Sixty-two-year-old Arianna arrives in the South of France for a two-week artists’ workshop. She is full of anticipation, but weighted down with the guilt of leaving her husband, Ben, back in Toronto—he is literally slipping away before her very eyes.
After her husband's devastating diagnosis with dementia and caring for him with little time for herself, Arianna's family have convinced her to take some time away. It is in Arles where Arianna rediscovers her passion for art, finding comfort in her her fellow artists and from the guest lecturer, Jacques de Villeneuve.
Drawing Lessons is one woman's moving journey to seek the permission of her heart to create a new life for herself.
I had the sincerest pleasure of meeting Patricia, totally by chance, at a launch party for another author. She is absolutely delightful and her warmth and wonderful personality comes through on the page—her books are like reading letters from a cherished friend.
Sands' intimate portrait of Arles will have readers falling in love with the city. Rich in art history, most notably, van Gogh, it is the perfect canvas for her story. Patricia carefully and compassionately writes about dementia, a disease that is sadly so prevalent today. It is through painting that Arianna begins the healing process and she is able to come to terms with her husband's condition. Art is the perfect vehicle for Arianna's story to unfold.
What I love most about the book is reading about characters that are not widely published—a mature woman as well as someone who is on the autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This is refreshing. Thank you, Patricia, we all need more stories with diverse characters.
Drawing Lessons is a reminder to enjoy the pleasures life has to offer, even the simple ones.
PATRICIA SANDS is a proud indie author who is also delighted to be under contract with Lake Union Publishing for her Love in Provence series. Her award-winning debut novel The Bridge Club was published in 2010 and the audiobook is read by Patricia herself.
With a focus on her love of the south of France, women’s issues and ageing, her stories celebrate the feminine spirit and the power of friendship. Patricia encourages women of all ages to stare down the fear factor and embrace change.
Sands lives in Collingwood with her husband and travels whenever she can.
No comments:
Post a Comment