WOODSIDE, Calif., April 1, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- When monotony hits one's homeland, the allure of international travel often seems the perfect solution. Stanford S. Lee's No Feta Cheese (now available through AuthorHouse) follows an American's adventures in Finland as he searches for a new career in the music business and stirs up the trademark quietude of the people with his battle against a corrupt businessman.
Karl Hafstad seizes the opportunity to leave his boring life in Boise, Idaho when he is offered a job with the Finnish label Polydonn Records. Although the position requires relocating to a country he knows next to nothing about, managing a burgeoning jazz band and traveling throughout Scandinavia and Northern Europe comprise an offer he cannot refuse.
The book immerses readers in the tranquil and intriguing Nordic environment as Karl adjusts to the reserved nature of his new neighbors and colleagues. His boss, Peter Bengstromm turns out to be a mysterious and quirky man who is more interested in pursuing the playboy lifestyle than supervising his employees, so Karl discovers quickly that he must learn the ropes on his own.
Mina Tervonn leads the band No Feta Cheese, and as Karl tries to raise them to stardom, love blossoms between the two. While on the road to sell their compact discs, Karl notices something strange about his business and soon wonders if he is not serving as a puppet for his company's hidden agendas. Peter's true motive comes to light, and Karl realizes these schemes could put him out of his newfound work and ruin the band in which he has vested so much interest.
With the help of an old college friend, Karen Dosher, who is working in Europe, and a new ally he finds in a professional basketball player, Karl works to halt Peter's plans. The situation intensifies and Karl must make a crucial decision between returning to America or exposing Peter and pursuing a life with Mina in Finland.
With a creative plot and rich characters, No Feta Cheese explores the nature of the cutthroat music industry within the unique culture of the Scandinavian Peninsula.
Lee was raised in Encino, Calif., and graduated from Oregon State University where he studied art. A Norwegian American and former jazz concert promoter, he lived in Imatra and Lahti, Finland. His personal experiences with the fascinating Finnish culture inspired many parts of No Feta Cheese, his first book.
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