Review
In this heart wrenching and inspiring memoir, author Audrey Gittens lays bare the tragedies and victories of her storied life, taking us from the destitution and travails of childhood through the hardships of adulthood, while celebrating the life affirming beauties of motherhood and the resilience of a faithful spirit. There is a painful longing and devastating rawness to Crossing the Chasms of Life as the author recounts, in striking prose and through gripping dramatization, the details of her harrowing narrative, drawing the reader into a painful truth that pierces straight to the heart. The memoir, however, is by no means bleak or nihilistic. Through this crucible of brutality, loss, and sorrow, Ms. Gittens gleaned an uplifting philosophy of life, an outlook of resilience and reconciliation. Readers, no matter the extent or intensity of their own suffering, will undoubtedly both relate to the emotional weight of the narrative as well as find an inspiring solace through the fear and pity of catharsis so deeply ingrained in the form, content, and honest, poetic sensibility of Crossing the Chasm of Life. At the same time a powerful account of life's darkest possibilities and a testament to overcoming, a manual for living with a haunted past, Ms. Gittens' memoir is sure to captivate audiences on a profound, spiritual level. -Charles Asher
Synopsis:
Dr. Audrey Gittens is a Caribbean woman with a global perspective on life. Her experience in health care, and involvement in socio-economic and political spheres have given her wisdom beyond her years. Despite her achievements, she considers being a mother and grandmother her most significant accomplishments. This book is based on her life’s trajectory, the hills and troughs she has climbed, and the passion she has for any undertaking.
The author’s strongest characteristic is the ability to overcome challenges. She knows what it is like to be tossed in the wind, to be battered and bruised, yet she survives any storm. She rose to the highest rank of the nursing profession, earning her BScN, MSc and doctoral degrees in nursing. Her education, training, and experience have propelled her to other career fields, including housing, public service, information, and labor. She has been chairman of the board of several organizations and sat in advisory capacities on others. Her most notable trait is that she is a humanitarian, always defending the vulnerable and marginalized.
Apart from her mother, the women who inspired her and whose legacy she emulates, include the head of the International Monetary Fund, Christine Lagarde; Margaret Thatcher, former British Prime Minister; Mary Eugena Charles, former Prime Minister of the Caribbean Island of Dominica; Elnora Warner, nurse leader and educator of Antigua and Barbuda; Dr. Marjorie Parks of Belize, nurse leader and educator; and Aberdeen Brown of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, a former nurse leader and educator.
Dr. Gittens’ motto is “The sky is never the limit, look beyond.”
About the Author:
First-time author Audrey Gittens grew up in humble circumstances on the island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the Eastern Caribbean.
Dr. Gittens said, "I knew that I had to tell my story. Each time I shared with someone or with a group, they encouraged me to write because it could be an inspiration to others. Additionally, people form conclusion about who I am without knowing me or anything about my life. The book is an introduction of who I really am."
BOOK LAUNCH
On May 9th, 2017 Dr. Gittens officially launched her book at 4:20 pm at the Peace Memorial Hall in capital Kingstown. Her fellow Vincentians at home went out at this event to rally around her in solidarity. Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Hon. Dr. Ralph Gonsalves were among the attendees.
Family. My Sister, brother, nephew and niece.
Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Hon. Dr. Ralph Gonsalves
BOOK SIGNING DONE BY DR. GITTENS:
Dr. Gittens received congratulatory notes on her Facebook wall from persons who are indeed proud and elated of her accomplishments.
Publisher’s website:http://sbprabooks.com/AudreyGittens
