Judith -
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Leslie's next book, Judith, comes out early this year and is already at the publisher's. Inspired by art, and compelled to know more, Leslie found that the Apocryphal Book of Judith. With the support of the Kentucky Foundation for Women, Leslie researched and wrote this historical novel, from the perspective of Judith. History is written about the victors, and yet as a woman, there was little said about Judith. She was a Jewish widow of noble rank in Bethulia, a town besieged by the army of the Assyrian general Holofernes. The novel, in many ways, is not far from the tradition of oral history. Through the work of Leslie's pen, come to know Judith, as if in conversation over a meal, and take in a little of history from the feminine perspective.

It was Artemisia Gentileschi's painting of Judith that inspired Leslie to not just explore more about Judith, but come to know her as a character.   There is tremendous significance for this particular painting hanging at the Uffizzi, among the museums of il Polo Museale della citta di Firenze. It's by Artemisia Gentilechi, who was a rape survivor, and was tortured during her rapist's trial where they tried to get her to confess that she had been her rapist's lover. As a rare female painter of her time, her talent, strength and conviction made acquiring the rights to this particular painting of Judith poignant for the cover of the novel.

Under the Pomegranate Tree

Under the Pomegranate Tree, is about Sarah, the niece of Achior of the Ammonites who were attacked and defeated by the Assyrians.   She was recently awarded a two week retreat at Hopscotch House from the Kentucky Foundation for Women to start work on the project. Watch the blog for updates on how work progresses.

Leslie's book Love is the Thread was published in December 2010, by Pearlsong Press. Obtain your copy, ask your local retailer or go to this amazon.com link.
http://amzn.com/1597190489 available in paperback or e-book formats.

Kristine, taken by Sherry Tuegel.

Love is the Thread is a memoir that traces the friendship between two women. Leslie was recovering from an abusive relationship when she met Kristine. Over the course of their friendship, Kristine, not only faced her own life-long struggle with bi-polar disorder, but was in the midst of a battle with breast cancer. Kristine, taught Leslie not just how to knit, but wove into her instructions, love, friendship, spirituality and life lessons. During one knitting lesson, Leslie took out her needles and yarn, and Kristine said "Why did you choose that yarn?" In Leslie's hands was man-made fiber, and she responded, that she didn't deserve the fine yarn yet. Kristine let her know her worth, that everyone deserves the good stuff. Through the generosity of friendship and those knitting lessons, Kristine helped Leslie stitch and mend all her relationships.

Check out a snipet view of the book!

Special thanks to Peggy Elam, Ph.D. of Pearlsong Press. You'll find more about Peggy and the publisher of Love is the Thread, at http://www.pearlsong.com/. Leslie's authorpage at Pearlsong is: http://www.pearlsong.com/leslie_moise.htm

Leslie Moïse, Author

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