Anne Bowen, wife of E.B. Mason, author of “To Be a Rose,” was featured in the Author Spotlight of ARPress. “To Be a Rose” is a memoir by Edmund B. Mason, detailing his transformative journey as an advisor in Afghanistan and his subsequent battle with a life-threatening illness.
The narrative is divided into three sections, with the most extensive focusing on “The Dream,” which recounts Mason’s critical illness and time in intensive care. During this period, he faced collapsed lungs, reliance on ventilators, and significant physical debilitation, including the inability to walk or perform basic tasks. Despite medical projections suggesting prolonged hospitalization and rehabilitation, Mason’s determination led him to return home just two weeks before Thanksgiving.
The memoir also highlights Mason’s time in Afghanistan, where he served as an advisor to Afghan generals—former warlords—in efforts to build the Afghan Army. A memorable anecdote describes his flight from Dubai to Afghanistan, where a goat in the passenger compartment added humor to the journey by headbutting passengers due to air pressure changes during landing. This story exemplifies Mason’s ability to find levity in challenging situations.
The title “To Be a Rose” holds personal significance, stemming from Mason’s childhood admiration for the roses cultivated by his mother. In the arid landscapes of Kabul, the vibrant and diverse roses served as a poignant contrast, symbolizing resilience and beauty amidst adversity.
Edmund B. Mason’s life was tragically cut short in 2011. An obituary notes his tenure as an advisor to the Afghan Ministry of Defense and mentions his publication, “To Be a Rose,” which chronicles his experiences in Afghanistan and his remarkable recovery.
“To Be a Rose” was featured in the February 2025 issue of The New York Times Book Review (NYTBR). The NYTBR is a weekly magazine supplement included in the Sunday edition of The New York Times, where professional critics review current fiction and nonfiction books. It is considered one of the most influential and widely read book review publications in the world, offering in-depth analyses of new books.
For a more in-depth understanding of the memoir and its themes, you might find the following in the interview with Anne Bowen: