The Innocuous Smile

Istanbul, Tuerkiye - 1990. Leiza and her friends stumble upon a trove of poems hidden in an antique chest. Driven by curiosity and a thirst for answers, they embark on a quest to uncover the identity of the mysterious poet. This leads the reader to the United States of America - 1917, where the narrative shifts to a time of opulent train rides that crisscross the country, culminating in the breathtaking Grand Canyon. Here, a chance encounter brings together Anna and Emmanuel, two souls destined for love. Yet, as they navigate their burgeoning relationship, they find themselves at the mercy of history's unpredictable currents. Split between two eras, two continents, and perhaps two lives. Innocuous Smile was inspired by a vivid dream the author had in 1993. It is a story that looks back at that dream and tries to reimagine who Anna Floren and the boy were. Upon research, it was revealed images the author had envisioned in her dream really did exist, calling into question: was it a dream or a past life?