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Empowerment of Art
The Dream Collector Book I: Sabrine and Sigmund Freud follows a young woman working in a women’s asylum who meets Sigmund Freud, and together they explore mental health and the world of 19th century Paris. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
In 1886 Freud had been awarded a grant to study with famed hypnotist Jean-Martin Charcot at the Salpêtrière Asylum for women. Vincent van Gogh came to Paris to study the new art emerging, Impressionism. Here were two iconic figures who found themselves, their path, their calling, during that one special year. Annus Mirabilis. I only needed a protagonist with an interest in mental health and art to entwine their stories. Julie Forette, a self-educated woman, became my storyteller.
With so many famous people from history in your novel, what was your writing process to ensure you captured the essence of these characters?
Research, extensive research on each historical character, including letters, journals, anything which revealed their experiences, thoughts, and tone. And maintaining individual files, with sections like “His words/Her Tone’ so that when dialogue occurred in the story, I had a go-to resource, to capture their individualistic tone.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I’m so glad you used the plural, themes. My overarching theme was the empowerment of art, how a painting, book, poem can enable us to resonate with our own identity. How art can touch our hearts, raise our consciousness, and–––to risk addressing the spiritually inclined–––uplift our souls.
But a subsidiary theme emerged when learning that famed author Émile Zola, in 1886, betrayed his childhood friend Paul Cezanne by writing a roman à clef. In the novel, a failed artist, confronting his mediocrity, commits suicide. All of Paris knew that Zola was describing Cezanne. When Cezanne read the novel, entitled ‘Masterpiece’, he was heart-broken and never spoke to Zola again. I wanted to explore the tragedy of how someone you trust, you love, betrays you. And whether you can overcome the pain and trauma of betrayal. Can you recover? If so, how? So the theme of betrayal and abandonment becomes mirrored in my major characters, especially the protagonist Julie Forette and the Salpêtrière hysteric, Sabrine Weiss.
When will book 2 be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
Publication for Book II “Sabrine & Vincent van Gogh’ is scheduled for April 2024. We will follow Sabrine and Julie’s continued journey toward self-realization as they immerse themselves into the art milieu of late 19th century Paris. Under the watchful eye of Sigmund Freud, Julie and Sabrine become intimately involved with the major luminaries of the period, especially the van brothers, Theo and Vincent.
Julie Forette forms a friendship with the young, visiting intern Sigmund Freud who introduces her to the altering-conscious power of cocaine. Together they pursue the hidden potential of hypnotism and dream interpretation. After Freud receives the baffling case of the star hysteric, Sabrine Weiss, he is encouraged by Julie to experiment with different modes of treatment, including “talking sessions.” Their urgent quest is to find a cure for Sabrine, Princess of the Hysterics, before Dr. Charcot resorts to the radical removal of her ovaries.
In Paris, Julie finds a passion for the new art emerging, Impressionism and Post-Impressionism, and forms friendships with the major artists of the period, including Pissarro, Monet, and Degas. Julie becomes intimately involved with the reclusive Cezanne only to be seduced by the “Peruvian Savage” Paul Gauguin. Julie is the eponymous ‘Dream Collector’ collecting the one unforgettable, soul-defining dream of the major historical figures of the period.
The Dream Collector: Sabrine & Sigmund Freud
Set against the backdrop of Paris in the late 19th century, The Dream Collector Book I: Sabrine and Sigmund Freud, by R.W. Meek, immerses the reader in an era of remarkable transformation. The novel deftly intertwines the worlds of medicine and art, capturing the essence of a period marked by pioneering ideas. The story follows Julie Forette, an ambitious young woman who joins the Salpetriere, a mental asylum home to thousands of women with varying psychological conditions. Here, she encounters a young Sigmund Freud, and together they explore the enigmatic world of mental health, united by their curiosity and a shared interest in cocaine.
The narrative becomes increasingly intriguing with the introduction of Sabrine Weiss, a patient suffering from hysteria, whose condition puzzles both Julie and Freud. As Julie’s journey progresses, she meets several prominent historical figures, including artists like Paul Gauguin, Monet, and Cezanne. This not only enriches the story but also triggers a significant psychological evolution in her character. Meek’s novel shares similarities with the ethereal style of George Saunders, particularly his work Lincoln in the Bardo.
The Dream Collector stands out with its vibrant portrayal of Julie Forette. While initially seeming like a mere narrative device to facilitate encounters with famous personalities, Julie emerges as a character as compelling and dynamic as her historical counterparts. She navigates the shifting landscape of France, deeply affected by the societal and cultural revolutions around her. Her interactions with artistic and medical luminaries are marked by intellectual depth, showcasing her evolving consciousness and understanding of the world.
The Dream Collector: Sabrine & Sigmund Freud offers an engaging journey through a pivotal period in history, filled with intellectual exchanges and vivid portrayals of renowned figures. Each page promises a new discovery, making it a rewarding read for enthusiasts of the genre. Its blend of historical depth with a lively narrative makes it a notable addition to historical fiction.
Pages: 723 | ASIN : B0CP8P5SWL
Louis Mie and the Trial of Hautefaye
L.M. Twist’s Louis Mie and the Trial of Hautefaye sets a compelling narrative against the tumultuous backdrop of early 1870s France. This novel, artfully intertwining historical fact with fiction, delves into the brutal mob murder in Hautefaye, an incident emblematic of the era’s societal strife, the aftershocks of war, and the shadow of Napoleon III. At the heart of this storm is Louis Mie, a distinguished lawyer tasked with defending the accused in a case that mirrors the nation’s turmoil. As he navigates the complexities of a high-profile trial, Louis also contends with personal challenges, from a strained marriage to a friendship tested by ideological divides.
One of the novel’s standout features is its exploration of intricate relationships, particularly the dynamic between Louis and his close friend, Vincent. Their intense exchanges, especially a pivotal moment where ideals and familial expectations clash, are a testament to Twist’s ability to craft deep, multifaceted characters. Twist excels in storytelling, striking a delicate balance between character development and a wider narrative scope. Before pivotal courtroom scenes, readers are immersed in the setting through rich, evocative descriptions, setting the stage for the drama to unfold. The book is a masterful blend of genres, weaving together historical intrigue, legal intricacies, and romantic entanglements. It paints a vivid picture of 1870s Hautefaye, capturing the political turbulence, legal complexities, and social unrest that culminated in peasant uprisings. These historical elements are seamlessly interwoven with a poignant romantic subplot marked by passion, heartbreak, and the trials of love.
Louis Mie and the Trial of Hautefaye offers a multifaceted narrative, shifting through time and perspectives to weave a captivating tale. L.M. Twist’s debut is a testament to the power of a well-told story, marrying historical depth with human emotion. I eagerly anticipate more from this promising author, whose initial foray into novel writing is both impressive and engaging.
Pages: 339 | ASIN : B0CPWZJKBR
