Paradise
The goddess Aphrodite was born of sea foam, and I, too had been reborn of the waters, a true birthing as if I came from my mother’s womb all over again.
Paradise is close to my heart because the story is based on real life events from my childhood. Written in alternating chapters that shift between the past (based on personal events) and the present (which is partly fabricated) the story nonetheless, speaks to the main character’s issues of severe trauma, which tangle with her desire to exorcize the powerful influence of her past and dead father. At the same time, Paradise reveals the complex self-truths and delights of coming out as a gay woman later in life and the surprising realities of finding love!
Please read the trigger warnings inside the book: This book contains graphic scenes, which may trigger some people, including past and present sexual and emotional abuse, and both implicit and implied incest.