Fabulous reads – Local memoir tugs on all emotions

The Arc of Our Paths: Growing into Wholeness, Vishanthie Sewpaul

This book is not a how to do it, recipe type of book, yet every page offers us important takeaway life lessons.

The author, Professor Vishanthie Sewpaul, was my lecturer more than 30 years ago and she was certainly the most dynamic lecturer as she was able to truly capture her students’ attention. Even then, she was a powerful story teller

We were one of the first to hear her poignant story about becoming adoptive parents. Years later, I had the privilege of teaching her beautiful daughter, Preshanthi and felt a deep connection with her as I was privy to the story of her birth.

Vishanthie has a way with words that draws the reader in as she shares her successes as well as the most painful moments of her life. In the preface, she said the memoir is ‘one person’s narratives as they intersect with geographies of space, race, gender, class, culture, religion, spirituality, sexuality, emotions, family, friends, and colleagues.’ It truly is.

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When I began reading, I found it difficult to put down. I laughed and I cried and, at times, I was shocked by some of the revelations. What strikes home is the brutal honesty and authenticity of the author as she describes growing from holes to wholeness. To bare one’s soul and trust one’s readers is not easy.

Vishanthie has achieved this feat with a memoir that is monumental, yet relatable. In every chapter I found something that I could relate to, and I have no doubt that every reader will too. It is inspiring beyond measure.

This memoir, written by an award winning academic with three honorary doctoral degrees, has inspired me to document my own life story. I work with children who come from very vulnerable circumstances, and I am now encouraged to get them to write their stories. Writing is, as Vishanthie said, a powerful way of healing and of communicating with oneself and others.

The memoir is available at Choices in the Pick and Pay Centre in Queensburgh, Ikes Book Store and on Amazon. Alternatively, email Vishanthie at info@vishanthiesewpaul.com to order a copy of the book.

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