I wrote this about my friend Anne in 2014. I wanted to re-share it in tribute to her and her family:
Author Anne Nenarokoff-Van Burek is the kind of woman I’d like to be when I grow up. The kind of woman who, in addition to being talented at her profession, knows how to cook, bake, make delicious preserves AND grow orchids!
I’ve tasted Anne’s “poires au vinaigre” – pears with spices — and it’s addictive.
The woman has flair. Anne knows how to arrange flowers, art and furniture in a room (something which challenges me greatly).
Her home is decorated simply and elegantly – in that French way of combining new stuff with old stuff and still have it all look lovely.
Anne is as much at home in Paris as she is in Toronto.
She has a great relationship with her son and her husband. And as if all that weren’t enough, Anne teaches French, writes for the theatre and has written an intriguing memoir.
Ariadne’s Thread: The Women in My Family is a refreshing read. It tells the story of the remarkable women in Anne’s family, all of whom were born in Russia before the 1917 revolution. They escaped to France, where, Anne says, “they had to adapt to a life radically different from what they had known. When their world collapsed, they could either collapse with it, or reinvent themselves.”
The women came from a privileged background. In Paris, they still had their upper-class manners and traditions, but their income and social standing were both drastically reduced. It was a harsh change and one that could have broken their spirits. They chose to survive instead.
From these women – Anne’s grandmother, aunts and her mother – Anne learned values which have guided her own life: “resilience in adversity, self-reliance, frugality”.
I’ve read this book twice. I gobbled it up the first time – then read it again, more slowly.
I love it for the characters: Anne’s grandmother, aunts (so different from each other), and her mother. And I love it for the small details (such as Anne’s unmanageable reddish hair when she was a girl, and her teacher’s face and neck, among many other skillful descriptions).
Canada’s story is sometimes described as “a story of immigration”. All of us have roots – close roots or distant ones – in another part of the world. Some of those immigrants came seeking better opportunities for themselves and their children. Some families gave up luxury to gain freedom. They fled war, revolution, oppression – leaving their privileged lifestyles, loved ones and precious belongings behind.
Whatever our history, wherever our roots, the stories we Canadians tell are often infused with dreams, sacrifice and faith in a better tomorrow.
By examining the lives of the women in her family, Anne’s book offers “clues for a better future”.
“If we want a better world,” she says, “we could do worse than turn to a few old-fashioned values and work at putting them into practice. The book is a tribute to the precious heritage I received from people who lived and loved fully, and for whom everyday life was a celebration. I hope they will inspire many.”
Ariadne’s Thread: The Women in My Family is available on Friesen Press, amazon and through most booksellers worldwide. You can buy the book in English or in a bilingual version (French and English). Below are the ISBN numbers:
- 978-1-897018-53-8 is the bi-lingual version
- 978-1-4602-0721-5 (Hardcover, English)
- 978-1-4602-0719-2 (Softcover, English)
One last thing: did I mention that Anne also embroiders? That’s her work on the book cover.
A talented woman and an interesting book.
Postscript: Anne died on Saturday. Her loving husband John, son Nicolas and his family and many friends and relatives feel the loss of her vibrant presence but also feel enriched by her unique spirit in our lives.
Colour Photos by John Van Burek.
Cynthia Reyes 
I am saddened by the loss of this unique and talented individual, Cynthia. She was you friend, and and inspiration to all. Thoughts and prayers are with her friends and family. May all find peace in their memories of her.
Thank you for reminding readers about her book. I will be purchasing a copy.
I am sorry you have lost a friend and her family is left bereaved. It seems to me she lived as well and fully as the people she admired. Thanks for reblogging this, as I missed it the first time.
So sorry for your loss. She seems to have been a very vibrant and talented friend.
Very sorry to read that she died. An extraordinary woman. I want to read her book.
Hi Cynthia, thank you for sharing this post about a fascinating woman and her book. I am sorry to learn she has recently passed.
So sorry to hear of the loss of your friend. What an interesting, talented and creative individual she was. If I’d known her personally I probably would have really liked her.
Thanks for sharing parts of her life with us, Cynthia.
How fascinating & I love her home.
A fine tribute to an inspirational woman
It was a pleasure and a privilege to meet Ann a few times. She knew who she was, and left traces behind in her memoir. Such a strong message to remember and cherish where we have come from, and to put into practice a few of those of those ‘old fashioned values’ that sustained our forebears.
I am so sorry for your loss, but what a wonderful tribute to this remarkable woman.
I’m sorry to hear of the death of your remarkable friend. I can see that she leaves a meaningful legacy behind.
Sorry, Cynthia, for the loss of your friend, such a remarkable woman bringing a lots of exemplary behaviors and attitudes , and also a part of the European history.
Love
Michel
I’m sorry that you lost a good friend, Cynthia. It’s never easy.
Cynthia, I’m so sorry to read that your friend has passed on. Thank you for sharing her life with us!
A wonderful tribute to a remarkable friend. Thank you for sharing this with all of us now, as we remember Anne.
I am so sorry your friend has died, Cynthia. I nearly typed ‘lost’ your friend. Such a vibrant character can never be lost but her physical presence will be greatly missed by all of her family and friends. Thank you for re-sharing your post as a tribute.
Life seems more frail every day. Just posted a poem for our friend who died about 6 weeks ago. My mother will be discharged from the hospital in a couple of hours. I’m finishing coffee mug number two! While we keep our memories, our friends and family live on for us. – Oscar
So sorry that this inspirational woman has passed on. Her book sounds really fascinating. Thanks for sharing the photos and your moving tribute to Anne.
What an amazing woman. Thank you so much for sharing her life. I genuinely feel inspired reading about her and her family’s courage and persistence in the face of adversity.
Thank you for saying so, Jeanne!
What a wonderful tribute, I can understand how sad she will be missed. I was fascinated and have ordered the book (only available on kindle at the moment).
Thank you for reading about Anne, Hilary. It’s good to hear from you. I am so pleased that you ordered Anne’s book. Thank you.