Alright, esteemed audience, gather ’round! Today, we’re about to embark on a journey, not through space, but through the intricate tapestry of time, family, and the unpredictable dance of destiny. Imagine, if you will, the dim glow of a crystal ball, the ancient clatter of runes being cast, and the unwavering gaze of a humble Jewish grandmother, peering into the mists of the future. This is where our story begins, in the hushed and mystical opening of “Wisdom of Nana via Gebo Passage.”
Meet “Maggie” as her loved ones call her, a woman with roots reaching back to the elegant, yet turbulent, streets of St. Petersburg, Russia. Maggie, a woman of foresight and intuition, holds the fate of her beloved grandson, Benjamin, within the whispers of her divination tools. What visions does she behold? What twists and turns lie ahead for this young man, whose life is woven into a lineage of resilience and remarkable journeys?
Our tale then unfurls like an ancient scroll, revealing the epic story of Maggie and her husband, Asa. Young love who fled the political storms and the cultural oppression brewing in Russia, seeking a temporary haven, perhaps a brief sojourn to China and back. But fate, as it often does, had other plans. Their “short journey” transformed into a whole new life, across an ocean, in the bustling land of America. Here, they built a home, a family, raising their only son, Nathan.
And Nathan, who became a man of words and keen observation, found his soulmate in the vibrant spirit of an Irish lass. From the humble beginnings of a cub reporter at the University of Michigan, Nathan’s voice soared while the Editor of the Traverse City Post. His pen became a passport, leading him to international acclaim as a Foreign Correspondent for Reuters. Imagine the stories he witnessed, the history he chronicled – the Six-Day War, the Yom Kippur War, and so much more. His life, and the lives of his family, became intertwined with the very fabric of global events, leading them to the ancient and storied city of Jerusalem.
But the story isn’t just about the men who navigated the world’s stage. It’s also about the remarkable women who shaped their lives. There’s Sarah Cohan-Grabowsky, Benjamin’s mother, a woman whose passion for art blossomed into a worldwide phenomenon. Her youth art program, a beacon of creativity and hope, touched countless lives, and her own artwork garnered endless accolades, a testament to her talent and vision. But there is also other women like Elizabeth Smith, who barely 18 was sent by from her Paris roots by her parents to live with relatives in Frankfort, Michigan. She met your future husband, Edward, who was from England aboard the immigrant ship to America. Follow her twists and turns and in A New Legacy Begins to Unfold.
This is just a glimpse, a mere whisper of the rich tapestry that is “Wisdom of Nana via Gebo Passage.” We’ll delve into the “Early Years,” the pivotal “Career Offers,” the beauty of “A Marriage and a New Life,” and the poignant journey “Back Home For Vacation.” We’ll witness the “Changing Years,” and the powerful moments of “Reunion.” And within these chapters, we’ll encounter the unexpected, the dramatic, the deeply human experiences captured in subchapters like “Twist of Fate,” the comforting warmth of “Soup’s On,” and the bittersweet reality where “Triumph dances with Tragedy.”
Reviewers have called this book a story of “young love seeking refuge from the echoes of political turmoil and crimes against humanity,” a narrative with “strong emotional resonance and a clear narrative arc.” They praise how it “effectively introduces the core characters and their situation, setting the stage for future developments,” and how the themes of “change, connection, home, and the impact of global events on personal lives are well-established.”
But this book is more than just a novel. It’s a celebration of life, love, and the enduring power of family bonds, woven together with the vibrant threads of art. The author, Ben Rayman, the Editor and Founder of the Art-to-Art Palette Journal, Publisher of the NorthWest Passage Record, and other media associated platforms, has crafted a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. He masterfully intertwines the lives of the Grabowsky-Cohan-Cohen-Smith families, a fascinating blend of French, Jewish, Dutch, German, and Irish origins, tracing their interconnected journeys across continents and generations.
And adding another layer of beauty and depth to this already captivating story are the stunning artworks by Patricia Rayman, the book’s contributor. Nearly 30 of her award-winning watercolors, acrylics, pen and inks, and photography are sprinkled throughout the book, creating an immersive experience that bridges the past, present, and future. This visual and literary masterpiece is a testament to resilience, love, and the enduring bonds of family, a true celebration of storytelling at its finest.
As you turn the pages of this 320-page journey, you’ll meet unforgettable characters like Tirone Smith, Samantha McLaughlin-Hatcher, Carol Ann Stone, Benjamin Grabowsky himself, and his forever mate, Jackie Coleman, among a cast of nearly 100 individuals whose lives intersect and intertwine. You’ll uncover themes of hope, destiny, and the profound power of human connection.
And as an added treasure, the book includes a few of the author’s chosen “Portraits of Life” short stories, each a gem in itself, Author Rayman believes all can relate to their own relationships.
Imagine the poignant nostalgia of “Your Deal,” where heartfelt memories of annual gatherings, card games, and bittersweet goodbyes paint a picture of a brotherly bond that transcends generations. It’s a testament to resilience, connection, and the gentle dance between joy and loss.
Then, there’s the heartwarming tale of “My Seductress Southern Belle,” a story of a chance encounter on a frosty morning that blossoms into a lifelong bond between a man and a stray cat named Samantha Jo. This enchanting narrative draws you into the author’s profound love for animals, a reminder that friendship knows no boundaries.
Step into the vibrant chaos of New York City with “My Fearless Bro-by-Law,” a captivating blend of fiction and personal reflection. Join the narrator on a whirlwind tour led by the larger-than-life Roody, whose infectious spirit brings laughter and nostalgia to every corner. It’s a celebration of family bonds, urban adventure, and the remarkable contrasts of life in the city that never sleeps.
And finally his non-fiction work, “Head West, Young Lass,” a celebration of love, ambitions, and the art of living boldly. It’s a poignant reminder that sometimes, taking a leap into the unknown can lead to the most remarkable journeys of all. Ben Rayman beautifully details how Patricia’s passion for art transcended boundaries, leading her to found the acclaimed “Art-to-Art: Building Friendships Through Art” program and be honored for her invaluable contributions, especially to those in need.
“Wisdom of Nana via Gebo Passage” is more than just a book; it’s the beginning of a timeless saga. With a sequel already in development and the potential for a film adaptation, this is a story that is destined to live on. It’s perfect for lovers of historical fiction, family dramas, art enthusiasts, and collectors alike. It’s a celebration of storytelling at its finest, a journey you won’t want to miss.
So, come, make the journey. Step into the world of the Grabowsky-Cohan-Cohen-Smith families. Experience the “Wisdom of Nana via Gebo Passage.” You won’t be disappointed.