• Debut book blends truth, pain, and perseverance to inspire others

WHILE fiction can invent fascinating worlds, few stories rival real life for strangeness and inspiration. Thirty-three-year-old Orlanzo Raghunandan is one of those living testaments to resilience—and now, he has turned his life into art. His debut book, Tempest: The Truth About the Storm – An Empowerment Journey, chronicles his journey from orphanhood to self-discovery. Part memoir, part self-help guide, Tempest is both raw and redemptive—a reminder that pain can shape one’s purpose.

A writer forged by hardship

Born and raised in Mahaica, Orlanzo grew up with an early love for literature. As a child, he spent hours crafting poems and short stories. But at just thirteen, tragedy struck — his mother, his only family and anchor, passed away.

“My mum became a single parent after leaving an abusive relationship,” he said. “When she died, I was left with no father, no mother, no family.”

Left to navigate life alone, Orlanzo found refuge in the kindness of teachers and strangers. “I had a maths teacher who came looking for me when I stopped going to school,” he recalled. “She said, ‘I see potential in you.’ That moment changed everything for me.”

Despite hardship — periods of homelessness, substance abuse, and despair — he remained grounded by a quiet determination. “I wanted my story to inspire my siblings and others,” he said. “That’s what kept me from giving up.”

The birth of Tempest

More than five years ago, Orlanzo decided to write Tempest. As a young father and entrepreneur, he knew it would be a challenge. “Because of my children, I wanted to show that no matter your circumstances, if you’re disciplined and determined, you can overcome. That’s what Tempest is about — it’s you versus you.”

Published in 2024, Tempest is divided into two parts: a memoir recounting his turbulent past and a self-help section filled with reflections, exercises, and advice. “I wrote from experience,” he explained. “If I’m talking about depression, what qualifies me to do that? It’s because I’ve lived it.”

A proudly Guyanese creation

Orlanzo insists Tempest is not just his story — it’s a celebration of Guyanese creativity. “Everything about this book is Guyanese,” he said. “The writer, editor, printer, and graphic designer — all from here. I wanted ownership not for myself alone, but for my children and my country. Self-publishing gave me that control.”

The process wasn’t easy. Between family, work, and finances, the project demanded enormous sacrifice. “Funding was the hardest part,” he said. “I reached out to sponsors, but in the end, I financed it myself. I also wanted honest feedback, so I gave it to strangers, not just friends. Truth makes a better book.”

Impact and inspiration

The hard work paid off. Since its release, Tempest has received glowing reviews. “Every person who’s read it said it empowered them,” he said. “That’s the best reward.”

The book, available in both hard and soft copies, can be purchased directly through Orlanzo’s social media or by calling +592 658 0316. But beyond sales, Orlanzo’s greatest achievement is connection. “Readers tell me their stories — they open up about their struggles. That’s how I know Tempest is doing what I hoped: creating healing and conversation.”

Looking ahead

Already, Orlanzo is working on his second book — one he believes may be his best yet. “It’s different,” he said. “More focused on morality and human psychology. I’m still deciding on the title, but it’s deeper, more philosophical. People need truth — that’s what I’m exploring.”

Whether memoir, philosophy, or fiction, Orlanzo’s voice represents a new wave of Guyanese writers carving their own path outside traditional publishing. “I believe in excellence,” he said simply. “If I’m going to do something, I’ll do it right.”

With Tempest, he has already proven that even the fiercest storms can become stories of strength.