Local author launches 'captivating' book: Irma Brings Love
On June 25, 2019, Ms Maureen A. Peters, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Culture and the Department of Culture, launched her first book, ‘Irma Brings Love’.
The Launch
In a simple ceremony held at the Upper Room Victory Church, Little Dix Hill in East End friends, family and well-wishers gathered for the release of the book.
In the ceremony’s Opening Remarks and Welcome, Ms Anne Lennard, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, shared her delight in the participation of the department in its third book launch since January 2019. “We see this as our way of supporting our authors and the literary arts,” she explained then recommended it be a part of every household in the territory, to support local authors.
Persons present were treated to a review of the book by Mrs Kayanna Roberts, remarks by the witty, former educator and local author, Mrs Jennie N. Wheatley and Mrs Janice I. F. Rymer, Commissioner of the Department of Labour and friend of the author.
In the absence of the Minister for Education and Culture, Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), Mrs Jennie N. Wheatley was asked to give remarks. She encouraged all to use the gifts that we are given “while you have the energy. When you get that gift, do not play with the gift God give you,” she said boldly.
The ceremony ended with the official presentation of copies of the book to the Ministry of Education and Culture, the Department of Culture, the Library services Department and the National Archive and Records Management Unit.
Persons then used the opportunity to purchase their own copies, which was being sold for $13.00, and have them autographed by the author.
The Author
Ms Maureen A. Peters is a true daughter of the soil who was born and raised here in the Virgin Islands. She is a prolific writer who writes every day. Though this is her first book, she has written many poems and songs, even winning second place in the Arbour Day Celebration 2009 Poetry Competition in the adult category.
Ms Peters explained that she was inspired by ‘teacher Jennie’ who told her “write about what you know.” It was just after Mrs Wheatley had given a talk that Ms Peters enquired ‘How do you know what to write about?’
In an intervew with Virgin Islands News Online, the author explained that she began writing the book in September 2018 and it was ready to be shipped to the publishers by March 2019.
“I know about Irma, I know what the experience was like and it was not hard to write about it. I did not plan it, the inspiration came… I started writing and the thoughts were just flowing,” she had stated in her Authors Response at the ceremony.
However, that is not the only reason she wrote the book. “I love my country, Nature’s Little Secret, and I want the world to know about it. This book has given me the opportunity to share the British Virgin Islands, Nature’s Little Secret, with the world.”
This she achieved by vivid descriptions of places, events such as the August festival, foods such as the zucchini cake and the general way of life here in the territory.
While there are many similarities between the main character and Ms Peters, the author assured listeners that the love she found during Irma was love for her and life.
“I found a new appreciation for life, I found a new appreciation and reason to live and to live simple and to value those things that mean the most.”
She encourages each of us to “Find the good in every situation. Look for love in the pain.”
A sneak peek
Irma Brings Love is based on the love story of the two main characters, and the part Hurricane Irma played in it. The author explained that while the story is based on true accounts of Irma the romance in it is somewhat fictitious. Mrs Kayanna Roberts in her review of the book described it as “captivating, interesting and exciting to read.”
Tianna, the main character “is someone we would call an all rounded individual; she can cook, bake, clean; a handy woman around the house. She had clerical skills, was motivated, determined and most of all she believed in God.” It took the strength and might of Irma to bind her to Joshua, a carpenter who had wandered away from God.
Mrs Rymer, who had the opportunity to read the book, could not help but to echo the praises and excitement of all those who shared before. “The way Maureen has written this story, it makes you feel encouraged, it makes you feel hopeful that all will be alright. It was not a doom and gloom story,” she said.
She went on to say that the book reminds us that “No matter what challenges we have been through, it is up to you to rewrite the script of our lives, through our attitude and lifestyle; that we are never to give anyone the privilege to dictate who we are and what others think of us has nothing to do with you or I, it is what we think of ourselves that is the ultimate truth.”
This is the sentiment that the author wishes everyone to have. “I’ve spoken with a number of persons and when we speak about Irma folks focus on the bad and I personally feel that we should always look for the good in every situation.”
The book is available locally at the Abundant Blessings Book Store on Main Street and at the Mountain View Restaurant (in the gift shop) on Sage Mountain. It can also be sourced on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble Booksellers.
In the pipe line
Readers can look forward to many more releases from the new novelist as she is working on other works that she had started and the sequel to Irma Brings Love. This she explained will focus on some of the struggles faced in the aftermath of the storms and the challenges to rebuilding.
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6 Responses to “Local author launches 'captivating' book: Irma Brings Love”
However, to me Irma Demonized the BVI and people get selfish, ungodly and even disrespectful to the fullest.