Attic of Dreams: A Memoir
Marilyn Webb Neagley
September 5, 2023
“We need magic attics of imagination and stories that inspire our activism.”
–Julia Alvarez, poet, novelist, and essayist
Marilyn Webb Neagley
September 5, 2023
“We need magic attics of imagination and stories that inspire our activism.”
–Julia Alvarez, poet, novelist, and essayist
Marilyn Webb Neagley
September 5, 2023
“We need magic attics of imagination and stories that inspire our activism.”
–Julia Alvarez, poet, novelist, and essayist
Release Date: September 5, 2023
Paperback ISBN: 978-1-57869-131-9
Hardcover ISBN: 978-1-57869-132-6
Library of Congress Control Number: 2023902692
eBook: 978-1-57869-133-3
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Synopsis
A lyrical memoir that begins in a quiet Vermont village with Marilyn’s memories of her parents, owners of a popular restaurant and lively night spot next to their home. While her mother disappears into addiction, Marilyn grapples with feelings of abandonment, though she recalls being uplifted by the village, by her dreams, and by the kindness of others.
In young adulthood, she lands on a beautiful estate known as Shelburne Farms, where she helps to launch valuable movements for the region: local food and farmers’ markets, outdoor childhood education, and the stewardship of natural resources. But her work is not without cost to her personal life. She discovers that her interest in protecting the outer world begins to heal her inner self. The two are deeply intertwined.
Attic of Dreams examines family dysfunction while humor counters tragedy, and forgiveness counters blame. Trust and love emerge as the journey home to wholeness continues.
Praise
“Neagley combines a personal memoir with the history of a well-known tourist site. The author presents the reader with two fascinating stories…a personal account of growing up in a Russian immigrant family and coping with her parents’ alcoholism. She then recounts how…she developed a professional career in interior design that brought her into contact with the Webb family of Vermont’s Shelburne Farms...This admixture of personal history and chronicle of the Shelburne Farms estate is engaging to read. . .a fascinating and worthwhile account of what happens when a family estate must reinvent itself.”
—Kirkus Reviews
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“Marilyn Neagley’s memoir addresses issues so critical now: how to take care of our natural world, of each other, of ourselves—we need magic attics of imagination and stories that inspire our activism. In addition her book touches on a beloved place in Vermonters’ hearts, and by extension all the beloved places on our planet home we have neglected for far too long!”
–Julia Alvarez, Dominican-American poet, novelist, and essayist
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“A very compelling memoir written in a unique style that covers Marilyn Webb Neagley’s fascinating life, which has myriad intersections, including her role as a leader of Shelburne Farms, as well as her own experience as a champion and steward of the environment. The memoir is also intensely personal and projects a narrative that extends beyond her career commitments into her own troubled childhood and her own spiritual evolution. This is a book that will resonate with a broad range of readers.”
–Bill Schubart, author of The Lamoille Stories and other novels
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“Marilyn’s memoir reads like a very personal journal. It is rich in images, as if she turned her life upside down in a snow globe and let stories filter onto the pages. From her dark childhood reminiscences of her mother’s alcoholism to her legacy as one of the formative leaders of Shelburne Farms, Marilyn describes in detail the hard work of growing up, marrying into a storied family, and contributing to her life’s greatest mission: to help children feel connected to nature and animals. Her humble roots honed her dogged determination to make a difference in ways that countless people will continue to benefit from. This book is a testament to resilience and will inspire others to overcome their own challenges in favor of doing good in the world.”
–Eileen Rockefeller, author of Being a Rockefeller, Becoming Myself
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“Attic of Dreams is a memoir of vivid vignettes held together by the golden thread of Marilyn’s indomitable spirit. These small chapters, sparkling with intimate detail, reveal a strong-willed, vulnerable, and reflective woman who overcame a troubled childhood to emerge as a leading voice in the Vermont conservation movement and a driving force behind the creation of one of our greatest treasures, Shelburne Farms. Reading Marilyn’s book is like having a deep and revealing conversation with a remarkable woman about love, life, and passion.”
–Susan Ritz, author of A Dream to Die For and feature writer for Vermont Woman
REVIEWS & IN THE NEWS
Burlington Free Press, December 5, 2023: Santa thinks you should add some Vermont-related books to your holiday wish list
Seven Days VT, November 1, 2023: Page 32: Short Takes on Five Vermont Books
The Eagle Times, September 17, 2023: Author Speaks of New Memoir During Library Talk
Vermont Public, Vermont Edition, September 12, 2023: Shelburne's Marilyn Webb Neagley on her new memoir, 'Attic of Dreams'
Women Writers, Women’s Books, September 5, 2023: WHY WRITE A MEMOIR?
Vermont Biz, August 31, 2023: Rootstock publishes memoir of former Shelburne Farms leader
Shelburne News, August 25, 2023: Former Shelburne Farms leader pens new memoir
Independent Book Review, July 25, 2023: Upcoming Book Releases We’re Excited About | Fall 2023
Meet the Author
Marilyn Webb Neagley, author photo by Amanda H. Herzberger.
Marilyn Webb Neagley has lived her life in Vermont. She is the author of two previous books and the co-editor of another. Her book, Walking through the Seasons, received an IPPY gold medal for best northeastern non-fiction. She has been a Vermont Public Radio commentator and has written essays for her local newspaper. Marilyn was raised in Ascutney, Vermont. She and her husband now reside in Shelburne.