Staff WriterTwo time Jamaican author Lana Ho-Shing will read from her latest novel Belladonna at Ripe Kitchen and Bar in Mt. Vernon on February 18th , 2007 at 4 p.m.
Belladonna is a story that spans several decades, following two of the wealthiest families on the island of Jamaica . The younger generation relays the tale of Melanie Henderson – rich with money and possessions but battling demons from her own family’s past. It is a tale of incest, betrayal and murder, of the lingering effects of past abuses on future generations. Full of colorful and intriguing characters, you almost won’t believe that it’s based on true events.
In her review Denolyn Carroll of Essence Magazine writes, “A dark, erotic novel, “Belladonna” conjures up a period in the history of Jamaica when so much was covered up: racism, incest, murder, scandals and the politics that encourage such wrongs. Ms. Ho-Shing dares to disturb the pages of time and possibly ruffle some feathers. A bold yet tender story, where the human spirit shines against all odds.”
Born in Falmouth , Jamaica Ms. Ho – Shing moved to Kingston as a child where she eventually earned a degree in Nursing and a post graduate diploma in Intensive Care Nursing from the University of the West Indies – Mona Campus.
After migrating to North America , she continued her studies and career development in Human Resources and Management. Not surprisingly her love of books moved her to open a bookstore of her own in the North Bronx where she was hailed as a literary pioneer by publications such as Black Enterprise.
Ms. Ho-Shing later returned to the corporate world in 2000 where she still works in one of the largest brokerage firms in the United States . A survivor of the September 11th terrorist attacks, her story was one of three told in an off Broadway production by Rich Swingle called Five Bells for 9/11.
The latest in a long list of accolades, Ms. Ho-Shing was recently selected by Amazon.com as one of its featured authors for her story Country Girl as part of the Amazon Shorts program.
For additional information please log on to www.lanamhoshing.com. For directions to Ripe Kitchen and Bar at 151 W. Sandford Blvd , Mt. Vernon log on to www.riperestaurant.com.
Contact: Rhys Media Productions
718.325.7890
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