Roman Payne Libros

A quest for the "Great City" leads Alexis on a whimsical journey filled with strange adventures and diverse characters, including soldiers, criminals, and noblemen's daughters. This exploration of various cities and countries reveals themes of glory, poverty, love, and loss as Alexis transitions from youth to wisdom. The narrative weaves together mythology, realism, and allegory, creating a rich tapestry of comedy and tragedy. Through powerful prose and magical poetry, the author captures the essence of joy and sorrow in the human experience.

Set in an ancient garden at midnight, the poem embarks on an epic journey through time and diverse imagery, drawing inspiration from a rich tapestry of literary and mythological sources. "The Basement Trains" showcases Roman Payne's poetic prowess, reflecting influences from Dante, TS Eliot, Blake, and more. This bilingual first edition features a French translation by Aurélien Galateau and is enhanced with the author’s photographic illustrations, offering a unique and immersive reading experience.

Set against a backdrop of contrasting landscapes, the narrative follows Nadja and her passionate lover Nikolai as they transition from a serene spring garden to the harsh realities of urban life. Their idyllic romance is shattered by tragedy, leading to a journey of self-discovery and adventure. A cunning swindler emerges, embarking on a quest to reclaim lost love. The novel weaves together themes of hope and despair, offering a rich tapestry of poetic prose that explores the beauty and madness of existence.

Set against the backdrop of Paris, the narrative explores the intertwined lives of locals and expatriates, delving into themes of romance, love, freedom, and survival. The story captures the stark contrasts of hope and despair, painting a vivid picture of the human experience. Through poetic language, the author invites readers on a journey that reflects both the beauty and tragedy of life in the city, showcasing a unique and profound perspective that resonates deeply with the human legacy.

Written entirely in Paris over a two year span during which its author lived every conceivable metropolitan passion and inspiration, Rooftop Soliloquy is a novel as vibrant and alive as the city where it was given seed and a place to grow. The first-person narrative follows the adventures and misadventures of a mysterious an artist, flâneur, composer of operas, and incorrigible rake, who wanders the districts of Paris seducing girls, drinking wine, and looking for that new idea with which to complete his 'hero's tale.' Rooftop Soliloquy is remarkable for the ease and pleasurable pace of the story. The reader is led on a joyful path that wanders from the urban picaresque tale, to the pastoral courtly or chivalric romance, to the Homeric-style epic. More information at www.parisquest.com.