Secret Rooms

For Gertrude, dreams play an ever-present role in her life. Some dreams were, in truth, harsh realities she would attempt to superimpose into a surreal dreamland to make them feel less real to help remove the pain. Other dreams were for a new life – one where she would be free to be her true self and to love freely those she dared to dream of a future alongside. Transitioning from one life to the other, however, was easier said then done as Gertrude realizes that the nightmares of her past are never too away. With sheer determination we follow Gertrude’s life story in her hunt for redemption, forgiveness of self and others, and to move beyond the social taboos of the time to embrace the life she was meant to live. This debut novel from J. Faber Gallagher represents a life quest to write about real life issues facing women; issues that many women have not been willing to acknowledge or bring in to the light. Told in a captivating yet tender style, this novel will offer healing and hope – and perhaps give the reader a new found voice of confidence and perspective to those who relate to the triumphant story of Gertrude Smyth.