Abel Velasco counts the number of times his aunt hits him. Abel counts many things. He can’t help it – he’s a savant.
It is 1982. Abel has left foster care to live with his newly found cousin and abusive aunt. His typical teenage struggles are compounded by the complication of his savant talents.
Searching for a challenge, Abel becomes obsessed with the mysterious architecture of an abandoned mansion and strangely numbered bible, launching his journey from suburban New Jersey to Berkeley, California and beyond.
Dr. Darold A. Treffert, author of "Extraordinary People," consultant for the movie "Rainman" and expert on savant syndrome wrote to me: "Savant syndrome typically is present from birth as a part of some developmental disorder, including autism. But there are also cases of what I call "acquired savant" syndrome following head injury. The Acquired Savant raises interesting questions about the little Rain Man that might reside, perhaps, within us all."
A CALCULATED EMBELLISHMENT is a story of developing genius.
The Novel is complete [114K words]
First 6 chapters on Authonomy