At its heart, “Roses for Bodies” is a journey. Of Max, a painter who travels from Amsterdam to Florence to learn about art, and from Florence to Navata Mare to become transformed from a well-meaning but selfish and impatient man to one with greater compassion for humanity and a better understanding of his own work. Of the migrants who come from countries torn apart by conflict and poverty to what they hope will be a better life in Europe. And of the reader, who comes with Max into a new world where the sea is not simply a shining expanse of colour and movement waiting to be painted, but a vehicle that transports people from shore to shore as often as it consumes them. Standing on the beach after the landing of a refugee family, Max asks, “But what does an artist paint, if not the light?”
This is what “Roses for Bodies” does — it paints a story layered, shaded and textured with rich, supple language; one that brings us into the light. This is a gorgeous and fresh telling of a timely and important message that the world needs to hear. Of Max, the writer assures us, “He will change.” And as with all good writing, when we read it, we too are changed.
Zilla Jones, 2024 Fiction Contest Judge
