Manscapes: Journey into Light.

by Manuela Cardiga

" All women - from the most exquisite beauty to the plainest drab - want to believe in the Cinderella myth. Even the harsh-faced and sour-hearted, somewhere deep in their night-time struggles with their bitterest reality, dare to dream some Prince could still see past the dense veil of unkind nature and time, to the delicate, frail-hearted beauty within." But Clara wasn't Cinderella, waiting for her Prince, she was Sleeping Beauty poisoned by a deadly kiss. After 24 years Clara awakens from a living nightmare of abuse and discovers her life unfolding miraculously; but the true miracle is her own the maturing of a frightened abused girl into a strong woman capable of love, laughter and joy. In Tahiti's exotic landscape Clara finds her way from darkness to incandescent light, embracing in herself the strength of choice, and the power of decision. MANscapes is a powerful parable of hope and renewal, a story of one woman's discovery of herself and her journey into love.

232 pages, Paperback

First published July 23, 2014

About the author

Manuela 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...

Reviews

[Vera Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

The beginning of this book sent my emotions on a roller coaster ride that reflected what Clara was experiencing. I had to side with Clara so that I could shadow her through her development whilst cheering her on from the side lines. I was delighted when I saw Clara emerge from her cocoon to reveal her renewed self.
Manuela is a story teller deluxe, I love her story depictions and character portrayals. I fell in love with many of her characters but I did hiss others as they appeared on the page.
Well done once again!