It was the end of March and beginning of April 1999 that Chuck Gillen and me went on an unplanned impromptu trip to the Lacandon rain forest.  That is the area of southern Mexico (Chiapas), which is home to the ruins of Palenque, Bonampak and Yaschilan. 

We did it with the support service local guides from Palenque which was our base camp. We had the opportunity to sail down on the Usumacinta River that serves as the border between Mexico and Guatemala on our way to Yaschilan.

Chuck wearing red shirt at the court in the ruinas of Palenque.

I’m lost in the Lacandon jungle. I felt scared.

The mooring bank of the Usumacinta River at Yaschilan.

We are being safely escorted by the Mexican federal cops avoiding banditos.

Enters the Renaissance novelist, painter and sculptor, Brian D’Amato who published in 2009 his great fictional historical thriller novel, “In The Courts of The Sun”.

The novelist, painter, and sculptor, Brian D’Amato, a multifaceted artist whose creative endeavors span various disciplines, including literature, visual arts, and sculpture. In 2009, he made a significant mark on the literary world with the publication of his remarkable fictional historical thriller novel, “In The Courts of The Sun.” This captivating work immerses readers in the rich and intricate world of the Maya civilization, specifically during a pivotal period around the year 664 AD, a time characterized by cultural flourishing and political intrigue.

The novel intricately weaves together historical facts and imaginative storytelling, allowing readers to explore the complexities of Maya society, including its elaborate rituals, social hierarchies, and the interplay between the natural and supernatural realms. D’Amato’s vivid descriptions and meticulous attention to detail transport readers to the heart of the Maya world, where they encounter not only the majestic architecture and vibrant landscapes but also the nuanced relationships among its inhabitants. Through the eyes of his characters, the author delves into themes of power, spirituality, and the human condition, revealing how these elements shaped the lives of the Maya people during this fascinating era.

In “In The Courts of The Sun,” D’Amato crafts a narrative that is both thrilling and thought-provoking, as it challenges readers to consider the complexities of history and the ways in which it informs contemporary life. The intertwining of fiction and historical accuracy serves to enrich the reading experience, prompting reflections on the cyclical nature of civilization and the enduring legacies left by cultures long past. With a blend of suspense, adventure, and philosophical inquiry, Brian D’Amato’s work not only entertains but also educates, making it a significant contribution to the genre of historical fiction.

And it all happens in the locales that we actually visited nine years earlier.  What a serendipitous encounter with a modern multy-talented artist that is Brian D’Amato.

The novel “In The Courts of The Sun” was published by Dutton,The Penguin Group publishers. NY 2009.

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Tags: #Maya #BrianDamato  #LacandonJungle  #Usumacinta  #Palaenque #Yaschilan #Bonampak #creativewriting #fiction #bookreview