Painting Through the Dark
by Gemma Whelan
ISBN: 9798987135907 (paperback), 9798987135914 (eBook); 264pp Fiction
Fleeing from the emotional shackles of her family in Ireland and the convent where she was training to be a nun, the feisty 21-year-old Ashling O’Leary arrives in San Francisco in 1982 with a backpack, a judo outfit, her artist’s portfolio, a three-month visa, and a determination to find a way to speak up about the abuse of girls and women in Catholic Ireland. As she becomes embroiled in a whirlwind of love, art, and deception, Ashling learns that her success as an artist and a human being depends on dealing with the ghosts of her past and speaking out on behalf of others.
“Gemma Whelan has written a tender, dramatic portrait of a young woman from an Irish convent, driven to explore the world—and her past—through the power of art. Painting Through the Dark probes how far we will go to avoid, and then confront, the truth. It is a testimony to our ability to survive, against all the odds.”
—Rene Denfeld, bestselling author of The Child Finder
“Gemma Whelan, as Irish as her protagonist, writes with courage and precision, chronicling through Ashling’s eyes the damage incurred by sexual abuse, the burden of broken dreams, bravery, betrayal, the claustrophobia of conventional expectations, and most prominently, the darkness in men’s hearts. Through Whelan’s flowing narrative, Ashling attains the triumph of self-realization and the finding of grace, and the reader is well met.”
—Mark James Montgomery, The Lightning Field
“With an engaging voice displaying her Irish storytelling roots, West Coast author Gemma Whelan has written a multi-layered novel that encompasses a rich tapestry of themes from first love and sex to a nation and church reeking of abuse.”
—Ellen Kesend, author and screenwriter
“…from life and from the stage, (Gemma) knows drama: She gets the simultaneous thrill and catch-in-the-throat nervousness of landing in a place you’ve never been, on your own in a strange city or strange country, with no plan of action but to feel its presence, start moving, and go from there.” —Bob Hicks
Purchase from your favorite independent bookseller, including the following:
Past Events:
January 24 @ 6pm
Broadway Books
Reading and book signing. Hosted by Rene Denfeld, best-selling author of The Enchanted and The Child Finder.
February 9 @ 7pm
Powell’s City of Books
In conversation with Anna Quinn for the launch of her novel, Angeline. Moderated by Rene Denfeld.
February 23 @ 11-11:30am
KBOO Radio – Jonesy
90.7 FM Portland or stream on TuneIn
Interview with Ken Jones on Jonesy, where you’ll meet the most interesting people in the world of literature, radio theater, podcasts, music, and humor.
March 2 @ 7pm
Annie Bloom’s Books
Reading and book signing. In conversation with Joaquin Lopez, Portland’s Creative Laureate. More…
March 17 @ 4:30pm – 9:30pm
St Patrick’s Day Celebration
Gemma will have a booth at the All Ireland Cultural Society’s (ACIS) annual St Patrick’s Day Celebration.
March 30 @ 5pm
Book Passage
April 13 @ 7:30pm
Rose City Book Pub
Reading and signing, with acclaimed Irish fiddler Bronnie Griffin. Rose City Book Pub has good books, drinks, and food.
May 2 @ 7pm
Daedalus Books
Reading and conversation with poet‑dramatist Cindy Williams Gutiérrez.
May 16 @ 6:30pm
Garden Home Library
Reading and conversation with Oregon’s sixth Poet Laureate, Paulann Petersen.
May 21 @ 4pm
21ten Theatre
Reading and conversation with Portland actor Vana O’Brien.
Jul 11 @ 7pm
Key City Public Theatre
Reading with Ruth Linnea Whitney, who will read from her novel Mimosa Road. Music by Jill and Kevin.
Jul 15 @ 4pm
Dandelion Botanical Company
Reading and book signing. Music by Jill and Kevin.
August 30 @ 7pm
Berkeley City Club
In conversation with Sabrina Klein. Sponsored by Actors Reading Writers. Free, reservation not required.
August 31 @ 6pm
Consulate General of Ireland
In conversation with acclaimed Irish novelist Emer Martin. Free, but reservation required.