A Sweet Oblation

Oblation... "an offering to God". The word will never be thought of in the same way again after reading, Irma Silva-Barbeau's fictional story. A Sweet Oblation. The heart and soul of this intriguing, thought-provoking book is Isabel, a girl who embarks on a spiritual journey on Ash Wednesday. In her journey, Isabel encounters a young mysterious girl who guides her through a dark tunnel to a strange land where she meets many characters who reveal to her the meaning of suffering, give her insights into God's plan, and knowledge about the purpose for her own life. There is the enigmatic Mina, the homeless Baba, the crippled Mr. Little Hands, the beggar Mr. Tallman and the ill Miss Mary each providing new opportunities for Isabel to act on the heavenly truths that she has learned. This adventure of faith occurs during the forty days of Lent, drawing parallels that will impact Isabel's life forever. Set in an island town off the coast of West Africa steeped in Catholicism of the 1950s, A Sweet Oblation takes an honest, poignant look at tradition, rituals, religious strife, and bigotry. Page after page, the reader will be compelled to agree-Love can transform the most difficult events and the hardest of hearts. God desires every human being to be a sweet oblation, offered freely from the heart.

"I thoroughly enjoyed this enchanting book. It is obvious that Ms. Silva-Barbeau is drawing from a wealth of personal experience. Her style, charm, and grace make for very good read." - D.N.Boswell, Southwest Virginia

"I really enjoyed this wonderful story about a family and their daughter, Isabel, demonstrating how we must find our peace by turning to God and living the life He has planned for us. This book will show others how to find success in life's struggles." -  Dr. I. Charles Pfaff, ThD, Maranatha College, Dublin, Virginia

"Unforgettable and charming." - Diane Gabriel, Christiansburg, Virginia

"This is a fascinating recounting of the spiritual quest of a young Catholic girl living in the Cape Verde Islands off the coast of West Africa in the 1960s. During the season of Lent and Easter, she finds inner peace and a new understanding of her family and people in her small village. It is a unique look at coming of age in a simpler time and place." - Tom Moore, Rockville, Maryland

"This book gave me a new perspective on the season of Lent. Concepts such as suffering as a blessing and the significance of Lent were instructive and moving. Catholics are often asked about our traditions, particularly when people of other faiths see a black mark on our foreheads on Ash Wednesday A Sweet Oblation explains this outward sign in a very human and touching way. Succinctly, Lent is a "timeout" to focus on the joys that are spiritual and everlasting instead of the everyday and temporary pleasures we often worry about. A recommended read for all Christians and non Christians alike." - Pick Mattioni, News Director -WVTF, and Program Director-Radio IQ, Roanoke, Virginia