Kirkbride Press is Pleased to Announce the Newly Released Sequel To Carmen!
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A debut novel by Genevieve Geha Kirkbride
A story of Conflict, Sacrifice and Faith, Carmen is a compelling narrative of the life and legacy of a girl who left her family home full of hopes and dreams for a better future. The story is based on actual events. Carmen, the central figure of the novel, was born in Damascus around WWI. Her marriage to a much older man who could promise her passage to America was the beginning of years of hardship and abuse. What she endured and how she triumphed is a story that can inspire and motivate readers to find similar strengths within themselves.
A Sequel by Genevieve Geha Kirkbride
The reader is taken back to the 40’s and 50’s in Toledo, Ohio as seen through the eyes of a reluctant immigrant from Damascus Syria. Kirkbride details Carmen’s first impressions of Northwest Ohio, downtown Toledo, the Paramount Theater, Lamson’s Department Store, to name a few – all the while, she and her three children struggled with a language barrier – much like the challenges faced by the immigrants of today.
Flash backs reveal the circumstances of Carmen’s arranged marriage, separation and eventual reunion. There were many reasons that led her husband, Elias, to move his family from Lebanon to Toledo. A contagious daughter on the voyage to America in 1946, led to a two-week quarantine of the entire ship at their arrival at Ellis Island – stories not to miss!
Anchored by her strong faith, Carmen perserved for the sake of her children. How she triumphed will hopefully inspire readers to find similar strengths within themselves.
Human Interest Stories that will Captivate & Amaze
These shocking sometime amazing human interest stories are based on actual events. Although the narratives are pure fiction; they help us to examine and learn from the past. Readers of the CARMEN novels will find familiar characters as they delve into each story. Wisdom comes with age!
A post World War II immigrant, Genevieve and her family came to this country hoping for the freedom and opportunities for success that America boasts of so proudly. Growing up in a bilingual family gave her insight into many special problems of language and cultural barriers that are found in an adopted country. Her sensitivity to cultural differences and its impact has led her to many avenues of social activism. Through various organizations and volunteer projects, Genevieve spread her message through presentations on cultural differences, discrimination and personal bias to area grade schools, universities and various businesses in NW Ohio – emphasis was on education as the facilitator of understanding and acceptance of differences. Genevieve participated in government sponsored projects supporting Non-Governmental Organizations in Lebanon and the first Sister City relationship connecting Dearborn with Cana in Lebanon. Through these interactions, respect and understanding was achieved between countries. It wasn’t until after retiring from city government that Genevieve’s passion to tell Carmen’s story became a reality. The discovery of forgotten notes and questionable stories from long ago, let her to reveal the saga of CARMEN – a voice to be heard.