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History comes alive: Irene Bennett’s new novel, “Battle of the Artisans,” portrays the making of the very real Bells of Marquis Yi, a 2500-year-old National Treasure of China. Don’t miss our interview at Elaine’s!

Meet the Author: Irene Vinyard Bennett has wide experience as a writer and educational minister. Her debut novel, BATTLE OF THE ARTISANS: Making the Bells of Marquis Yi, won the International Proverse Prize of 2022.  It is the first story about the Bronze-Age Bells of Marquis Yi, a National Treasure of China. An international motivational speaker, workshop leader, and minister, Irene writes and edits academic articles for theological journals in Ukraine and Myanmar, lectures online for Myanmar seminaries, and works with young families of Western Presbyterian Church in DC. She has written professionally throughout life in eight states, several countries, and now in Alexandria VA! She loves diverse cultures, speaks some Cantonese and Spanish, and has taught English to immigrants in Georgia, Florida, and multi-ethnic groups of women and university students in Hong Kong. Her favorite experiences involved sharing educational methods with church leaders in Bosnia-Herzegovina, across Asia, and with many local English teachers in China, including the faculty of a school for the blind. Fun publications include feature interviews with an Olympic Gold Medalist and an international golfer at the Masters Tournament.

Irene shares: I’m a word person who loves to write about ideas and issues and create stories for readers/listeners of all ages. I’m also a people person with a sign attached, saying, “Talk, I’ll Listen.” And, along my journeys around the globe, I’ve learned to teach and lead people with clear, concise, concrete, and personable communication. I joy in encouraging people of any culture to become who they desire to be — a writer, teacher, leader, life partner, parent, or even a better Christian. My favorite compliments ever? “When Irene isn’t teaching, she’s learning.”  “We always knew you would write a book!” Click here to follow Irene on LinkedIn.

About the Book: Battle of the Artisans: Making the Bells of Marquis Yi

Battle of the Artisans tells the story of Tangtun, a conflicted, artistic twelve-year-old in 5th-century BCE China, who sets out to save his father from a killer. He crosses wits with his macho father, a vengeful king, armed thieves, and disgruntled villagers, and in the process discovers new powers that rock his Bronze-Age world. In the end, what matters most is not Tangtun’s artistic abilities or his father’s muscles and might, but the strength of acting together.

This novel portrays the making of the very real Bells of Marquis Yi, a 2500-year-old National Treasure of China. No one knows exactly why these bells were made, but Bennett offers a well-researched, persuasive solution to the mystery through her story of Tangtun and his village on the Yangtze River.

Every historical novel is an imagined introduction to a topic and a time. BATTLE OF THE ARTISANS invites readers to explore further the world and the science of the bells of Marquis Yi, to learn more about the early history of China, and to consider implications for the power of family and community. The author hopes that readers will connect with Tangtun and his world in ways that will enrich them and their own worlds.

Click here to buy Battle of the Artisans.

About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com

Find more of Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com.

About Elaine’s Restaurant:  A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selections is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are inspired by exquisite food from Alexandria, Egypt — a blend of Middle Eastern and French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12, growing up in Cairo. “I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her,” shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share my family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.” Located in an 1880s building, it was the previous home for 38 years of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins. The newly renovated restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River and Founders Park, just a few blocks from The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. Make a reservation today: elaines-restaurant.com.