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Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Rosalba Torres Leal: In The Santa of Roses tells the incredible life story of Rosalba Torres Leal, a woman whose life was full of love, sacrifice, and creativity. Author Dokali (Duke) Megharief takes us through her journey, from her childhood in Málaga, Colombia, to the new life she built in the United States. Rosalba went through a lot—adjusting to a different culture, raising a family, and holding onto her passion for art, even when times were tough. As she faced Alzheimer's later in life, her paintings became a source of comfort. Megharief does a wonderful job of telling her story in a way that really shows how powerful art and love can be. What stood out to me the most was how her creativity helped her through even the hardest moments.
Dokali (Duke) Megharief writes with a lot of care and respect, making sure to highlight both the big moments in Rosalba’s life and the smaller, everyday ones that shaped her. He describes her experiences in a way that makes you feel connected to her, and you really get a sense of how much she gave to her family and her art. There’s a natural flow to the story, and themes like love, strength, and artistic passion are woven throughout. I especially loved the way he described her paintings—through his words, you can really see how much they meant to her. Even as Alzheimer’s made communication harder, her art remained a way for her to express herself. The way Megharief captures that side of her journey is both heartbreaking and beautiful. Overall, Rosalba Torres Leal: In The Santa of Roses is an inspiring book that shows just how much art and love can carry us through even the toughest times.
