Artist reaches for the stars with new book

Despite formidable odds, artist and author Sonya Kleinsteuber is struggling to overcome a series of daunting physical challenges in her young life.

The Lachine resident’s promising career as an academic was destroyed by health problems while she was still doing graduate studies, and when she was in her early 30s she was incapacitated by a major stroke, followed by three comas.

“I also suffer from a lot of rare illnesses, for which there are no cure, such as Chronic Pain Syndrome and fibromyalgia. It’s been a hard journey,” she said.

Unable to continue on her chosen path, she turned to art and literature.

“Painting and writing give me joy. They help me forget my pain and disability, and give me courage to go on,” said Kleinsteuber, who is largely confined to a wheelchair.

Her faith has also helped her to survive, she reflected.

In recent years she has exhibited her oils and acrylics in a succession of solo and group shows, and is member of several local artists’ associations. She is currently holding an exhibition at Roxboro Library through September.

“I paint from my memories of the European countryside, and the beauty of the Canadian wilderness,” said Kleinsteuber, who emigrated from Germany in 2006.

She is also preparing for the release of her first book, “a war novel and love story set during the Bosnian War. The book is dedicated to all those who lost their lives during the Yugoslav wars,” she said, adding the Reaching for the Stars is a painstakingly researched and complex work of “historical fiction” that chronicles the ravages of war.

The novel, which is being published by Shoreline Press in Ste. Anne de Bellevue, will be launched Saturday at the Saul Bellow Library in Lachine.

Proceeds from the sale of both her artwork at the Roxboro Library and from the book will be donated to the St. Mary’s Hospital Centre.

“My quality of life is very low, and I thought, ‘what can I do for others like me?’ It’s a message to challenged people like myself not to give up. I want to be an advocate for people in my shoes, and I want to show that challenged people have aspirations too.

“This book shows that impossible dreams can come true,” she said.

The launch will be held between 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. at 3100 St. Antoine St. Reaching for the Stars can also be ordered by contacting www.shorelinepress.ca.

Chronicle, Jacques Pharand