Close Your Eyes: A Fairy Tale

Every now and then, you will come across a book that just makes you feel like sighing with joy and happiness and an eagerness to tell the whole world about it. Close your Eyes by Chris Tomasini is one of those. (Mareli Thalwitzer, on Reedsy)

Close Your Eyes: A Fairy Tale, was published in December 2021, and in 2022, won the best Historical Fantasy award, from the Historical Fiction Company. The HFC's review, which can be found here, includes the following passages:

"Close Your Eyes is a historical fiction fairy tale that transcends the expected 'once upon a time' tales of childhood and propels the adult reader into the stark realities of life, love, and loss. In rich, vibrant, literature-worthy prose, Chris Tomasini's genius matches the very character he speaks of in his story – a rare divine storytelling gift."

"While revealing the deep sorrow and pain that comes with loss, the very human elements which connect the reader to the characters, this is a tale of love... of true love, and the sacrifices which often come at the expense of great love in all its forms – brotherhood, friendship, family, loyalty, commitment, marital fidelity, passion, and hope. This book truly is a classic in the making."

Close Your Eyes is available via Ingram Spark, and therefore print copies can be ordered by your local bookstore.
Also available (print or ebook):
Barnes and Noble
Amazon Canada
Amazon USA
Amazon UK
(and most other international Amazon sites)

Over the last few years, I have made many attempts to describe Close Your Eyes to readers, but, really, it is best to dive into this novel cold, and prepare to be surprised. I will state that this is NOT a romance novel, and despite the award from the HFC mentioned above, it is not really fantasy. It is literary, historical, fiction, with a playful side. The closest comparison I can make is to say that this is what would happen if The Princess Bride was written by Jeanette Winterson.
Below, I am going to share snippets from some of the reviews of the book. There are many many more on Goodreads.

This was a beautiful, sweeping tale that presents much food for thought regarding true love and storytelling (my favorite topics). I felt as though I was at the mercy of a skilled storyteller as Samuel wove together several narratives that ended with a beautiful and uplifting message. The book took me to another time and place and made me wonder about the human desire for meaningful connections and purposeful work. Close Your Eyes: A Fairy Tale is the perfect read for anyone who is interested in love and storytelling. (Kelly Jarvis, on FairyTale Magazine)

A surreal romantic odyssey that transports you to medieval-era Europe, to a time of fearsome kings, beautiful princesses, forbidden love, and politically motivated arranged marriages, Close Your Eyes is an exploration of love in a myriad of its forms. (Pikasho Deka, on Reader's Favorite)

I always believe that some books are meant to be read at a certain time, a time when you need it most. I am glad that I read it at the right time. It not only narrates romantic love, but also the love that a father has for his children, a love that is found in friendship, a love of a family that is not tied by blood. At times people forget that the romantic love is not the only type of love that it exists, even I from time to time forget it, but this book reminds you of it. It also describes the ugly part of love; the obsessiveness, the loneliness. All in all, it's a beautiful fairytale that I think everyone need to read at least once in their life. (Nathalia, on Goodreads, Aug. 21, 2023)