Title: Consumed in Capital City
Author: N.G. Avant
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Book Blurb:
Calista Caldwell, a naive small-town girl, had no idea what awaited her when she landed a job in municipal politics. Join her journey as she navigates the male-dominated political landscape, confronting its harsh realities before the transformative impact of the #MeToo movement.
In January 2010, Calista Caldwell, a fresh journalism graduate, arrives in Capital City. She secures what appears to be an ideal position as a political aide to the seasoned municipal councillor, Ralph Mastronzo.
While Cal grows fond of the community, she grapples with the realities of being a young woman in a male-dominated political arena. Can her dedication to serving the community compensate for the strain on her well-being and personal life?
Join her through a taxing municipal election year that pushes her to her absolute limits.
DISCLAIMER - This novel contains sensitive content related to sexual assault and strong language.
My Review:
Will Calista learn to wade through the sexism that is pervasive throughout Capital City politics, or will she cave under the pressure? Before the MeToo Movement, Consumed in Capital City is an eye-opening account of one woman’s journey from journalist graduate to political assistant on the staff of a municipal councillor. Yes, this is a fictional story, but it’s rooted in truth. Ask any woman who enters the political arena, and she will tell you a story like our heroine, Calista. I couldn’t put Consumed in Capital City down and it’s one I recommend every person to read.
The narration is equal parts emotional and descriptive. N.G. Avant hauls the reader into the story through exquisite narration. The emotional tension is taut with just the right amount of drama. The details are lush and tangible. Every thought, taste, touch, and experience are described so the reader becomes a part of the story.
What makes Consumed in Capital City such an incredible piece of fiction is the writing. I’ve read scores of books over the years, and none came close to the instinctual reaction I had to this book. So much emotion poured out of me as I read this book. It’s a worthwhile reading experience. Sure, I had a book hangover, but it’s worth the pain for such a relevant story. Highly recommend!
My Rating: 5++ stars
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Author Biography:
Raised in a quaint lakeside town in southern Ontario, N.G. Avant moved to Ottawa, Ontario as a young adult to realize her childhood dream of residing in Canada’s capital, which was built on the traditional un-ceded, un-surrendered territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin People. She has a post-secondary education in journalism and worked in municipal politics for more than five years, an experience that sparked the inspiration for her series.
Avant always felt like a misfit among misfits. Diagnosed with dyslexia at a young age, she didn’t realize she was neuro-divergent until her 30s. Now, she embraces the many gifts it brings, including her quirky personality.
Avant is a proud intersectional feminist with English, Scottish, and Mexican heritage, she understands the importance of embracing diverse identities and experiences. She believes that we are all connected by our humanity and the human experience.
Avant, is a millennial single mother to three wonderful daughters, has a love of animals, a passion for trusting her intuition, and supporting the creation of a more equitable world where everyone has an opportunity to thrive. Avant seeks to highlight the experiences of marginalized communities through her writing. While some progress has been made, there is still more work to be done.
It’s time for change.
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Reviewed by: Nancy