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A Delicate Balance
In Shelter of the Monument, you share with readers the personal growth you experienced while in a relationship tainted by addiction. Why was it important for you to share your story?
When I was young, shy, and incredibly insecure, the man at the center of this story, gave me the courage to have my own voice, my own place in this world. I didn’t believe I was worthy of that and thus, his gift was huge. I have always credited him with the life I live now. I believe if not for him, I would be someone very different and someone not very happy. Despite this, his reputation didn’t align with what I knew him to be. I felt I owed it to him to share the incredible gift he gave me and to offer a much more positive spin on who he was at heart.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
Once I decided to tell this story, the memories came pouring out. I believe for a memoir to touch others, it must be completely honest. But stories cross into other lives. Thus the hardest part for me was how to tell this story in the way I remember it without hurting others, especially those closest to me. It was a delicate balance and ultimately I accomplished this by changing names and toning down some of my more emotionally charged reflections when possible so as not to hurt others.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about living with a partner battling addiction?
That the person struggling may not want sobriety enough or isn’t trying hard enough, or that the support of one person can fix it all. I learned those lessons the hard way and even though it was often painful, it was yet another gift. Recovery is complicated and for those who love someone battling addiction, the answers may not be as simple as trying harder or supporting more. But the world understands addiction better than when the events of this story took place and thankfully help is more widely available now.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your experience?
People are much more than their addictions.
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Sometimes the wrong person says the right thing, and it makes all the difference.
In this coming-of-age memoir we meet Richard, a handsome, charming, mischievous, great guy with a fondness for the 1980s party drug of choice, cocaine. Yvonne is 11 years younger, awkward, terrified of her own shadow and even more frightened by the idea of disappointing anyone in her life.
Their attraction makes no sense.
Despite obstacles beyond their control, they are exactly what each other is drawn to as they set about doing the best they can, in all four seasons of their beautiful, one season town, Provincetown, MA. Their connection remains the one thing that can save Yvonne from herself, even while Richard struggles under the weight of his own self-imposed demons.
What they develop is a relationship that unbeknownst to both of them, would last a lifetime and change Yvonne in ways she never thought possible.
They were not supposed to be together.
Yet, they refused to stay apart.
Shelter of the Monument: A Provincetown Love Story
Shelter of the Monument, by Yvonne deSousa, takes readers on a heartfelt and intimate journey through the author’s memories and emotions, centered on her time in Provincetown, Massachusetts. The book weaves a narrative of love, loss, addiction, and personal growth, using the physical and emotional shelter of Provincetown’s iconic Pilgrim Monument as a central metaphor. The story, rooted in real-life events, revolves around deSousa’s relationship with Richard, a man struggling with addiction, and her evolving understanding of herself, her faith, and her place in the world.
What stands out immediately is deSousa’s unflinching honesty. She holds nothing back, whether she’s reflecting on her love for Richard or facing the painful reality of his addiction. In the chapter about Richard’s addiction, deSousa lays bare her frustration and heartbreak, especially when she hands over the hidden drugs in a scratched-up pan buried in the kitchen. That vulnerability is what makes this book so gripping and authentic. She never glosses over her pain or makes excuses for Richard, and that openness gives the narrative a powerful, almost visceral quality. The book’s emotional highs and lows are intense. DeSousa expertly captures the exhilaration of young love alongside the despair of watching someone self-destruct.
I do believe that the pacing in some parts might feel slow to some readers, especially when Richard’s relapses pile up, delaying deSousa’s personal growth. It’s frustrating to watch her forgive him repeatedly, but this is what makes the novel so moving. It’s a realistic portrayal of how hard it is to let go of someone you love. Her struggle speaks to the difficulty of choosing self-care over a destructive relationship, and that tension is central to the story’s emotional depth. The novel is truly compelling, thanks to deSousa’s sincerity and the strength of her prose. The themes of love, loss, and personal transformation are woven throughout, keeping the reader emotionally invested, even during the slower-paced passages. Her journey is filled with heartbreak, but also moments of clarity that bring hope.
Shelter of the Monument is a riveting memoir that will resonate with anyone who has experienced the complexities of love or the pain of watching a loved one struggle with addiction. DeSousa’s warmth, honesty, and vivid sense of place make this a must-read for those who appreciate deeply personal stories. If you’re drawn to tales of personal growth, tough decisions, and the messy beauty of small-town life, this book will leave a lasting impression.
Pages: 309 | ASIN : B0CHSHVHRS
LITERARY TITAN 