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Reprinted with permission from The Local, April 26, 2007
The Winter Gardener
Photo Patrick Muncaster
Last month saw a crowd of some 100 literati, friends, and colleagues assemble at St. Barts Church for the launch of local writer and fibre artist Patricia Hetherington's first book, 'The Winter Gardener.' From the champagne reception to the stunning bouquet received at the reading's end, the launch was a class act. Before filing into the beautiful chapel for the reading, attendees sipped champagne and took advantage of the opportunity to admire a display of Hetherington's exquisite fibre art, five embroidered works that visually depict the archetypal journey chronicled in the book.
“Thank you so much for a truly magnificent [launch] evening! Your readings were funny, tender, poignant, enlightening and inspirational, and I think spoke to the Winter Gardener in all of us.”
Host James Redfern's opening remarks gave voice to a common sentiment: “We all have dreams. It takes a special courage to go after those dreams. But it takes commitment and discipline to realize that dream.” Close friend and colleague, District 46 counselor, Donna Schmirler's introduction of the author was equally heartfelt in its recognition of Hetherington's accomplishment. The reading, heartbreaking in its poignancy and uncompromising in its candour, gave the audience a tantalizing glimpse of the rich inner landscape of book and author alike. The audience was visibly moved by Hetherington's remarkable journey and the audacity with which she shared it.
Capping the evening were two lovely gestures — the author's gift of a special copy of
'The Winter Gardener' to her daughter Sarah to whom the book is dedicated and the
aforementioned bouquet “From the girls” presented to Patricia by longtime friend and
supporter Mackenzie Morgan.
The evening closed with the author's gracious signing of
the many copies of the book purchased on the spot. In 'The Winter Gardener,' each
chapter is distinguished by a verb. If the book launch is any indication, the verb to
define this chapter of the author's life is “to triumph.”
— Submitted by Niv Harris