Ilhem Issaoui is a 23-year-old Tunisian translator, poet, and short story writer. Some of her poems and short stories have appeared both online and in print in magazines including: Three Line Poetry, Salis Online Magazine, Mind Magazine, Mad Swirl Magazine, and Danse Macabre. She has one book of poetry entitled "Fragments of a Wounded Soul."
 |
| https://www.amazon.com/Millie-Ami-Raymond-Greiner/dp/1546497986 |
Millie and Ami Review by Ilhem Issaoui
I have known Raymond Greiner as a friend, a writer and a humanitarian. Despite the cultural and aging differences, we were able to prove wrong all the stereotypes and build bridges of understanding. In the past days, I have been reading a magnum opus of his, a Novel entitled Millie and Ami. I marveled at his capacity in stirring different kinds of emotions in the heart and mind of his reader. At times you feel utter cimmerian despair, and at others, you feel that hope is nearer than the jugular vein. But most of all, his story is about the cathartic power of memories, as if he is hinting, whether intentionally or not, at the traditional practice of remembering that The Native Indians are best known for, a cup of antidote that promises "Survivance", to coin Gerald Vizenor’s term, in the face of worldly hardships. Memories heal and so does writing. Yes, I felt myself writing the story, I felt myself painting, I felt at ease and outrageous, and at times wavering between the empyrean where love blossoms and friendships surpass the telluric and the human definitions , and at times in a paradise lost and yonder where you are left to lament and pine for the bygone days. Thank you for this memory, dear Raymond. I will always cherish our friendship.
your faithful amie,
Ilhem Issaoui
your faithful amie,
Ilhem Issaoui
