Book club: A song for Ria with Michelle Shine

Talented composer Alison Connaught has spent her career writing music for big names, but when her actress daughter, Ria, dies from an overdose, Alison is numb and can no longer compose.

Haunted by the feeling that she has somehow let Ria down, Alison searches for answers, first during an intense stay with a Hopi shaman and then by travelling to Hollywood to try to piece together the many parts of Ria’s life that have so far eluded her.

As she meets her daughter’s friends, colleagues and therapists, Alison finally begins to understand the realities of Ria’s life, opening the door to self expression and a different kind of music, inspired by stirred/raw feelings and the spirit of Ria.

Michelle Shine’s skill as a storyteller brings Alison’s thoughts and actions to life in this visceral and deeply moving tale of grief, regret and ultimately, hope.

About Michelle Shine

Michelle Shine qualified from The College of Homeopathy in 1993 and facilitated a busy homeopathic practice in Mill Hill, a suburb of London. Her published works include the homeopathic textbook What About the Potency? The pamphlet What About Homeopathy? The Subtle Art of Healing, a novella, which was longlisted for the Cinnamon Press Novella Award. Mesmerised, a novel about the Impressionists, narrated by their friend, fellow artist, and homeopath, Dr Paul Gachet. Song for Ria, her latest novel, about the search for peace in the wake of a devastating loss. Her articles and short stories have appeared in various online journals and printed collections. She is the author of the tagline, ‘Homeopathy worked for me’ which has been used to promote several homeopathy campaigns. She has a masters degree in creative writing from Birkbeck.