by Sandra Manigault

Fragments of a Woman's Life is a thematic memoir: a rite of passage through adulthood; a quilt of people and experiences that have shaped the writer's life. It is an unusual journey, and an eclectic collection, comprised of personal essays, letters, and some poetry. As a memoir, it is endearing and touching, written from the heart of one woman.

In the opening chapter, The Players, we meet Sandra's parents, husband and children. We see them, not as one would expect, but as they touch her experiences, and she, theirs. Next, we venture into her habitat, both physical and psychological. The stories here are honest and insightful. They range from peacefully lyrical to, incisive and probing. In the chapters Fragments of Memory and Work her childhood memories are recapped and contrasted with the world of the adult woman, especially her experiences as a mother. Later, in the chapter, The Sabbatical Life and Lessons Learned, we observe Sandra's processes for healing and writing during a very special time in her life. We see a world, often unobserved, because we generally are too busy to notice life's sweet treasures. In the chapter Finale, we explore her passions for art and writing, and observe the peace that she has made, both with her life and her adult children.

The engaging ebb and flow of Fragments of a Woman's Life make this book hard to put down. It is uplifting, refreshing reading that contains much with which every reader can identify.