Theresa Chevalier’s stunning debut novel, Shameful Innocence, captures a bygone era and brings to light the ravages of war and the influence it has on a young woman growing up in Russia during the 1900s. 

Sixteen-year-old Sarah is a passionate and beautiful free spirit. 

Sarah was born into a highly respected and conservative Russian Mennonite family and, although her heart longs for more than her small village life can give her, she accepts her path with grace and daydreams. 

When her father employs a Russian peasant family to work their farm, Sarah’s peaceful life becomes one of excitement, passion and desire.  Nikolai, the handsome young son of the family captures her heart from their first meeting.  The two begin a passionate love affair but hide it from their families and the outside world.   

When Nikolai’s family is abruptly ordered to leave by Sarah’s father, Sarah is devastated.  She soon discovers the repercussions of her love affair and is terrified of the shame it will bring to her family.  Sarah must make a decision—where do her loyalties lie—with her family or with the love of her life? 

Newcomer Chevalier has written a novel with brilliant and introspective compassion about war, forbidden love, and survival. Her voice is unique, her characters richly drawn, and her narration, spellbinding

 

About the Author

Theresa Chevalier is a writer and works in management. Ms. Chevalier is currently writing the sequel to her novel and a nonfiction book. She lives with her children in British Columbia, Canada.