Rochelle Duffy's journey from a whisper in the cacophony of a 17-sibling household to a voice resonating with unique identity and insight is a tale as extraordinary as her upbringing. Born as the fifth child in this extensive family, Rochelle often faced the curious query, "What was it like for you?" Yet, amidst the whirlwind of family chaos, her voice struggled to find its place, often merging into the collective identity of "we" rather than standing out as "I." Her transformative journey began during her graduate studies, where the act of writing became her gateway to self-discovery. She transcended being an indistinguishable part of a collective to a distinct individual with her own stories and perspectives.
While exploring themes for her Mythological Studies doctoral dissertation, Rochelle embarked on an innovative and deeply personal project: a "sibliography." This endeavor was not just an academic exercise but a heartfelt quest to weave together the diverse narratives of her siblings. "What was it like for you in our giant family?" she inquired, delving into the collective memory of 26 years as the family expanded and the lives of their parents contracted into addiction, illness, and suicide attempts.
The project took a surprising turn when she began a correspondence with her incarcerated brother Ronald Patrick, positioned at the very heart of their sprawling family as the ninth sibling. Patrick's life, shadowed by struggles with drug addiction and the constraints of incarceration, becomes a poignant backdrop for their heartfelt and revelatory exchange of letters. Together they navigated a labyrinth of deep-seated emotions, unearthed long-hidden family secrets, and forged a profound connection through their mutual passion for literature and the power of words. This unique bond between Rochelle and Patrick emerges as the heart and soul of her story, showcasing the extraordinary capacity of dreams, imagination, and the written word to liberate and give voice to those once rendered voiceless, painting a vivid picture of resilience, human dignity, and the enduring strength of familial love.
"A brilliantly written book and a triumphant story." Patrick J. Mahaffey, Ph.D.
"Rochelle Duffy's work is a thing of beauty, a work of brilliance, a creation of absolute originality, unlike anything I have encountered." Martha Andresen Wilder
