Readers looking for some light summer reading might try "The Memory Barrel," by Henrietta native Diane Purvis, writing as D. B. Lorgan.
The story is told in simple language and intertwines the story of generations of a family immersed in a journal written by a relative. Her "spirit" watches over the family as the tale unwinds.
The story of the family matriarch outlines both the good and the bad, but Purvis is delighted to say it does have a happy ending. Purvis says "The Memory Barrel" really exists. As her children were growing up, she actually filled a barrel with objects connecting to their life, called "gobilty-goo" in the book.
The book was eight years in the making and Purvis says she spent many hours sitting by Keuka Lake at Indian Pines Park letting the thoughts come to her. She finds it hard to explain how the story just came to her.
She admits some of the story is true. On a personal note, a divorce, cancer and the "empty nest syndrome" played a part in her writing. Purvis began watching Oprah and became interested in her Angel Network. She began writing a journal as a healing technique, later deciding to write in book form.
Perhaps it is her heritage:Irish, Iroquois and French that draws angels, magic, rainbows and whimsy into her story. She says in the Native American culture, angels are called, "guides" and someone was guiding her story. While writing on the lakeshore she listened to Celtic music.
The author also created the cover of the book. Purvis does memory paintings, illustrating a look back in time. An older couple is portrayed looking at a far off house and all four seasons are represented.
She calls the pictures "angel things." Raised on Tulane Parkway in Henrietta, Purvis has lived in upstate New York area nearly her entire life; she currently lives in Penn Yan. Readers will recognize areas and settings in the story.
Through her book, Purvis hopes readers will take a new look at life.
She says early readers have written to tell her of their need to read the book a second time to gain a deeper understanding.
"I want to touch their heart and have all say I see things differently now, dreams can come true." In keeping with the story line, Purvis will donate 10 percent of her profit to Women in Crisis.
Some of the characters will continue in her next book "Eye of the Beholder." She hopes to continue writing and has just signed up to take courses in humanities at Finger Lakes Community College.
