A Stranger to Myself

This novel has soulful depth and shows the resilience of the human spirit. It is about forgiveness and a young woman's struggle to understand herself. Having grown disillusioned with the big city that was supposed to offer glamour and glitz, Marka returns home with heartache instead. She spends a year of turmoil under the watchful eye of her spinster aunt. Their German-Russian heritage adds an additional dimension to her journey! Her life becomes muddled with romantic predicaments and confusion over her value as a person. A zealous gossip mill adds to her dilemma. Marka also has to deal with the house left to her after her parents’ untimely deaths. The house holds unpleasant memories of an alcoholic father. It has been empty for years and needs work; a metaphor for her life. Marka comes to terms with her own inclination towards addictions. She learns how her drinking affects her decision making and relationships. Often confused and hurt, she has much to learn. Life is a series of lessons.