A powerful story of faith, resilience, and personal growth unfolds in “To Live Again: Arelia's Story” by Cam O'Keefe, following a young girl's path through grief and doubt during one of humanity's most challenging eras. This riveting work will be among the curated literary offerings of Inks and Bindings during the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books 2026.

In the midst of the Black Death in fourteenth-century Europe, this book provides an intimate look at a global disaster. Central to the story is Arelia, a twelve-year-old girl whose life is forever transformed when the plague takes her family away. Forced into seclusion and uncertainty, she becomes a witness and participant in a fragmented world striving to survive.

The narrative shifts away from solely emphasizing the pandemic's scale, instead illuminating the subtle yet profound strength of a person struggling with grief, fear, and displacement. As Arelia travels across unfamiliar territory, every experience challenges her sense of belonging and trust. Carrying a treasured amulet and Psalter from her background, she confronts the uncertain reality of existence while maintaining her faith.

The novel brings historical fiction into intimate focus, highlighting how personal identity is shaped in moments of crisis. Through Arelia's point of view, readers are encouraged to think about how hope endures in the face of devastation and how the longing for home transcends geography into questions of purpose and spiritual foundation.

Cam O'Keefe weaves a profound love of education and history into her creation. With years of experience in teaching and ongoing involvement in a Catholic school setting, the author draws from real-life observations of youthful resilience and curiosity. Arelia's character is shaped by these influences, anchoring her journey in genuine emotion and echoing wider themes of belief and endurance.

At the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books 2026, “To Live Again: Arelia's Story” will be showcased among the featured selections of Inks and Bindings from April 18 to 19. Festivalgoers are invited to visit Booth 978, Black Zone, at the University of Southern California to uncover a poignant story of loss, courage, and the enduring quest for belonging. Alternatively, all book formats are up for purchase on Amazon today.

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