Her Name Was Pearl

By Meg Lelvis

Born into a struggling Minnesota family during the lingering shadow of the Great Depression, Pearl Kreb grows up believing she came into the world without much promise. Overshadowed by her beautiful sister, Ruby, wounded by her mother's cruelty, and haunted by a childhood secret, Pearl struggles to cope with her shyness, lack of social confidence, and deteriorating mental health.

One summer, when eight-year-old Pearl goes swimming with playmates, she witnesses a fatal accident. Coerced by others, she promises to keep a secret pact to never reveal the truth. Ultimately, Pearl's ensuing depression ends in a breakdown, causing her hospitalization.

But will she be able to climb from the darkness and find love and happiness with the help of a compassionate psychiatrist? Can she not only survive but learn to believe she deserves joy?

Set against the pine-lined shores of Lake Swanberg and the small-town expectations of mid-century Minnesota, Her Name Was Pearl follows one young woman's long journey from shame and fear to healing and hope.

Tender, atmospheric, and compassionate, Pearl's story tackles family relationships, mental health, first love, resilience-and the quiet courage it takes to claim a life of one's own.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1685138527
• ISBN13: 9781685138523
• Release Date: February 2027
• Publisher: Black Rose Writing
• Length: 200 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.0" x 9.0"