Hallo, Hallo dear hearts,
I was approached by my featured author today to read her debut novel – however, in discussion with Ms Woods about the particulars of “The Process of Fraying” – I knew it was one novel I would have to pass on reading. It isn’t that I didn’t believe in the story it is that I knew within our conversation about the story itself, it was one story I would not be able to handle reading. We all have our list of things we have to be careful of whilst reading – certain triggers (ie. subjects, inclusions, graphic depictions or overtly strong language) can wreck our own mental health whilst we’re reading which is why it is best to not just remain open-minded about what we seek out to read but to become cognisant of our personal limitations.
Although I knew it wouldn’t be a good fit for me personally, I also knew I wanted to champion the novel if and when it were to go on a featured blog tour and/or other promotional blogosphere journey. I happily encouraged the author to seek out Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours as I knew the scope of the book bloggers who participate on Ms Bruno’s tours would happily find a wicked good reading within these pages – if not, personally affect them if they drew closer to the context of the story due to personal experiences. I wanted to do what I could to help promote a novel I knew would become an important read to a lot of readers – even if I knew I couldn’t personally read it myself.
Thus, I opted instead to happily discuss the novel through this author interview and help champion the Historical writers who are continuously and tirelessly giving us convicting fiction set in the historic past. I would classify this one equally spilt between an important Historic narrative on Mental Health practices with a Feminist Historical perspective combined within the breadth of a Historical Women’s Fiction novel.
I hope after you’ve had the chance to digest the information Ms Woods shares within this conversation you’ll know if this is a novel you will be able to read yourself and/or mention it to someone else you know will appreciate knowing about the book being published.
Be sure to brew your favourite cuppa
& settle into a comfy chair whilst you enjoy this interview!
The Process of Fraying (Interview)
by Jess Neal Woods
Violet is a pillar of hospitality and compassion within her community. As a farmer’s wife and mother of a large brood, she is resolute, thrifty, and charming. The life that is woven between the land and her family is one of harmony and beauty.
When she begins to struggle with depression, her demeanor changes. At first, the change is subtle, but it becomes increasingly problematic as Violet struggles with bouts of incapacitating depression and anxiety and visions of self-harm. A candle flame offers a way to feel, even if it is the pain of a burn. Her beloved creek becomes ominous as it beckons to her. Having no real understanding of what is happening within her, Violet turns to both the religious and medical communities for guidance. Both fail her. With her identity stripped away and her family reeling from the aftermath, Violet must determine if she can make peace with the changes within herself before she is consumed by them.
The Process of Fraying is a historical family drama that explores the social, religious, and medical stigmas surrounding mental health in the 1940s.
Places to find the book:
ISBN: 9781793309457
Published by Self Published
on 7th January, 2019
This is a Self Published novel
Converse via: #MentalHealth + #HistFic or #HistNov
as well as #WomensFiction and #HistoricalFiction
Available Formats: Trade Paperback and Ebook