In a recent interview, we had the opportunity to delve into the haunting world of Pascale Petit’s debut novel, “My Hummingbird Father.” This evocative story unfolds across the bustling streets of London, the romance of Paris, and the wild beauty of the Amazon rainforest, mirroring the complexities of art and personal trauma.

At the heart of the narrative is Dominique, a painter grappling with the shadows of her past, including a father who left their family when she was just six years old. After decades of silence, she receives a letter from him, revealing that he is dying. “It trembles in her hand like she’s holding Angel Falls, reduced to a page,” Petit explains. This moment marks the beginning of Dominique’s emotional journey, as she confronts not just her father’s impending death, but her fragmented memories.

As Dominique embarks on a quest for answers in Paris, where her father resides, she rekindles repressed memories that awaken after 37 years. “Every time she leaves him, it feels like she needs to shock herself back into reality,” Petit shares. The story weaves a complex tapestry of past and present, as Dominique grapples with her family’s disintegration and the lingering questions about her mother and sister, Vero.

Petit artfully blends landscapes and experiences, creating a narrative where the boundaries between distinct worlds blur. “Our spirit world is like your left hand,” says Juan, Dominique’s guide in the Amazon. “It exists alongside the visible world, often meeting in unexpected ways.”

Over two years of exploration, Dominique oscillates between joy and pain. At times, she feels “like an anonymous tourist in her father’s city,” suggesting a deep sense of alienation. Her Parisian adventures include visits to a zoo and the creation of a “father journal,” as she attempts to come to terms with her identity as an artist. “Dominique believes she died at six, with her painting life serving as an afterlife forged from paint,” Petit reveals.

The novel is structured into four parts featuring short chapters that deftly explore themes of art, trauma, and memory. Petit emphasizes Dominique’s resolve to “paint what hurts until it’s better,” suggesting a belief in art’s transformative power. “What would she do without art?” Petit wonders aloud, underscoring its crucial role in healing.

At its core, “My Hummingbird Father” is a poignant exploration of family history, memory, and the potential for forgiveness. Through rich imagery and lyrical prose, the story invites readers to consider the complexities of love and loss. In one striking moment, Dominique imagines “a forest of hummingbirds without hearts,” flying on instinct even after their hearts have been taken—a powerful metaphor for resilience.

Ultimately, despite the themes of loss and departure, this novel celebrates life and the enduring strength of the human spirit. “My Hummingbird Father” by Pascale Petit is now available, inviting readers to embark on this deeply moving journey.