The Fig Tree

by Leah Rice

Overview

Step into Cleo's mind, where silence is a rare gem. Her perpetual playlist of Tchaikovsky, Mozart, and Bach becomes a refuge amidst the chaos of everyday thoughts. However, this auditory haven transforms into a double-edged sword, immersing her in memories that lead her into precarious distraction.

A decade ago, Cleo stood at the peak of her career-a prodigious pianist reaching new heights in the classical music world. Her greatest challenge was navigating a complex love triangle with her piano teacher, Liam, and fellow competitor, Ivan. Fast forward to the present, and Cleo leads a completely different life in New York City with her husband, Conor, and children. Grappling with new and subjectively harder challenges as a struggling writer, she questions where life has taken her and where she fits in.

Cleo strives to recapture the vibrancy she once possessed, and her story unfolds as a later-in-life coming-of-age narrative. In this emotionally charged adventure, she undergoes a transformation from a celebrated musician to a struggling writer while bravely confronting her past. Through Cleo's discoveries, "The Fig Tree" illuminates the path to true happiness, embracing the present, and choosing to love the life we're given. Each twist and turn offers a compelling narrative that promises an unforgettable exploration of love, loss, and the pursuit of one's true self. Engage in a novel that will leave you moved and captivated from start to finish.

At its heart, "The Fig Tree" follows the journey of a woman grappling with maladaptive daydreaming -a condition where individuals find themselves entangled in excessive daydreaming, disrupting their daily lives. Drawing inspiration from the pioneering research of Professor Eli Somer from the University of Haifa, who has tirelessly advocated for the recognition of this condition to raise awareness and advocate for its inclusion in the DSM books. This novel aims to shed light on this often misunderstood phenomenon.

With the proliferation of discussions on platforms like TikTok and Reddit, where millions share their experiences using #maladaptivedaydreaming, it's evident that this topic resonates deeply with audiences worldwide. "The Fig Tree" stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in raising awareness and fostering understanding around mental health issues.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798990473126
Publisher:	Leah Rice
Publication date:	05/07/2024
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	652
File size:	366 KB

About the Author

Leah Rice, a debut novelist with a background as an integrative health practitioner, took a hiatus and turned to writing for solace and distraction. With a background in integrative health, she skillfully weaves themes of personal growth and self-discovery into her captivating narrative, demonstrating resilience and creativity amid life's challenges. Originally from Sydney, Australia, Leah now calls Los Angeles home with her husband and three children.

Table of Contents

Play List

Prologue

Part One

Chapter 1 - Mother Russia

Chapter 2 - Passion

Chapter 3 - The List

Chapter 4 - Art

Chapter 5 - Ivan

Chapter 6 - The Big Move

Chapter 7 - Unpredictability and Monotony

Chapter 8 - Two Guitars

Chapter 9 - The Untitled Diary

Chapter 10 - Ivan Grozny

Chapter 11 - The Waltz of The Flowers

Chapter 12 - Dom

Chapter 13 - The Final Round

Chapter 14 - The Trophy Wife

Chapter 15 - The Dam

Chapter 16 - Dodging Bullets

Chapter 17 - The Confession

Chapter 18 - The Enchanted Florin

Chapter 19 - I See You, My Dear, In Dreams

Chapter 20 - Surrender

Chapter 21 - The Juggling Act

Chapter 22 - New Diane

Chapter 23 - Tick Tick Tick

Chapter 24 - The Ultimatum

Chapter 25 - Crescendo

Part Two

Chapter 26 - Clarice

Chapter 27 - The Flashes

Chapter 28 - Homework

Chapter 29 - The Sleeping Beauty

Chapter 30 - Across The Universe

Chapter 31 - Six Hours And Fifty Minutes

Chapter 32 - Thirty Years Ago

Chapter 33 - Rachmaninoff

Chapter 34 - Dreams

Chapter 35 - Three Ice Creams and Fantasia on Greensleeves

Chapter 36 - Olivia's Ballet Recital

Chapter 37 - The Choice

Chapter 38 - The Secret Of Happiness

Chapter 39 - Mr. Martin

Chapter 40 - Broken Narratives

Chapter 41 - Ya Lyublyu Tebya

Chapter 42 - Für Elise

Chapter 43 - Free

Chapter 44 - Zooming Out

Chapter 45 - Goodbye Forever

Chapter 46 - A Charming Dream

Chapter 47 - Side Effects

Chapter 48 - Love Dream

Chapter 49 - Reliable Narrator

Chapter 50 - The Fig Tree

Epilogue

Afterword

Acknowledgments