Nine Lives, the latest release by Shoreline Press in Ste. Anne de Bellevue, is a memoir chronicling the life of Russell Whitehouse and his struggle against formidable odds.
The Dorval resident had his first heart attack at the age of 40.
“Altogether he’s had six, as well as a triple bypass and a succession of pacemakers. But he has such a positive outlook and wry sense of humour. The book can give hope to others who have a serious illness; it has elements which will inspire others in his shoes,” said Jacqueline de Sarigny, with whom Whitehouse collaborated on the book.
The two met about 10 years ago.
“He had started writing episodes in his life, and he gave me bits and pieces, which I put together like a puzzle. I thought his story was very intriguing, and it struck me how he had such grace under pressure.
What I admire most is his courage,” said de Sarigny, who has three earlier novels to her credit.
“She was persistent; she picked my brain. But it wasn’t easy because reminiscing can sometimes bring a tear to my eye,” said Whitehouse.
“I was born out of wedlock and brought up in a foster home. I never knew my mother until four years ago,” said Whitehouse, who travelled all over the world with the pulp and paper industry despite his series of setbacks. He later went on to a second career as a certified tennis instructor.
Regardless of the hand that he has been dealt, he said that “I consider myself lucky. I try not to let anything knock me down. It’s scary – I often wonder whether I am going to wake up in the morning. But a heart attack is nothing compared to some other illnesses,” he said, adding he sees each day as a gift.
Nine Lives will be launched Sunday from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at Dorval Library, 1401 Lakeshore Dr. For more information, call 514-457-5733 or visit www.shorleinepress.ca.
Dorval man pens heartfelt book
Dorval man pens heartfelt book
- Published on December 3rd, 2008
- Published on Febuary 6th, 2010
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Hollie Watson
It’s a poignant story, one of strength in the face of adversity.
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Comments
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- Laurie Landry
- - March 26th, 2010 at 15:11:19
I met Russell Whitehouse 5 years ago. We met three times, once in Cornwall, once in Ottawa and once at his apartment in Dorval. Congratulation Russell on having your book published. Will try to get a copy. Think of you often. Good luck Laurie
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- John J. Whitehouse
- - February 8th, 2010 at 11:15:10
Russell: My family offers our condolences on the death of your mother.We have not met- perhaps in the future. Winnie was my aunt as I am the son of John her eldest brother. John & Lois
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- Martin Corej
- - February 8th, 2010 at 11:15:09
CONGRATULATIONS to Russell Whitehouse and Jacqueline de Sarigny. Russell Whitehouse was my first boss out of university. I worked with him at KSH from May 1988 to mid 1989. He was great to work with. All the best Russell! Regards, Martin Corej.
