Publication Date: May 27, 2025
Ambitious young journalist Violet Maris secures a coveted residency at a prestigious artists’ and writers’ colony in 1980s Provincetown, armed with a file of stories written by a dear, older gay friend. Her intention: to write a captivating exposé based on these narratives. However, Violet’s promising start at the colony takes a dark turn when tragedy strikes— her friend, the true author of the stories, succumbs to AIDS. This loss plunges Violet into turmoil, compounded by the weight of the terrible secret she carries. Compelled to confess, she confides in a member of the colony’s board with whom she has become romantically involved. The revelation of her deception leads to Violet’s expulsion from the program, leaving her grappling with disgrace and searching for a path toward redemption and reconciliation—with herself and those she has inadvertently hurt.
When Violet Maris decided to go undercover as a fiction writer to expose the inner workings of a haven for artists and writers, she didn’t consider the possible repercussions.
The Bayrose Files details Violet’s adventures as she infiltrates The Home, equipped with her mentor’s short stories. Author Diane Wald tells the brief story from Violet’s first-person perspective.
One of the drawbacks of coming in at just a bit over 100 pages is there’s not ample time to develop the characters and ensure readers are invested in the storyline. However, on the flip side, short chapters work well for readers who are unable to allocate chunks of time.
The characters inside the retreat are diverse, allowing Violet into their midst. Her true purpose, though, threatens her carefully constructed relationships. It’s not until a tragedy strikes and her deception is revealed that Violet realizes the impact of her actions.
The Bayrose Files showcases a woman’s decision that leaves her looking for redemption.
Diane Wald is a poet and novelist who has published four poetry collections, two novels, five chapbooks, and hundreds of poems in literary journals. Her most recent books are The Warhol Pillows (poetry) and My Famous Brain (novel). She has worked as an Associate Professor of English, a Dean of Faculty, and Donor Communications Director for a national animal welfare organization. She lives near Boston with her husband, the writer P. Carey Reid.
