Statement by Kathleen McCrone
“At once biographical and autobiographical, fiction and non-fiction, and prose and poetry, Legacy of Shadows is written in three first-persons and tells parts of the story of Christianna, Lisbet, and Anna, grandmother, daughter, and grand-daughter. The primary narrator and diarist is Anna who experienced a major psychological breakdown in young adulthood. In a herculean effort to understand why, and to rehabilitate herself and her relationships with others, Anna explores the lives of the grandmother she never knew and the mother she knew and yet did not know. In the course of doing so shadows become defined, as Anna discovers and learns to comprehend events and crises that profoundly affected the way she was raised, and the ways she developed, acted, and reacted.
Since the book is essentially author Lillian Moats’ own story, it must have been painful to write. At the same time, one suspects that it was tremendously liberating and cathartic. Certainly it is likely to have those effects on many readers, the details of whose personal stories may be different, but who will relate immediately to Moats’ insights, and to her beautiful and profoundly moving tapestry of crisis and connection, forgiveness and healing.
Moats demonstrates with remarkable eloquence that “no person is an island”. By inviting readers to share her “island”, Moats has performed an act of remarkable courage and generosity that is likely to be of immense benefit to more readers than she would ever have imagined. Legacy of Shadows is no less than a great gift.”
Kathleen McCrone, Ph.D.
Executive Dean, College of Arts and Human Sciences, University of Windsor
Three Arts Press is an expression of creative independence and
interdependence - independence from the world of commercial publishing and
interdependence among creative colleagues who have worked together for many
years. It aspires to the standards of fine bookmaking and design once
practiced by artisan presses.