History Through Fiction Signs Brynn Barineau for Second Novel, Jungle of Ashes
Minneapolis, MN – June 25, 2025 — History Through Fiction is thrilled to announce the acquisition of Jungle of Ashes, the second novel by acclaimed author Brynn Barineau. Set for publication in 2026, this gripping historical novel explores ambition, resistance, and forbidden love against the backdrop of Henry Ford’s ill-fated rubber empire in the Amazon.
Set in 1928, Jungle of Ashes transports readers to Fordlandia—a factory-town experiment built by American industrialist Henry Ford deep in the Brazilian rainforest. There, seventeen-year-old Joanna Rogge must navigate a world of cultural collision, ecological disaster, and social upheaval when her family relocates from Michigan to manage the Ford Company’s Amazonian plantation. As the town teeters on the edge of collapse, Joanna finds herself drawn to Rafael Caetano, a skilled Brazilian mechanic whose dreams challenge the very foundations of the empire around them.
Set during a period of tremendous upheaval, Jungle of Ashes offers a sweeping tale that combines rich historical detail with emotional resonance, examining the cost of empire and the resilience of the human spirit. It is a powerful follow-up to Barineau’s debut, Jaguars and Other Game, which was praised by Kirkus Reviews and named a finalist for the National Indie Excellence Award in multicultural fiction.
“Brynn’s ability to weave complex themes into emotionally resonant, character-driven stories is exactly what we look for at History Through Fiction,” says Colin Mustful, founder and editor of HTF. “Jungle of Ashes not only sheds light on a fascinating and often-overlooked piece of global history, it also tells a deeply moving story about identity, belonging, and impossible choices.”
Barineau, an international education professional originally from Atlanta, draws upon her own experiences living in Brazil to craft stories that examine the tensions and beauty of cross-cultural connection. Her work bridges the past and present, the personal and political.
Jungle of Ashes will be released in 2026 in paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats, with pre-orders available through the History Through Fiction website and major book retailers.
About the Author
Brynn Barineau is a writer and international education professional whose work explores the complexities and connections of cross-cultural relationships. She holds a master’s degree in international communication and began writing fiction while living in Rio de Janeiro. Her debut novel, Jaguars and Other Game, was a finalist for the National Indie Excellence Award in multicultural fiction. Brynn now lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with her Brazilian-American family.
About History Through Fiction
Founded in 2019, History Through Fiction is an independent publisher dedicated to historically rich, character-driven stories that bridge the gap between scholarly history and accessible fiction. HTF supports both traditional and hybrid publishing models with a commitment to editorial excellence and author partnership.
For more information, or to schedule an interview, please contact the editor at: editor@historythroughfiction.com.
