About the Book
Audrey, a young professional woman returns to rural Canada from England after the unexpected death of her brother James. Audrey re-visits the town full of ghosts from her fraught past… her distant father, two unsatisfactory stepmothers, her dark and dangerous cousin Struan and her childhood mate, Frank.
During a terrible storm, Audrey crashes through the old town bridge. Audrey is pulled from the wreck and is transported to the local hospital where she weaves the threads of her tortured childhood with the trials and triumphs of her new life. Audrey presents this blended fabric to Frank in a fitful and imagined conversation.
She tells him of the successful documentary film company that James and she created in London, and their home away from home in exotic and bustling Cairo. Audrey also confronts her troubled home life, where after the mysterious death of their mother, James and Audrey endure an emotionally void home.
She also remembers her happier moments of lazy summers by the river, or snuggling in the hayloft with Frank, who becomes an invisible vessel for her ravings, to find peace in her tumultuous life.
Yet, Audrey must remember her unspeakably horrific relationship with Struan.
Testimonials
"Joan Kenny’s, A Snake At My Shoulder is beautifully raw and well written. Her novel takes you through the journey of a young woman’s life, from despair to a place of gratitude. The powerfulness of her words took me through a range of emotions, from happy, sad, shock and grief. The main character, Audrey offers up truths in life that really hit home. I found myself laughing out loud as she navigates her way through life’s adventures. These kept me turning the pages with anticipation of what life would bring her and where her next adventure would take her."
Karryanne L
After starting reading I could not put this book down and I sat curled under a blanket until I was done. In the weeks that followed memories popped into my head as if they were my own but I realized that they were fleeting images from A Snake at My Shoulder. I have now read this book again and recommend it as a thoroughly good read filled with vivid images and believable characters. Places I want to see and people I want to know!
Laurie Rodney
This was a book I could just not put down. The main character takes you to Egypt to London and the journey she makes between past and present.The lies told and secrets kept. How everything in life can change you for better or worse. The things we leave behind and what we take with us no matter how our life goes. I highly recommend this for summer reading!!