Guyanese poet and author, James G.D Paul popularly known as Pablo has published his first novel titled, My Poor Dad- a novel that confronts harsh socio-cultural forces that lead to alcohol addiction using his personal experience.

His story is narrated in 11 compelling chapters that tell a tragic story of the destruction of a young firefighter’s promising career and life, and the fortitude of a wife and mother as she fights to hold a stressed and divided family together.

A press release issued on the website Lulu.com said a synopsis of empirical research data explores the etiology of this psychological disorder that, in 1992, cost the US economy $246 billion in lost and impaired productivity. Additionally, practically resources for the at-risk or addicted are presented in the novel to help families better navigate the challenging and complex paths of alcoholism prevention and recovery.

Pablo has used his creative flair to accentuate the reading experience; nuances and detail are amplified with figurative imagery and cadence, taking the reader on a dramatic retrospective tour of his early childhood and teenage years in rural Guyana.

According to release, the tropical breeze of the Berbice River is felt as he describes, though a child’s eye, his first ferry ride with the family aboard the motor vessel Torani; the colourful and festive pageantry of the Christmas season is vividly seen in his recollections of masquerade bands.

But the beauty of the Guyanese culture is contrasted with destructive social pressures that promote and glamorise alcohol use, sexual promiscuity and marital infidelity. In the novel, Pablo’s father was forced to drink El Dorado rum at age 13, initiating a love affair that ends tragically, 39 years later with his death from cirrhosis of the liver.

My Poor Dad may be purchased as an e-Book, soft cover or hard cover at www.lulu.com/content/2127863.