Sometimes an opportunity seized leads to a life-changing adventure. For Jack Tomlinson, the journey begins in Paris.
Jack has been praised all his life for his extraordinary artistic talent and is rarely seen without his sketchpad. However, in Jack’s world art is considered a hobby – men are expected to have jobs that offer security and advancement.
Future responsibilities are far from Jack’s thoughts when he travels to London to visit relatives. On the crossing, Jack’s drawings astonish fellow artist, Margaret. Convinced of his potential, she draws him into the well-connected Bloomsbury set, opening his eyes to a world where lives are dictated by passions rather than social conventions.
Accepting a thrilling opportunity to attend Paris’ esteemed Académie Julian, Jack’s life is forever changed. He forms a deep friendship with fellow student, Andrés and his sister, Sofia, whose dark eyes and sweet smile captivate Jack’s heart. Together, the trio explore Montparnasse and experience the vibrance of Paris at the height of its golden age. Mentoring from Gertrude Stein and Pablo Picasso affirm Jack’s talent, and he has never felt so happy.
Despite experiencing the richness and freedom of life of an artist, accompanied by the wonder and turmoil of perfect love, Jack is plagued by the responsibilities that call him home.
Unexpectedly, tragedy threatens and Jack is torn: should he follow the well-laid plans for his future or pursue a path set to disappoint his family and offers only uncertainty?
Shattered Dreams continues talented young artist, Jack Tomlinson’s story.
With his eyes now opened to experiences outside those of his conservative upbringing, Jack realises that a life dedicated to painting offers opportunities he cannot ignore. Boldly, deferring the unappealing career that awaits him in Australia, Jack accompanies Sofia and Andres to their home in Malaga, Spain. Whilst Jack finds joy in days spent painting alongside Andres, his relationship with Sofia is marred by cultural differences and misunderstandings.
Although they find happiness together, tragedy and economic circumstances beset them, and Jack encourages Sofia to leave the home she loves. Returning to Australia, they become captivated by the magnetic personality of Melbourne’s inspiring, albeit unconventional, tonalist artist, Justus Jorgensen. They join Justus’ group of passionate supporters who are committed to creating Montsalvat, an alternative style artist’s retreat set amid Australian bushland. Although Jack’s dreams seem to be full-filled by the bohemian lifestyle Montsalvat offers, the emerging darkness of Justus’ personality becomes overwhelming. As Jack and Sofia are forced to reconsider their future, tragedy strikes, and Jack discovers that happiness can be very fragile.
Jack has lost all that he loves, including Sofia, who has vanished from him without a trace. Will tragedy, grief and war prevent their reunion?
Unbearable loss divides artist Jack Tomlinson from Sofia. After scouring Melbourne for her without success, he finally accepts she has left him for good and returned to Spain. Bereft of his family, Jack is plunged into despair and his life unravels. An encounter with Sunday and John Reed, influential art enthusiasts who are dedicated to establishing a truly Australian modern art movement, proves life changing for Jack. The couple are sympathetic to Jack’s circumstances and invite him to live with them at Heide, a home which provides nurturing and tranquility for Melbourne’s emerging artists. Here, Jack achieves a degree of restoration under the Reeds gentle, if not intense guidance.
When World War Two breaks out, Jack knows it is time for him to move forward with his life. Without hesitation, he enlists with the AIF, nurturing the hope that deployment to Europe might offer him a final chance to find Sofia, ensure her safety and rekindle their love. Jack’s talents lead to his appointment as a war artist, but this does not protect him from the horror of battles in Greece and Crete. Whilst Jack receives word of Sofia’s location, his rekindled hopes are quickly dashed.
Will Jack ever reunite with the woman his heart is captive to, or will enemy troops and the shadows of the past keep them apart, with Jack forever haunted by all that he has lost?
The loss of her child leaves Sofia Tomlinson broken in mind and spirit. What is wrong with her, that everyone she loves dies?
Convinced her husband, Jack, is also in danger, Sofia makes the agonising decision to leave him and return to the home of her childhood. On the ocean crossing, Sofia’s fragile state draws the attention of fellow traveller Marcus Edmunds, a psychologist whose professional interest soon becomes personal. Despite his efforts to dissuade her, Sofia sets forth for Malaga where she plans to reunite with her father and brother—a journey thwarted by Franco’s brutal grip on Spain and Hitler’s march across Europe. Determined to forge an independent life for herself, Sofia joins the British Nursing Service, but the battlefronts of World War Two offer no relief from her agonising past. When the ever-steadfast Marcus offers her the chance for happiness, Sofia realises it is an offer she should not ignore.
Will Sofia accept the hope he so willingly offers, or will ghosts of her past continue to haunt her?
