By Michael Lydakis
Bikini
Love Under a Mushroom Cloud
This unexpected love story follows an unlikely couple that have unknowingly been involved in military operations surrounding the testing on “the bomb”. Even though the war is over, there is still danger afloat and this couple must navigate the impending challenges together. Will their newfound love have the strength to survive or will the danger overcome them?
The Author
Michael Lydakis
I was born in New York in the 1970’s and studied journalism and history at Saint John’s University. After fighting in World War I, my grandfather immigrated to New York City in the 1920’s. My father served in the United States Navy during the 1950’s and 1960’s and his uncles served in the Army and Air Force. To this day, my family still continues to serve in the United States Military.
I had a brief conversation with Jack Nicholson back in 1998 that changed the course of my life and have had many different life experiences, with the opportunity to travel all over the world. In London, I reached over a steel fence and grabbed a leaf of inspiration off a tree at Willaim Shakespeare’s globe theater. I’ve drank at the same bars as Ernest Hemmingway, visited the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte in Corsica, and walked with impunity within the walls of the Kremlin. I also did the 200 km pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela and witnessed the Northern Lights above the arctic circle in Finland, and also being able to attend three days of Peace, Love, and Music at Woodstock 1994.
What Readers Have Said About “Bikini”
Reader David Wargowski Wrote:
I enjoyed reading this book very much. This is one of those uncommon books (a fictional book based on factual historical events) that provide a foundation that could entice individuals to learn more about nuclear weapons past and present and the ever-present danger they pose. It captures one’s interest through the background of the life and times of post-World War II military survivors (mostly US Navy) coupled with an emerging love story on Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands. Hopefully, individuals that read this book will want to learn more about Operation Crossroads, nuclear weapons testing and the immergence of another nuclear arms race. In addition, this book has the potential to be developed into a screenplay and movie. Look how Oppenheimer engaged the public with nuclear weapons awareness again, even if it was for a short period of time.
Chapter XX was my favorite chapter. I was glad that I ignored the temptation not to read the last chapter first and instead read the book from beginning to end. The emotional state of the principal characters in this chapter set the stage for the finale. The account of the Crossroads Able detonation was fantastic. Down to earth and chillingly descriptive. It reminded me when I saw my first nuclear detonation on the television in 1957. I was horrified, to me the mushroom cloud looked like the face of the devil. I have never forgotten first impressions of mushroom clouds and refer to each mushroom cloud I see in a photograph or video as the different faces of the devil.A must read. I highly recommend it.David Wargowski
Another Reader Wrote:
If you enjoy reading about history, love and danger…You will become hooked reading this!
I also met the author, Michael, last night in Boston. He is passionate about this book. Looking forward to an autograph
And Another Wrote:
Whether on a beach enjoying some sunshine and an adult beverage, or in a comfy chair by the fire in the winter with a cup of hot chocolate, this is a book worth settling in with as a fast-paced and thoroughly enjoyable read. Whoever thought about a love story beneath a mushroom cloud? The workup to the cloud touches all the right spots that helps make the story easily believable. Lydakis is a masterful storyteller, and he’s produced a worthy and very entertaining book.
Michael M
Still Another Wrote:
Bikini is one of those books that sticks with you for a while after you’ve finished it. At first glance, you might think it’s just another beach read, but it quickly proves itself to be deeper and more layered than expected.
Lydakis has a knack for setting the scene—his descriptions of the landscape, the people, and the atmosphere are so vivid that you feel like you’re right there, walking alongside the characters. The story moves at a pace that’s both engaging and reflective, letting you get immersed in the moment without rushing past the details.
What stood out most to me was how the author explored human emotions and relationships. There’s this raw honesty in the way he portrays love, loss, and everything in between. It felt relatable, even if the circumstances weren’t ones I’ve experienced firsthand. It’s clear that Lydakis put a lot of thought into crafting characters that feel authentic.
That being said, I will admit there were moments where the prose felt a little heavy-handed, like it was trying too hard to be poetic. But honestly, that’s a minor quibble in the grand scheme of things. The story itself is strong enough to carry those moments, and it’s worth sticking with it for the payoff.
If you’re looking for a book that’s more than surface-level entertainment, Bikini is worth a read. It’s thoughtful, a little nostalgic, and has just enough complexity to keep you hooked without overwhelming you. Definitely a solid choice for anyone who wants a mix of escapism and introspection.
Books in 2024
More Books Planned for 2024-25
Seeking Happy Readers
Books For Publication in 2024-2025
Falcon 9 and The Dragon
The first of the James Jackson Swimmer Novels. A double agent has misadventures in Boston and Cape Canaveral that spoil his mission and lead to luxury in unexpected ways. Planned for publication in the fall, 2024.
The Goat Rebellion
Fictional account of an actual 1953 event involving West Point cadets, an important football game, and the Navy mascot, Bill The goat. In a mission of mischief, a scandal was created that went to the highest office in the land, to the Comandants of two military academies, and disciplinary measures that remain “Classified” to this day. Publication will follow Falcon 9 and The Dragon.
Michael J. Lydakis takes readers back in time to the first nuclear test on the coral reef known as Bikini Atoll in July of 1946 in his debut historical fiction novel, Bikini.
July 11, 2024 Press Release
Upcoming Book Release
Future James Jackson Swimmer Novel
Justs how does a failed double agent rise from the ashes and turn failure into success? And at the government’s expense, even? This sequel to Falcon 9 and The Dragon will be a 2025 release.
Schedule an Interview With Michael
author@lydakisbooks.com
Contact The Publisher
publisher@pseudepigraphapublishing.com