In a time when global tensions and moral ambiguities dominate headlines, a new suspense novel from Maryland author Richard D. Greensfelder aims to spark a conversation about the role of faith in modern society. Titled "50 Parachutes for 72 Virgins," the book weaves a tale of good versus evil, love versus hate, and the consequences of a world that has turned away from spiritual anchors.
The title itself is provocative, referencing a peace summit of 72 clerics—12 each from Christian, Hebrew, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, and atheist backgrounds—who gather at Chicago's Sears Tower Skydeck days before Christmas. The "50 parachutes" refers to a fictional escape plan dubbed "Plan Z," a last-resort evacuation strategy for the iconic skyscraper. The novel's protagonist, Archbishop Rooney, is a blunt, old-fashioned cleric who doesn't shy away from diagnosing what he sees as the world's spiritual malaise.
Greensfelder, a retired admissions director and devout Catholic, says the book is a wake-up call for a nation drifting from God. "I have written the book to remind folks about what made 'The Good Old Days,'" he explained. "Love, sound values, the truth, forgiveness, charity, helping others—these virtues make the world a better place for our children and our children's children." The author points to 1963 as a pivotal year, when prayer was effectively removed from public schools, and he poses a rhetorical question through Archbishop Rooney: "Do you think 13 trillion 'The Lord's Prayers' would have made a difference? Damn right they could have!"
The novel's central conflict unfolds as the peace summit approaches, with terrorists plotting to disrupt the gathering. Archbishop Rooney's hope is that the summit will be a first step toward global peace, but he faces forces that thrive on chaos. The book's underlying message is encapsulated in a phrase the Archbishop coined: "Evil fills the void whenever God is pushed away." This theme resonates in a world grappling with issues like violence, political polarization, and social fragmentation.
Greensfelder's narrative draws on classic literary traditions, evoking comparisons to Tolkien's epic struggles between light and darkness. But the story is grounded in contemporary concerns, making it relevant to readers who question the direction of modern society. The author, who holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Baltimore and was part of a national championship soccer team, hopes his fiction will inspire readers to be more caring and to consider the spiritual dimensions of daily life.
"50 Parachutes for 72 Virgins" is now available in paperback and e-book formats on Amazon at Amazon. For more information, visit the author's website at www.50parachutes.com. The book challenges readers to reflect on what truly matters, offering a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
