Page last updated: August 19, 2019
All pages copyright © 2019 by Pinyon Publishing
OPHELIA’S GHOST
A novel by Gary Lee Entsminger & Susan Elizabeth Elliott
Eva Hail, an anthropologist in her mid-30s, disappears from her campsite. She is researching the Anasazi abandonment of the 14th century, weaving together astronomy, ancient religions, and the Art of Memory. Eva's belongings are left behind, and there are no signs of violence. Joe Hill, a local tracker, is asked to look for her, aided only by her field notebook.
Joe's daughter is playing Ophelia in Hamlet, which introduces the questions Shakespearean scholars have debated since 1598. Can we know if we've truly seen a ghost? Can witnesses or experiments validate reality? Joe is haunted by his memories: his father left before Joe was born; his mother, an herbal healer, died five years ago; his wife, a dancer, abandoned him.
Set in 1958 in the American Southwest, Ophelia's Ghost explores key themes of this period: UFOs, the space race, Einstein's relativity, parallel universes, and structural anthropology. Joe's search to find Eva uncovers mysteries of the past, present, and future.
PRAISE FOR OPHELIA’S GHOST
Virginia Libraries, Review by Cy Dillon
“…with help from Shakespeare and Native American mythology, Joe engages the mystery of Eva’s disappearance.” Read More
Curled Up with a Good Book, Review by Sarah Hunter
“Ophelia’s Ghost appeals to the cultural anthropologist at heart...” Read More
GARY L. ENTSMINGER is a writer, naturalist, and computer programmer. He has written
nine programming books, over 100 scientific/technical articles, and computer software
that helps scientists understand patterns of biodiversity.
SUSAN E. ELLIOTT is a writer, painter, and ecologist. She studied botany and French at Humboldt State University and has a Ph.D. in biology from Dartmouth College. She is a student of Chinese watercolor techniques.
Remembering the Parables (2010): Using the ancient Art of Memory to remember the
parables of Jesus. (7.5"x9.25" paperback, black and white paintings, 160 pages, $18.00).
Making the Most of WriteItNow 4 (2010): A guide to using WriteItNow writing software.
(7.5"x9.25" paperback, 134 instructive figures, 112 pages, $16.00).
Fall of ’33 (2013): A sequel to Ophelia's Ghost, set in the Blue Ridge Mountains
in 1933. (6"x9" paperback, 214 pages, $17.00).
READ AN EXCERPT
Prologue & Chapter 1
“The Anasazi didn’t disappear; they just kept migrating, following desert paths, rivers, creeks, and springs. Or maybe they’re still right here...” Read More
Two Miles West (2015) Poems (6"x9" paperback, 112 pages, $16.00).
Four Ravens (2019) Poems (6"x9" paperback, 118 pages, $17.00).
Page last updated: August 19, 2019
All pages copyright © 2019 by Pinyon Publishing