Lorraine Martin faced the daunting task of completing her late granddaughter Allana Raine King’s novel, “Land of the Free”, after her sudden and tragic death. Allana, a spirited 19-year-old with a passion for life, had penned the majority of the novel before her untimely passing, leaving behind a story with a powerful message.
From an early age, Allana had shown a deep love for writing and storytelling. Her influences included literary greats such as George Orwell, Charlotte Brontë, Milan Kundera, and Oscar Wilde, whose works inspired her to weave her own unique insights into her writing. Her vibrant spirit and creative energy were abruptly cut short when she fell ill with encephalitis, a rare autoimmune brain disease, following a family holiday to Greece. After a harrowing battle, Allana tragically passed away, leaving her family and friends shocked and grief-stricken.
Determined to honor her granddaughter’s memory, Lorraine, with no prior experience in creative writing, took it upon herself to carry on Allana’s work and complete the novel. Faced with emotional and creative challenges, she immersed herself in the captivating storyline, feeling a strong connection to Allana as if she were guiding her throughout the process.
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“Land of the Free” follows the story of Rocky, a young man striving to break free from the oppressive constraints of his homeland in a dystopian setting dominated by technological advancements. Through this compelling narrative, Allana and Lorraine challenge readers to ponder the true cost of progress and the significance of preserving the human spirit.
For Lorraine, completing the novel became a way to not only fulfill a dream but also to create a lasting legacy and raise awareness about encephalitis, a condition often misunderstood by the public. Half of the proceeds from the book will be donated to Encephalitis International, a global nonprofit dedicated to supporting those affected by the disease.
The reaction to “Land of the Free” has been overwhelmingly positive, touching the hearts of family, friends, and organizations. Lorraine feels that she has done justice to Allana’s vision and hopes to keep writing, discovering a newfound passion for storytelling in the process. As she looks to the future, she leaves the door open for more literary endeavors, hinting at a possible continuation of her writing journey.
Above all, Lorraine aims for readers of “Land of the Free” to draw inspiration from Allana’s unwavering spirit and determination, urging them to pursue their dreams despite the challenges they may face.
Through “Land of the Free”, Allana’s voice, spirit, and vision persist as a powerful testament to the enduring impact of dreams, love, and resilience.