A Handful of Raisins in an Otherwise Empty Room

A Handful of Raisins is a heart-stirring memoir about survival, strength and courage. For Michèle Misino de Luca, life began as a series of dark, traumatic episodes and continued as deeply challenging events beset her incessantly throughout her youth. Yet somehow, she rises to value life, viewing it as a miracle.

She was five years old when she first felt completely on her own, and although food, clothing and a warm bed were provided, it seemed her survival was not ensured. Every night, when she was handed those raisins, there was a moment of intimacy in her soul. She ate those raisins ever so slowly, savoring not just their sweetness, but the sweetness of a few moments when everything was alright.

Imagine being a child seemingly dropped into a dark hole. Nothing around you but strangers. Nothing familiar. Throughout this memoir, readers will gain a true understanding of loneliness and despair, while receiving the gratifying reminder that you do not have to succumb and be formed by your painful experiences. You can become who you say you are, and who you say you are can be based on what you value most. Our author declares herself fully alive and becomes so ― alive with dignity, wonder and joy.

In her groundbreaking and raw story, Michèle Misino de Luca had the tenacity not only to survive, but to thrive. Unwilling to surrender to victimhood, she had to change. She had to find joy. It certainly was not easy, but in a world by herself, she created her own silver lining. This is a memoir about celebrating the fullness of life, written by a truly extraordinary person. This is a story about seeking and accepting the handful of raisins in an otherwise empty room.