Ahead of its publication release set for Tuesday, May 19, local writer Steven A. Holmes announced upcoming signing events for “Black Messiahs,” his historical novel set during World War II.

With expertise in news reporting and editing, Holmes crafts a compelling narrative of three individuals whose very different paths converge as they navigate the profound adversities of war and the Holocaust.

Brothers Amos and Sammie join the 333rd Artillery Battalion and the 761st Tank Battalion, respectively, and David, whose family lived in the ghetto in Bialystok, is marched from Majdanek to Auschwitz-Birkenau to Gross-Rosen to Mauthausen. 

“Black Messiahs” explores a wealth of compelling themes and minor characters including family dynamics, sibling rivalry and reconciliation, romance, Jewish resistance and homophobia among fictional and historical personalities, with several real historical events.

Free and open to the public. Holmes’ upcoming appearances include: Headwater Cove Club House, 6:30 p.m., Saturday, June 20, 31074 Tigress Road, Lewes; Lewes Juneteenth Celebration, 1 to 6 p.m., Saturday, June 27, George H.P. Smith Park, Dupont Avenue, Lewes; Barnes & Noble, 12 to 4 p.m., Sunday, June 28, 36508 Seaside Outlet Drive #1100, Rehoboth Beach; and Browseabout Books, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., Saturday, July 11, 133 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach.

A Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, Holmes’ extensive background includes working within news organizations including Time magazine, The New York Times and CNN.