April 2025 – Vanishing Act, the debut novel by Rhode Island author Joanne Perella, delves into the complex emotions and intricate family dynamics of aging, independence, and redemption. Set against the backdrop of a senior care facility, the novel follows Angie, a spirited octogenarian determined to reclaim control over her life after being confined to the ironically named “Peaceful Havens.” A reflection of Perella's personal experience with her mother, who lived in an assisted living facility for the last six years of her life, Vanishing Act is a heartfelt, uplifting story of self-discovery and the pursuit of joy in the face of adversity.
The novel takes readers on a journey as Angie, assisted by her empathetic friend Ben, orchestrates a daring escape from her care facility. As she embarks on a cross-country train trip, Angie sheds the constraints of her situation and embarks on a revitalizing voyage that redefines her identity and challenges societal norms about aging. Through humor, sorrow, and moments of tension, Vanishing Act shines a light on the struggles families face when navigating the complexities of elder care and explores the powerful bond between generations.
Inspired by Perella’s own life and her mother Rose's battle with dementia, Vanishing Act is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Perella rewrote her mother’s story as a way of honoring her and healing from the pain of their difficult journey. The novel’s richly layered characters and evocative storytelling provide an emotionally powerful narrative that will resonate with readers facing similar challenges with their loved ones.
Vanishing Act not only offers a heartwarming tale of one woman's fight for freedom, but it also raises important questions about the need for empathy, communication, and respect for individuality in elder care. The story is particularly relevant to women, caregivers, and families who are grappling with the realities of aging, making it a must-read for anyone looking to gain a renewed perspective on the aging process.
Joanne Perella, a seasoned freelance writer and member of The Association of Rhode Island Authors (ARIA), has been published in four anthologies and contributed an essay to NPR. Now, she is proud to share her first novel, Vanishing Act, with readers worldwide. With her heartfelt writing, Perella invites readers to reconsider what it means to age with dignity, independence, and love.
About the Author:
Joanne Perella is a freelance writer and the author of Vanishing Act, her first novel. With a background in creative writing and as a member of The Association of Rhode Island Authors, she has contributed to numerous anthologies and has published an essay with NPR. Joanne resides in Riverside, Rhode Island, and is currently working on her second novel.For more information about Vanishing Act or to connect with Joanne Perella, visit:
Joanne Perella is a freelance writer and the author of Vanishing Act, her first novel. With a background in creative writing and as a member of The Association of Rhode Island Authors, she has contributed to numerous anthologies and has published an essay with NPR. Joanne resides in Riverside, Rhode Island, and is currently working on her second novel.For more information about Vanishing Act or to connect with Joanne Perella, visit:
