol," and Ursula, the "Voice of Colombia." On the male side, we have Diego, the composer and maestro to the sweet, young singer Ther?se; Guillermo, the rebel; and the frolicking young boys-Freddie, Carlos, and Germ?n. There is Rafael, the dashing thoracic surgeon; Dr. Vel?zquez, the maverick psychiatrist, the monsignor, who keeps right from wrong in the Valley; and Biaggio, the Napolitano and owner of the popular ice cream parlor. Of course, the cast would not be complete without Dr. Carrasquel's other love, his 1951 Chevrolet Deluxe Styliner-complete with visor over the windshield. The action takes place in the beautiful Cauca Valley, Colombia's answer to Shangri-La. The Valley is deep and wide where the four winds blow and the Cauca River runs deep and cold. Though all kinds of mysteries are possible in the Valley, the bells of St. Peter's protect its inhabitants. The Sparrow's Refuge is a fictional account inspired by true events.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1499173741
• ISBN13: 9781499173741
• Release Date: November 2014
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
• Length: 370 Pages
• Weight: 1.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.8" x 6.0"