Forgiven, a memoir by Abbotsford author Myriam Arthur, deals with the aftermath of the AIDS era and its effect on a family.
Arthur grew up in Bolivia, but for the past 25 years has lived in Abbotsford with her husband John.
It has now been more than a quarter of a century since AIDS was presented around the world as an epidemic outbreak, and even now it is a major cause for concern. The stigma, the hopelessness and despair are just as prevalent as ever.
For Arthur, it began in the summer of 1985, when her son John Paul returned home after completing his studies at the University of Southern California, and confided to his mother that he believed he had been infected with HIV.
At the time, very little medical information was known about HIV/AIDS, and virtually none in Bolivia. Blaming herself for the tragedy, Arthur embarked on a journey into an unknown world that would redefine her life.
Forgiven presents in a sincere and honest manner the dangers of what a person can be driven to when tragedy strikes, and explores the heartbreaks, as well as the family’s lighter moments.
Arthur will host a book signing at the House of James, 2743 Emerson St., on Feb. 8 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.