All it takes is the title of the new book to draw you in: why the telephone stopped ringing.
The uniquely titled novel, in verse form, follows the narrator’s search for a lost sister.
Barrie author Dorothy Sjoholm describes her latest book as a “tragedy with hope. I guess it is about just how messed up a family can get.”
“It is the story of twin sisters told from one of the sister’s points of view," she told BarrieToday. "One has a regular life while one has ended up homeless on the streets of Toronto.
"Both were raised on a farm in Ontario by fundamentalist Christian parents," Sjoholm said. "It deals with family dynamics, belief systems and guilt. It is not my story, but, of course, you draw on your own life experiences and family background.”
Sjoholm has decided to donate a portion of the proceeds from this book between Youth Haven and the David Busby Centre, organizations that deal with local youth and adult homelessness.
“I feel connected to these organizations," she said. "We all have more than we need so I wanted to help those who don’t.”
There will be a reading and book signing on Wednesday, Nov. 6 at Grace United Church in Barrie, which is located at 350 Grove St. E. The 6:30 p.m. reception will include live music and refreshments.
For more information, check out Dorothy Sjoholm on Facebook.
