Weedmonkey by Lisa V. Proulx ‣ The Writers Blog

old sepia photo of 2 children in Appalachia cover of the book Weedmonkey by Lisa V. Proulx

Weedmonkey

Lisa V. Proulx
Genre: Historical Memoir, Appalachia

Blurb

Weedmonkey is not a fairytale but a glimpse of life during the Great Depression. It tells the true story of Virgie, a young girl growing up in Appalachia. Her life is marked by hardship, resilience, and self-reliance as she faces abuse, starvation, foster care, and the societal challenges of the day—poverty, racism, and segregation. Virgie’s story is one of survival and fortitude, offering an authentic look at life in Appalachia during one of the toughest periods in American history.

Special note about Weedmonkey from the author: “My mother Victoria started writing this book when I was a little girl. In 2006, she was diagnosed with terminal cancer and given three months to live. On her deathbed, she asked me to finish writing it for her. I said yes.”

Review

Reading Weedmonky was like listening to my Mamaw tell me stories. I am happy that Ms. Proulx did this story justice by leaving it in the voice of Virgie and not trying to change it. Too often we are looked down on as uneducated because of our pattern of speech but that is what makes us unique and if you do some research you will see that the Appalachian dialect is closest to the old Elizabethan English … but now I am getting off topic.

Virgie’s tale is one of self-reliance and fortitude, overcoming obstacles, and making a life out of nothing. Born to parents who had their own demons to deal with, Virgie had to survive abuse, starvation, and foster care as well as the issues of the day. Weedmonkey is a true story about an Appalachian girl who survived and I am so glad to have read her story.

About the Author

Lisa V. Proulx is an award-winning and international bestselling author, an award-winning speaker and storyteller, an editor, and a publishing consultant with Indie Author Consulting. As Lisa V. Proulx, she writes horror, inspirational, and non-fiction, and as Veronica Moreau, she crafts sexy rock and roll romances. Her work captures the spirit of resilience, creativity, and heartfelt storytelling.

A laid-back, Bohemian 70s rocker chick, Lisa loves spending her days on her Maryland farm with her family, two dogs, and a variety of cool cats and wildlife. She is also a former belly dancer who enjoys cooking, baking, and working in her garden.