An Uncommon Tale begins in France during the first half of the twentieth century, and continues into the first decade of the following century. It is set against the backdrop of world events and social unrest, and in so doing recounts the story of Patricia Dawson and Jacques Martin who in spite of belonging to different cultures and age groups, become inexorably linked together in their need to share a life in common. During the height of the Viet Nam war, Patricia Dawson a thirty-something teacher sublets her Washington, DC apartment, and travels to France for the summer. She hopes that a change of venue will enable her to free herself from the intrusive influence of Mathilde Dawson, her overbearing and controlling mother, who believes her youngest daughter lacks the maturity and the ability to function as a responsible adult independent of her advice and counsel. Although her ready wit, fun loving spirit, and pleasing personality are assets that draw men to her, Patricia has been unable to sustain a continuing relationship. Accused by a lover of being "too needy" she holds Mathilde responsible for her feelings of inadequacy, which she believes have prevented her from maintaining an ongoing satisfying relationship with a partner. Unwilling to go through life as a lonely and embittered 'old maid' Patricia seeks to broaden her horizons, and becomes involved in peace and justice issues. In reaching out to others, Patricia tries to escape her mother's interference and attempts to dominate and control. When she returns to Washington, Patricia welcomes the attentions of her former tenant, Jacques Martin, a charming and debonair Frenchman, and believes she has found the love of her life. Jacques Martin spent his youth in France, and at the age of thirty, emigrated to the U.S.A. just before the outbreak of WWII. In 1945, he became a citizen and joined the Agency for International Development as an engineer. He has just completed a tour in the Ivory Coast and has sublet Patricia's apartment for the summer. Jacques is plagued with memories of an abusive childhood that left him with an overwhelming sense of guilt for his imagined role in the breakup of his parents' marriage which, as a young man, entrapped him in a toxic relationship that had consequences for many people. When Jacques confesses that he is not free to marry, Although she is broken hearted and devastated, Patricia remains firm in her refusal to continue their life together. But, this uncommon tale does not end here, nor has their journey of discovery ended. Who are the people and what are the forces that lead Patricia and Jacques to discover the healing power of transformative love? What are the circumstances that finally lead them to accept their need to ask for forgiveness so that they can forgive and become reconciled? The reader is asked to follow along with Patricia and Jacques as they undergo a process which becomes a journey of healing and reconciliation, in which they learn that even the wounded have the potential to become healers while they are themselves being healed.
About the Author: Eve Tetaz's career as an educator spans several decades that include teaching in France, Iran, Thailand, and Ghana where she and her French-born husband, Rene, lived until his retirement from the State Department in 1974. The couple settled in Paris and remained in France until illness necessitated their return to Washington. She resumed teaching in the District Public School system until her husband's death. Ms. Tetaz lives in Washington and is active in the Eighth Day Faith Community. According to Wikipedia, she is ..".an outspoken advocate for peace and justice." "An Uncommon Tale" is Ms. Tetaz's first novel. She is in the process of writing her second novel in which the reader will once again have the privilege of meeting Patricia Dawson and learn more about a woman who, equipped with the ability to laugh at herself and wear her cloak of responsibility with ease, continues to speak truth to power and advocate for those who are marginalized by society. evetetaz@gmail.com two-worlds-au-fil-des-jours.tumblr.com BLURBS ON AN UNCOMMON TALE "This is a mving and well written tale power and redemptive nature of transformative love." Mark Goldstone, First Amendment Lawyer "An Uncommon Tale gives us poignant tales of reconciliation - between husband and wife, mother and daughter, and finally between an anti-war activist and her conscience." Rosalie Reigle, Author Doing Time for Peace;Crossing thej Line "Mz. Tetaz is...bent on stripping away the surfaces and discovering the truths of the human heart. This is indeed a tender, engaging and uncommon tale" Patricia Davis, Co-author The Blindfold's Eyes "Ms.Tetaz tells the uncommonly engrossing story of Patricia and Jacques, who in discovering themselves, discover each other." Ann Barnet, MD, Author The Youngest Minds; Border Crossings "This is a tale of love, forgiveness, reconciliation, and hope told with understanding and compassion." EmmyLu Daly, Consultant