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A Hard Joy
The book opens as Livia Del Sarto starts to feel the effects of an injection of LSD. She is in a private clinic in Sydney. Her psychiatrist suggested the drug would speed up her therapy. She experiences an explosion of feelings that send her on an emotional roller coaster that is both confusing and liberating.
Livia recently left her husband, Martin Ridley, when she discovered he was involved with another woman. He is a complex, domineering man who is unable to commit to one relationship yet unwilling to let Livia go. Against the social revolution of the 1970s, sexual attractions and rejections fuel their story and of those around them.
Livia recently left her husband, Martin Ridley, when she discovered he was involved with another woman. He is a complex, domineering man who is unable to commit to one relationship yet unwilling to let Livia go. Against the social revolution of the 1970s, sexual attractions and rejections fuel their story and of those around them.
458 pages, Paperback
Published March 17, 2017
308 people want to read
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August 24, 2017
A truly heartfelt story of the many forms of love, "A Hard Joy" is a captivating debut Woman's Fiction book by Nadia Lozzi-Cuthbertson.
"A Hard Joy" is a compelling from the start. Nadia Lozzi-Cuthbertson is truly an amazing author who hooks readers with her passionate and descriptive writing. "A Hard Joy" focuses on the many facets of love, including relationships with parents, friends and partners, and how combined, they make us who we are today. Based in the 1970s, the story focuses on a couple from a broken relationship. To help unravel where things have gone wrong in her life, Livia Del Santo turns to an alternative therapy of LSD and counselling, in the hope to speed up her heartbreak. Her ex-husband Martin Ridley, however doesn't want to commit to Livia fully, but also doesn't want to let her move on. Livia begins to face the truth about her relationships, and realizes that the LSD counselling may be more of "A Hard Joy" than a quick fix.
Nadia Lozzi-Cutherbertson has a gift with writing reality, making this a 5-star read. The main elements that make "A Hard Joy" a stand out book are:
* The lead characters are depicted in entirety, from their upbringing, early relationships, their personalities, and their present day relationships, easily invoking a familiarity with them.
* As the many layers of their relationships unravel, the characters continue to grow and heal, and keeps the plot engaging.
* The two-way narrative, alternating between Livia and Martin, gives readers the chance to see both sides of the relationship breakdown. Just as compelling is Martin's side of the story, and learning of a man's perspective.
* A backdrop to the main story is the fascinating recollection of life in the different decades of Australian, including differences over time in class and families immigrating. What makes this more compelling is the expertise from the author Nadia Lozzi-Cuthbertson, who writes based on her own life experiences.
* The plot is full of twists and turns, as Livia seeks to understand why she can't move forward including many heartfelt moments with her mother.
*Another stand out feature of this book is the depiction of the characters as fragile, with the story written with an open dialog, inviting readers to easily invest in their stories.
*Its a refreshing change to see relationships portrayed warts and all.
All elements combined truly make "A Hard Joy" by Nadia Lozzi-Cuthbertson a must read for all lovers of Women's Literature. I can't wait to read further books by this author.
I won this book Goodreads as a giveaway.
"A Hard Joy" is a compelling from the start. Nadia Lozzi-Cuthbertson is truly an amazing author who hooks readers with her passionate and descriptive writing. "A Hard Joy" focuses on the many facets of love, including relationships with parents, friends and partners, and how combined, they make us who we are today. Based in the 1970s, the story focuses on a couple from a broken relationship. To help unravel where things have gone wrong in her life, Livia Del Santo turns to an alternative therapy of LSD and counselling, in the hope to speed up her heartbreak. Her ex-husband Martin Ridley, however doesn't want to commit to Livia fully, but also doesn't want to let her move on. Livia begins to face the truth about her relationships, and realizes that the LSD counselling may be more of "A Hard Joy" than a quick fix.
Nadia Lozzi-Cutherbertson has a gift with writing reality, making this a 5-star read. The main elements that make "A Hard Joy" a stand out book are:
* The lead characters are depicted in entirety, from their upbringing, early relationships, their personalities, and their present day relationships, easily invoking a familiarity with them.
* As the many layers of their relationships unravel, the characters continue to grow and heal, and keeps the plot engaging.
* The two-way narrative, alternating between Livia and Martin, gives readers the chance to see both sides of the relationship breakdown. Just as compelling is Martin's side of the story, and learning of a man's perspective.
* A backdrop to the main story is the fascinating recollection of life in the different decades of Australian, including differences over time in class and families immigrating. What makes this more compelling is the expertise from the author Nadia Lozzi-Cuthbertson, who writes based on her own life experiences.
* The plot is full of twists and turns, as Livia seeks to understand why she can't move forward including many heartfelt moments with her mother.
*Another stand out feature of this book is the depiction of the characters as fragile, with the story written with an open dialog, inviting readers to easily invest in their stories.
*Its a refreshing change to see relationships portrayed warts and all.
All elements combined truly make "A Hard Joy" by Nadia Lozzi-Cuthbertson a must read for all lovers of Women's Literature. I can't wait to read further books by this author.
I won this book Goodreads as a giveaway.
Displaying 1 of 1 review