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MANscapes
Paperback
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About the author
Manuela Cardiga
31 books8 followersManuela Cardiga was born in Mozambique and raised in South Africa where she studied fashion design. She moved to Europe where she worked as a fashion designer, then moved to the crazy world of advertising as a graphic designer and copywriter.
Manuela is a designer by profession, a cook by vocation, and a writer by compulsion. She currently resides in Lisbon, Portugal where she writes contemporary and historical fiction, designs book covers, illustrates children’s books, and mothers a gorgeous daughter while juggling a day job. She also dabbles enthusiastically in exotic, experimental cuisine, much to the discomfort of family and friends.
Facebook profile: https://www.facebook.com/mariamanuela...
Manuela is a designer by profession, a cook by vocation, and a writer by compulsion. She currently resides in Lisbon, Portugal where she writes contemporary and historical fiction, designs book covers, illustrates children’s books, and mothers a gorgeous daughter while juggling a day job. She also dabbles enthusiastically in exotic, experimental cuisine, much to the discomfort of family and friends.
Facebook profile: https://www.facebook.com/mariamanuela...
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 9, 2014
“The characters in MANscapes are larger-than-life and totally compelling; they are so enduring and vividly made that they have merged with my life. This is the hallmark of an excellent book. I've not read a more inventive story in a long while. This juxtaposition of darkness and light will be with you in many lovely ways for a long time. If there is a prize for the most beautiful Book cover this book will win it."
Novelist D. Adendorff
Novelist D. Adendorff
August 9, 2014
Compelling and heartwrenching!
Manuela Cardiga’s Manscapes is beautifully written - so descriptive. Her evocative writing brings the scenery and the character's emotions to life. But it's a sad and painful tale- it made me cry - a lot - which is testament to the author’s wonderful storytelling ability. Manscapes is a captivating story about the reality of so many women, and thought it is a painful journey, it does end in hope.
Manuela Cardiga’s Manscapes is beautifully written - so descriptive. Her evocative writing brings the scenery and the character's emotions to life. But it's a sad and painful tale- it made me cry - a lot - which is testament to the author’s wonderful storytelling ability. Manscapes is a captivating story about the reality of so many women, and thought it is a painful journey, it does end in hope.
September 14, 2014
Interesting story... somewhat disturbing but at the same time hopeful. I would not recommend this to anyone who likes to avoid the subject of rape in their books. The husband/father was a peculiar and disturbing individual who had a fetish for This made me extremely uncomfortable... so, just FYI in case anyone else out there might be sensitive to this type of content.
After 23 yrs of enduring nightly assaults from her husband Clara finally finds the courage to leave. She ends up finding solace in Tahiti where she rediscovers her love for art and finally grows to become a free woman who learns to love.
This author has a talent for writing stories that are unique and full of eccentric and unusual characters. I loved her book Guilty Pleasures for that very reason... it offered something a little different and it was interesting and entertaining. Definitely not like anything I've ever read before. This book was the same experience, just a little darker in content. I will admit that while I was intrigued by the story itself, I did have trouble connecting with the characters. The colorful and artsy descriptions sometimes overwhelmed me.
I know for certain that this will only appeal to a particular audience. So, not really sure who to recommend it too... except those who like to occasionally step outside the box of your more traditional romances. This would be a good choice for a book club. Lots of interesting issues that would make for some colorful debates and discussion. Especially in regards to Clara, our leading lady... very much a victim who finds her way back from dark to light.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
www.ktbookreviews.com
After 23 yrs of enduring nightly assaults from her husband Clara finally finds the courage to leave. She ends up finding solace in Tahiti where she rediscovers her love for art and finally grows to become a free woman who learns to love.
This author has a talent for writing stories that are unique and full of eccentric and unusual characters. I loved her book Guilty Pleasures for that very reason... it offered something a little different and it was interesting and entertaining. Definitely not like anything I've ever read before. This book was the same experience, just a little darker in content. I will admit that while I was intrigued by the story itself, I did have trouble connecting with the characters. The colorful and artsy descriptions sometimes overwhelmed me.
I know for certain that this will only appeal to a particular audience. So, not really sure who to recommend it too... except those who like to occasionally step outside the box of your more traditional romances. This would be a good choice for a book club. Lots of interesting issues that would make for some colorful debates and discussion. Especially in regards to Clara, our leading lady... very much a victim who finds her way back from dark to light.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
www.ktbookreviews.com
October 4, 2014
I received the book from the author for an honest review.
What an incredible story. Written with so much thoughtfulness and poetic flair that you could not help but to connect on a deeper level with the main character. Clara Nova's story is heartfelt and touching, her struggles to be her own woman was just so believable.
Raped at the age of eighteen, Clara had no other option but to marry the man when she became pregnant. Not only did he raped her body, but raped her mind, and her emotions so that she was lost for everyone, accept him.
