Does a Picture Paint a Thousand Words?

My novel is an inspirational story; a thought provoking observation of emotional conflict, consequential loss, and poignant acceptance. I am not ready to share a synopsis of the story (aspiring novelists can be quite precious - paranoid even - about revealing our work to anyone other than an editor or publisher) so I thought I'd illustrate a visual taste of the 'time and place' setting of the book. Of course the novel doesn't include any illustrations, but these are just some of the images that fill my mind as I write the words...


The story is set in the 'here and now' but at times we are transported back to the post war years of the mid forties and fifties.
We learn of the struggles of the residents in the declining city centre of Manchester, and the promise of a better lifestyle by relocating to the suburbs, where there are 'trees in the streets'.
In particular, we follow the remarkable aspirations of one little girl, born into this golden era, as she embarks on an inspirational journey of passion, grief and self-discovery...





We indulge in the opulence of prestige properties in Cheshire, the 'stockbroker belt of the north'
where the nouveau riche and the noble gentry nestle side by side in the established country houses and the tastefully converted, (though sometimes ostentatious) luxury penthouses.




And as we become more deeply engrossed, life's journey finds us soaking in the passion that is Spain. Not the Spain of the tourist. No. I speak of the Spain that captivates only those fortunate enough to recognise the very soul of its culture, the remarkable essence of its passion for life, and the endearing sincerity of its people.

As the slogan says; You think you know Spain?
Think again

This is the inner court-yard of an elegant house in Madrid where resides an elderly woman, Sophia, a feisty character in my novel. It is the setting for several passages of dialogue that have a disturbing effect on my main character, Beth.

The roses depict The Garden of One Hundred Thousand Roses - a beautiful park in Madrid which I have visited on many occasions in my life, many years ago, when I lived close-by. This park features in a poignant scene in the novel.

With ongoing choices between passion and compassion, a voyage drenched in grief takes us on a transitional journey of self-doubt and self sacrifice, to a destination of a true recognition of self worth.

For Beth; choices, decisions, consequences.

For Jonathan; suffering, selfless sacrifice, despair.

This is not a 'rags to riches' story, though that does feature as a backdrop. Neither is it a love story, though some may argue that.

It is an observation of grief.

I have written and polished over ten thousand words.

The first three chapters.

Ah well, just another eighty thousand to go ...