RICHMOND, Va., July 22, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Meet Ernest Karlsson, an accountant with the body and looks of a hunky model. And a proud weasel. He has married the homely daughter of the big boss as a way to getting the chairmanship of the conglomerate. But Ernest has one little secret that every blackmailer would love to know-his true heritage. The blue-eyed, tan auditor and big boss's son-in-law is actually black. But why is Ernest keeping his heritage under wraps? Would he commit murder to protect his secret? In a witty and provocative take on the state's policy on affirmative action, author H.W. Benjamin spins an engrossing novel spiced up with humor and steamy sex in That Caucafrican Distraction.
What is big boy Ernest running away from, and would it catch up with him? For Ernie, his degree and looks make it beneath him to be a dole-out of the affirmative action program. Marrying the big boss's daughter was a much better option; though having a child scares him lest it would reveal his secret. To buy time and to gain experience, he is posted as auditor at the company's Virginia headquarters. His father-in-law tells him to expect dirty play, but Ernest finds acceptance, success, and an adulterous affair with a beautiful albeit troubled white female. The liaison results to a love child with an intriguing complexion, which could be a blackmailer's major breakthrough and the unfortunate end of Ernie's lifelong dream.
That Caucafrican Distraction manages to be clever, humorous, and subtle in spinning a tale based on sensitive issues that many only whisper about. Ernest's story of consuming ambitions and diabolical strategy lead to an ending that will surprise the reader. This book succeeds in dishing out an exciting and compelling read at the same time presenting the systemic frailty of a federal policy based on skin color.
About the Author
H.W. Benjamin was born, raised, and presently lives in Richmond, Virginia. He served under the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.
In the 1980s, he won the first prize in a creative writing contest. This is his first novel.
That Caucafrican Distraction by HW Benjamin
Publication Date: October 6, 2003
Trade Paperback; $22.99; 313 pages; 1-4134-1842-2
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