A summary of this acclaimed book has been published in anticipation of its movie adaptation. A movie treatment is one of the first steps in writing a screenplay, providing a detailed summary of the story idea and offering the kind of Hollywood-style recognition that only a few authors experience.
The three-act structure outlining the story has been written and released. A movie treatment is a detailed, prose-style summary of a film or television story. It serves as a blueprint for the screenplay—outlining the narrative, characters, settings, and major scenes—usually written in the present tense. A treatment is longer and more detailed than a logline or synopsis but shorter than a full script, typically ranging from 5 to 20 pages, though lengths may vary depending on purpose and audience. It is a crucial development tool that bridges the gap between a raw story idea and a full screenplay. Its value lies not only in guiding the creative direction of a project but also in effectively communicating that vision to others.
Following the release of the movie script coverage, the movie treatment has now been published. To Be A Rose by E.B. Mason (Anne Bowen) tells the story of a former Air Force officer who, as he fights to stay alive in a Kabul field hospital, drifts through the memories of his past—reckoning with war, love, and the fragile beauty of a life he may not return to. It is a quiet, haunting journey through one man’s fading consciousness as he searches for meaning in his final hours.
This literary masterpiece was featured in the February 2025 issue of The New York Times Book Review (NYTBR) magazine. NYTBR is a highly regarded weekly publication devoted to literary criticism, featuring reviews, essays, and interviews on newly published books across a range of genres. As part of The New York Times, it plays a significant role in shaping literary trends and influencing readers’ choices. Covering fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and children’s literature, the magazine offers in-depth analysis by esteemed critics and authors.
The book was also showcased at the London Book Fair (LBF) at Olympia London from March 11–13, 2025. For more than 50 years, the London Book Fair has been a key event in the international book trade calendar and a central springtime gathering for the publishing industry. Each year, exhibitors and visitors return to build relationships, gain insights, and set the tone for the year ahead.
Later that same month, the book was featured at the 62nd edition of the Bologna Children’s Book Fair (BCBF) in Bologna, Italy, from March 31 to April 3, 2025. Renowned for fostering partnerships and shaping the future of publishing, BCBF attracts thousands of professionals from around the world. ARPress’ participation highlighted its commitment to engaging with the global publishing community and showcasing its latest titles.
Author Edmund B. Mason earned his B.F.A. from the University of Louisiana and his master’s degree from Central Michigan University. He served as a Logistics and Engineering officer in the United States Air Force, working extensively in Turkey, North Africa, and Italy. After his military career, he worked for a defense contractor. Following his illness, he retired, tended to his rose garden, and wrote from his home in Maryland. Mr. Mason passed away in 2011. To Be a Rose is his first published book. His wife, Anne Bowen, continues to honor his legacy and remembers his talent for weaving poetic prose with intricate storytelling—making each novel an immersive, thought-provoking experience. To Be a Rose is a testament to Mason’s gift for creating emotionally rich stories that leave a lasting impression.
Set in 2005, the novel follows Ed, a retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, who is hired as a Senior Logistics Expert to advise and mentor two senior Afghan officers within the Afghanistan Ministry of Defense. Shortly after settling into his new role, Ed finds himself in a medical facility just outside Kabul—trapped in an eight-week dream. What follows is a powerful and straightforward narrative of one man’s experience in Afghanistan, and how his personal battle to survive changes his life forever.
Anne Bowen, the author’s wife, was recently featured in the Author Spotlight of ARPress. For deeper insights into the memoir and its themes, you can watch her interview here: