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
About Gemma Whelan:
Gemma (she/her) is an award-winning director, screenwriter, and educator. As an Irish immigrant to the U.S., her perspective crosses the boundaries between cultures, and as an artist, she gives expression to stories that have been suppressed. Gemma was the founding Artistic Director of Wilde Irish Productions in the San Francisco Bay Area and of Corrib Theatre in Portland, Oregon. She has been directing and teaching at universities and conservatories in the U.S, Ireland, and Asia for over 35 years. Her novels are Fiona: Stolen Child and Painting Through the Dark. She lives in Portland, Oregon.
Purchase from your favorite independent bookseller:
Upcoming Events:
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 29 @ 7pm
Berkeley City Club
Reading and book signing with Anna Quinn. Hosted by Actors Reading Writers and moderated by Sabrina Klein.
April 13 @ 7:30pm
Rose City Book Pub
Reading and signing, with contemporary Irish fiddler Bronnie Griffin. Rose City Book Pub has good books, drinks, and food. Proof of vaccination required.
May 2 @ 7pm
Daedalus Books
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…