As an eyewitness to the aftermath of the racial persecution of minorities such as Jews, the Polish and the Romani (Gypsies), which took place during World War II, Franklin Lamca developed a profound empathy for those who suffer under fascist regimes. As a novelist, he writes not only to entertain the reader but to shed light on the history of discrimination and to put an end to apathy.

“The Devil Hound: In Search of Family,” set in mid-eighteen century Europe and the Americas, follows an evil priest who dedicates his life to destroying two innocent Romani (Gypsy) brothers because of their ethnic origin and because they are witnesses to his hideous crimes.

Powered by their inheritance from a circus owner, the brothers manage to board a ship bound for the New World to search for their mother. They arrive in 1753, with the priest closely following, as France and England prepare to extend their European struggle in the Colonies. “The Devil Hound” brings old Europe and Colonial America to life.

Lamca, an Air Force veteran and 1976 graduate of Liberty University, retired from the candy industry and served with the International Mission Board in Germany for three years. Living in both East and West Germany, he wrote, produced and performed marionette puppet shows in Germany and Austria, utilizing such Bible themes as Noah’s Ark, David and Goliath, Daniel and the lion’s den and the Christmas story.

Pre-orders for the Oct. 22 release of “The Devil Hound: In Search of Family” can be made at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, W.H. Smith, Wal-Mart, Thriftbooks, Booktopia and Book.com.