An interview with Book Trib
1. Where did the idea for The Mystical Guatemalan Robes come from?
My life as an international airline pilot was like living between Indiana Jones and Anthony Bourdain. My curious, adventurous nature led me to the indigenous people of many exotic locations where their stories and struggles became the fuel for my imagination. The indigenous people of the world, through conveyances of folklore created many of the characters in my first book.
My 92-year-old English teacher in the eleventh grade looked at me and said, “Someday you’re going to write a book.” She winked, which gave the moment a sincerity that I have carried on my shoulders for over 60 years. Sharing the exhilaration of my travels and adventures closes the loop on a goal I have had since the eleventh grade.
2. The concept of immortality often explores both its allure and its curse. How does the monk’s immortality shape his moral and psychological journey throughout the centuries?
A victim of sexual abuse as a youth, the monk seeks refuge in religion only to find that his isolation intensifies his anger and amplifies his thirst for revenge. He knows that his crimes could jeopardize his ascent into eternal life and is constantly seeking affirmation of his dark beliefs. He is an easy target for a secretive sect offering immortality in return for the services only he can provide. His life becomes a confused confidence and produces a new religion which embodies the very things that would have kept him from entering heaven. Are his benefactors aligned with God or are they gods themselves. His new armor in place the monk engages in brutal acts against those who wronged him. The religious zealot believes that immortality is not enough time to complete his work. Then one day, a mortal derails the priest by asking a simple question.
3. The dynamic between the monk and the airline pilot suggests a deeply intertwined fate. How did you develop this connection, and what does their shared past reveal about the nature of their conflict?
The victim of sexual abuse himself, the pilot’s obsession in bringing the pedophile priest to justice is the result of post traumatic stress syndrome. Having spent a lifetime trying to define his religious beliefs, it is unlikely that he believes a supernatural force is directing both his and the priest’s fate. The priest, having been immersed in religion for most of his adult life, believes that a supernatural force controls his fate and as such feels comfortable in satisfying his salacious beliefs. The story is not as much about an intertwined fate as it is about accepting the role of fate in your life. Initially, the pilot wants hard justice for the priest, but when he learns the priest was a victim of sexual abuse as a child, his hate for the cleric softens to a blurry emotion he can’t define.
4. Guatemala’s rich cultural and spiritual history plays a central role in your novel. How did you research the robed sect and the highland setting, and how does this specific locale influence the mystical elements of the story?
Research for The Mystical Guatemalan Robes was accomplished through boots on the ground. On layovers in Guatemala City, I would frequently venture up into the central and southwestern highlands in search of unique food and contact with the indigenous people. Seeing the area where the ancient Mayans lived, then suddenly disappeared, ripened my appetite for the local folklore that was in generous supply. The priest’s benefactors certainly had an interest in our planet’s volcanic activity and their demand for secrecy would make the highlands a perfect spot for a research facility. At night the streets of Antigua muffle the sounds of robed beings and fallen conquistadors alike.
Literary Titan Gold Book Award
“The Mystical Guatemalan Robes: Polansky weaves a story that’s both imaginative and disturbing, making it impossible to put down once you start.” 5 Stars
–Thomas Anderson, Editor in Chief, Literary Titan
“I picked it up and couldn’t put it down.”
–Dr. Charles L Rosenfeld, Oregon State University, Major General, U. S. Army
The International Review of Books Badge of Achievement Award
“For fans of science fiction and fantasy, this novel is must-read. It’s a journey that not only entertains but also inspires reflection on life’s choices, missed opportunities, and the profound forces that shape our destinies.”
–Tanja Slijepcevic, The International Review of Books
“The Mystical Guatemalan Robes is a thrilling exploration of history and mystery that will captivate readers from beginning to end. A must-read for those who enjoy a blend of science fiction, suspense, and richly developed characters.
–Book Review Directory
“This exploration of personal histories and the impact of past traumas resonated deeply, making me ponder the long-term effects of one’s experiences outside the story’s own context, with some important lessons and themes that stick with you long after you close the book.”
–K. C. Finn for Reader’s Favorite – 5 Stars
“The Mystical Guatemalan Robes was a fantastic read, and I hope for a sequel to John’s story soon.”
–Maalin Ogaja for Reader’s Favorite –5 Stars
“The idea of combining two very different timelines to create the climactic events of the story is unique, fresh, and innovative. The author has left the door open for a sequel and I look forward to this in the future.”
–Grant Leishman for Reader’s Favorite – 5 Stars
“The novel excels in clarity and emotional resonance. A riveting blend of myth and reality compels readers to examine their own beliefs and ponder the enigmatic boundaries between the known and the mystical.”
–The Prairies Book Review