When she finally woke one morning with the realization that she is more than a victim, she returned as this very strong intelligent woman with a passion and drive that would not allow her to be a victim anymore. With this realization her journey of self discovery began, and together we walk with her through this growth. Watch as she discover love for the first time, enjoying the desire and passion of her art and awakening between the crisp white sheets.
I really love the name of the book, Manscapes. What a brilliant way of describing Clara's journey as she grew into this passionate being. Mapping out her desires with oils and brush.
When Johnny Walker walked into her life she had awaken fully. His brooding ways had sat her aflame, and he taught her about lovemaking. But he too, had some demons to fight, demons that stood in their way of happiness, and at the end he made a choice.
With the death of her husband, she learned more startling news, helping her daughter to face her own fears, both becoming independent in the process.
I loved Winston's character, his character was always in the background, but yet his presence couldn't be denied. His silent strength a witness to his graceful persona.
Really a very good story with an in depth look of a mature woman as she get to know herself, her strengths, and fears and deals with everything that life threw at her.
Thanks for a great read Ms. Cardiga.
What an incredible story. Written with so much thoughtfulness and poetic flair that you could not help but to connect on a deeper level with the main character. Clara Nova's story is heartfelt and touching, her struggles to be her own woman was just so believable.
Raped at the age of eighteen, Clara had no other option but to marry the man when she became pregnant. Not only did he raped her body, but raped her mind, and her emotions so that she was lost for everyone, accept him.
When she finally woke one morning with the realization that she is more than a victim, she returned as this very strong intelligent woman with a passion and drive that would not allow her to be a victim anymore. With this realization her journey of self discovery began, and together we walk with her through this growth. Watch as she discover love for the first time, enjoying the desire and passion of her art and awakening between the crisp white sheets.
I really love the name of the book, Manscapes. What a brilliant way of describing Clara's journey as she grew into this passionate being. Mapping out her desires with oils and brush.
When Johnny Walker walked into her life she had awaken fully. His brooding ways had sat her aflame, and he taught her about lovemaking. But he too, had some demons to fight, demons that stood in their way of happiness, and at the end he made a choice.
With the death of her husband, she learned more startling news, helping her daughter to face her own fears, both becoming independent in the process.
I loved Winston's character, his character was always in the background, but yet his presence couldn't be denied. His silent strength a witness to his graceful persona.
Really a very good story with an in depth look of a mature woman as she get to know herself, her strengths, and fears and deals with everything that life threw at her.
Thanks for a great read Ms. Cardiga.
January 2, 2015
Manscapes is a dynamic story of one woman, Clara’s, struggles with love and romance. As a young woman she is raped and becomes pregnant by the rapist. She is then forced by her family to marry him. She grows to love and adore the child, a daughter, but her loathing for him becomes unbearable and she leaves. She is an artist, a painter, is forced to leave her schooling upon marrying her rapist. Once freed, she dives back into her painting and begins painting men, she nicknames her art appropriately as Manscapes. Upon leaving, she learns to love herself as well as falling in love.
This story touched me as a woman. Manuela Cardiga brings to life the fear, loathing, and incredible emotions that go with spending nearly a lifetime with that man who raped her. I felt sadness and loneliness, then happiness for Clara as the story passed. I will not disclose as you will have to read for yourself, but Manscapes is a powerful, riveting story that kept me on the edge of my seat and my emotions bobbing like a dime store bouncy ball.
A compelling novel that is far more than a romance.
This story touched me as a woman. Manuela Cardiga brings to life the fear, loathing, and incredible emotions that go with spending nearly a lifetime with that man who raped her. I felt sadness and loneliness, then happiness for Clara as the story passed. I will not disclose as you will have to read for yourself, but Manscapes is a powerful, riveting story that kept me on the edge of my seat and my emotions bobbing like a dime store bouncy ball.
A compelling novel that is far more than a romance.
January 4, 2015
This was a beautifully written story, but I just couldn't get into it at all. I didn't connect with Clara in they way I wanted to and it wasn't anything to do with the author.
She finally leaves her husband after almost 24 years of rape which took a lot of courage for her to do, and she and up in Tahiti where she is free. Clara starts to paint again and in the end out, of the darkness that encompasses her for so much of her life there is light and hope.
She finally leaves her husband after almost 24 years of rape which took a lot of courage for her to do, and she and up in Tahiti where she is free. Clara starts to paint again and in the end out, of the darkness that encompasses her for so much of her life there is light and hope.
September 25, 2014
This is a really touching and heartbreaking story.
After twenty four years of rape and abuse Clara gets the courage to leave her abusive husband. She moves to Tahiti where she starts painting again.
Although on the dark side this is a beautifully written emotional story of Clara's journey to move on from such pain and maybe find happiness again.
After twenty four years of rape and abuse Clara gets the courage to leave her abusive husband. She moves to Tahiti where she starts painting again.
Although on the dark side this is a beautifully written emotional story of Clara's journey to move on from such pain and maybe find happiness again.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews