In this age of cyber space , telling your story in a few words is a modern art form. Only at home around the dinner table, in front of the fire, over coffee can we really share our stories. So reducing the vast world of my book, Finding Artemisia-a journey into ancient women's business, to a back page blurb is a challenge. Ironically the journey takes the reader into a world where story telling is still an ancient art, but you have to read the book to get there. So for now may I tempt you with this humble attempt at enticing you into that world by sharing the back cover blurb:
When psychologist,
Dr Diana Verdi sets off to Central Australia to attend an international
conference, she takes some very weighty baggage with her: the recent loss of
her mother, a fraught relationship with her father and a floundering marriage.
At the same time Artemisia, her fourteen year old patient, critically ill with
anorexia, has disappeared.
Miles from nowhere, in the middle of the desert, Diana
finds herself participating in ancient women’s ceremonies, under the watchful
guidance of Aunty Millie, an indigenous elder skilled in traditional healing.
At first Diana resists the old woman’s mysterious
ways, but eventually the power of the ancient culture breaks through. Diana’s
relationships, both personal and professional, begin to take on a new light and
by the time she leaves the desert women Diana realises they hold the key to Artemisia’s
healing.
Desperate to impart the traditional women’s wisdom Diana returns home, but Artemisia is still missing.
Will she find the girl in time to impart what she has
discovered?
Are you ready to take the journey?
I'm curious as to how much credit you give to "traditional women's wisdom" in your story. There seems to be a lot of otherwise smart people who become entranced with ancient cultures and think they have all the answers to today's world. I am not at all suggesting that you have done this, I am only interested to know exactly what it is you think that traditional methods can contribute to people today suffering from mental illness?
ReplyDeleteHi Oliver, thank you for your comment. Without giving anything of the book away, I would answer your question with one word: community:( the power of connection and identity). Many people today feel isolated, lost, uncertain of their purpose. Such feelings can create anxiety and confusion which can escalate into anxiety and depression, eating disorders, alcohol and drug abuse, even suicidality. What my character,Dr Diana Verdi, discovers is something beyond her PHD.
ReplyDeleteThanks, that makes a lot of sense. I would hope that the study of mental illness was beginning to understand the importance of close community and strong relationships to others but insight can come from many places. Sounds like a very interesting read.
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