The Observer

by Natalie Wexler

Baltimore, 1807: Eliza Anderson, 26 years old, defies prevailing ideas about a woman's proper place to become editor of the Observer, a magazine that blends serious commentary and satire. But while Eliza mocks her neighbors, someone in her household is observing her-and feeding scandalous information to her enemies. Based on real events and incorporating excerpts from actual publications, The Observer sheds light on an era when the young nation was both insecure and feisty. At the same time, it spins a universal tale of forbidden ambition, frustrated love, and ultimately, empathy across boundaries of class and culture.

318 pages, Paperback

First published July 7, 2014

About the author

Natalie Wexler is the author of The Knowledge Gap: The Hidden Cause of America's Broken Education System--and How to Fix It. She is the co-author, with Judith C. Hochman, of The Writing Revolution: A Guide to Advancing Thinking Through Writing in All Subjects and Grades, and is a senior contributor on education to Forbes. Her op-eds and articles have appeared in a number of publications, including The Atlantic, The New York Times, and The Washington Post.

She is also the author of three novels: A More Obedient Wife, The Mother Daughter Show, and The Observer.

Reviews

[Patrice Clifford · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately, I did not enjoy this book. The main character was a selfish, neglectful mother, and a self-centered, pretentious gossip who thought she was smarter and better than most people around her. I found it frustrating and tiresome to read about her. I also did not enjoy reading the author's attempt to write in the voice" of the 19th century.