Dominican publishes memoir of essays and poetry

 Avril Somerville is a Dominican living in the US
Avril Somerville is a Dominican living in the US

A Dominican living in the US has published a memoir which comprises of personal essays and poetry.

In “A Journey of Life on Purpose,” Avril Somerville writes about love in its myriad of expressions – self, community, and a larger sisterhood and women’s collective that is critical to becoming; implores authenticity and transparency with self in relationships with one another; speaks clearly to the urgency of carving and nurturing the creative space.

She said the book also answers questions regarding her own personal challenges with identity, while tackling race from a deeply seated place of empathy and conviction as a mother raising three black children in America.

The author pointed out that ‘A Journey Of Life On Purpose’ is ultimately about the personal transformation and fulfillment that await us along our respective life journeys when we are intentional and engage our best critical selves, make time for our creative gifts, and seek to find our connection to a broader community, apart from the roles we serve.

The cover of the book
The cover of the book

Avril Somerville is a writer and educator. She writes candidly from her varied experiences as immigrant, wife, mother, daughter, life student, and spirit servant among her intimate circles of family, friends, and community.

Born in Dominica, she is a first-generation graduate of Swarthmore College and Pennsylvania State University where she received her Masters of Business Administration.

She lives with her husband and their three children outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

A Journey Of Life On Purpose is her first book of nonfiction.

It is available on Amazon.

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20 Comments

  1. Virginia Toure
    January 27, 2016

    I am so proud of you daughter dear, you’ve always been special in our lives especially mine, we will continue to pray for you. You’ve achieved so much, all blessings are due to the almighty, for what he has for you no one can take it away from you, so continue doing your do, however i am patiently awaiting your next book as always i will be the first reader.
    Congratulations.

    • January 28, 2016

      Thanks for your support as always, Mom!

  2. june
    January 27, 2016

    Congratulations on such great work, and consideration, truly a good book to explore and such diversity comes from a beginning in such a beautiful place Dominica.

    • January 28, 2016

      Thank you, love. You’re right; one can’t help but be inspired with such a canvas as Dominica.

  3. empressvi
    January 27, 2016

    Congrats cuz…..I’m really proud of you. May God continue to bless you as you continue to inspire others and yourself.

    • January 28, 2016

      Thank you my Beautiful Empress Cousin! :)

  4. love
    January 26, 2016

    u really think this special,smart and beautiful lady will go to all that leadership MESS in dominica right now,family first PLEASE ….i said this to say…

  5. Unknown
    January 26, 2016

    Congrats young lady,

  6. Dominica
    January 26, 2016

    Congratulation

    • January 27, 2016

      Merci!

  7. love
    January 26, 2016

    ask them

  8. Shay
    January 26, 2016

    Congratulations sis! I truly have enjoyed reading “A Journey of life on Purpose”.

    • January 26, 2016

      Thanks Sis! The Journey continues. Happy to be here, to join the throng of literary scholars and ancestors that paved the way. Thanks for the love, love. :)

  9. mke
    January 26, 2016

    great job we have a lot of talented nationals outside of Dominica making us proud. how can we collect those minds to help fix the economic crisis that we are in. Any suggetions?

    • January 26, 2016

      Thanks for reading, mke. We can all play a role. If we are truly walking in our gifts, then we are serving and giving the best of what we have to offer. If we can acknowledge the light and gifts in each of us as a community, both in Dominica and abroad, then we’re well on our way to fixing that crisis. Supporting each other in our respective endeavors, is a great way to start. Harnessing the talents and resourcefulness of those already in Dominica will always be an important factor in the total solution. Secondly, more direct partnerships with organizations abroad and at home are critical, but they must be economically viable, rather than cost-prohibitive.

  10. yolande letang
    January 26, 2016

    my sister.
    i am proud of u

    • January 26, 2016

      Thanks Sis! I am happy to be on the journey and to now have all my sisters with me! All of you have become essential to “My Tapestry of Womanhood.” The Journey continues!

  11. Jenny
    January 26, 2016

    Avril,
    Let me congratulate you on this accomplishment. I will be sure to get my copy and delve into reading about your live, early days, which I was part of, and later days as you developed and matured into who you are today. God bless you always.

    • January 26, 2016

      Hey Jenny! God bless you too! Thanks for being part of the journey. It continues. More to come, and so may more books to write!

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