Shangana Press

Shangana Press is a home for authors to dream; for readers to imagine; a place of revelation and possibility. Stay tuned for additional authors and titles.

a new novel by Gemma Whelan

PAINTING

THROUGH THE

DARK

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“… a tender, dramatic portrait of a young woman from an Irish convent, driven to explore the world—and her past—through the power of art.”

—Rene Denfeld, bestselling author of The Child Finder

“…writes with courage and precision…the damage incurred by sexual abuse, the burden of broken dreams, bravery, betrayal, the claustrophobia of conventional expectations, and most prominently, the darkness in men’s hearts.”

—Mark James Montgomery, The Lightning Field

“…a multi-layered novel that encompasses a rich tapestry of themes from first love and sex to a nation and church reeking of abuse.”

—Ellen Kesend, author and screenwriter

About Gemma Whelan: Gemma (she/her) is an award-winning author, director, educator, and screenwriter. As an Irish immigrant to the U.S., her perspective crosses the boundaries between cultures, and as an artist, she gives expression to stories that have been suppressed. Gemma was the founding Artistic Director of Wilde Irish Productions in the San Francisco Bay Area and of Corrib Theatre in Portland. She has been writing, directing, and teaching for over 40 years. She lives in Portland, Oregon.