The bestselling literary fiction ebook 'Water Drumming In The Soul: A Novel of Racy Love in the Heart of Africa' by author Eric Madeen will be available at no charge from February 20 through February 22, 2026. The novel, which draws inspiration from Madeen's own experiences as a Peace Corps volunteer in Francophone Gabon, will be accessible in ebook format exclusively at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Eric-Madeen/author/B08VGRNJVW?.
The story follows Peace Corps volunteer David Fields as he attempts to build a medical dispensary in an equatorial African village where cultural traditions and social taboos create constant challenges. The narrative takes a dramatic turn when David meets Assam, a local woman whose water drumming—playing a stream as a drum—captivates him immediately. Their relationship develops into what reviewers describe as a passionate love story with tension that persists until the haunting conclusion.
Academic and literary critics have praised the novel for its authentic portrayal of African culture and well-developed characters. Zaheer Baber, Professor of Sociology at University of Toronto, noted that "Madeen's storytelling prowess shines through and resonates with authenticity. The characters, particularly Assam, are beautifully developed, challenging traditional stereotypes as in presenting a more nuanced and genuine portrayal of African culture." Author Elizabeth Montano, writer of The Eternal Dawn Trilogy, compared the work to masters like Hemingway, calling it "a novel so beautifully and realistically written I found it on par with works by whom we consider masters."
The free availability of this critically acclaimed work represents a significant opportunity for readers to access literary fiction that explores complex themes of culture, identity, and human connection. For the publishing industry, such promotional free periods have become increasingly common as a strategy to build author recognition and readership, particularly for literary fiction that might not receive mainstream marketing support. The novel's inclusion in the permanent collection of books by Peace Corps writers in the Library of Congress underscores its cultural significance and lasting value.
Eric Madeen has authored several other works, including the Tokyo-focused 'Tokyo-ing!', the travelogue 'Asian Trail Mix: True Tales From Borneo to Japan', and the novel 'Tennis Clubbed, Snubbed and Rubbity-Dub Dubbed'. Readers interested in learning more about the author can visit https://ericmadeen.com. The temporary free availability of 'Water Drumming In The Soul' provides an accessible entry point to Madeen's body of work, which spans multiple genres and geographical settings while maintaining literary depth and cultural insight.
The novel's setting in equatorial Africa, combined with its exploration of cross-cultural relationships and personal transformation, offers readers more than conventional romance fiction. Reviewers have noted that the book "delves into thought-provoking themes like culture, identity, and the power of human connection" while delivering "a rollercoaster of emotions." This combination of literary merit and engaging storytelling makes the limited-time free availability particularly noteworthy for readers seeking substantive fiction with authentic cultural representation.
