Love is a Rebellious Bird

by Elayne Klasson

Who is it we love and why do we love these people? Toward the end of her life, Judith asks these questions, trying to understand why she chose Elliot Pine to love. Why, for sixty years, did she persist in loving someone who never gave as much as he was given? In her quest for understanding, she writes her story to this exceptional man. Meeting as children in Chicago, they move to opposite coasts. Elliot embarks on a remarkable legal career in Washington and New York while Judith raises her children alone in California, after tragedy. Coming together again and again throughout their lives, their love is never equal, Elliot defining the terms of the relationship.Judith examines the role of Beauty in love, for Elliot's face and form were beautiful. She considers the role of Consolation, how they supported one another in devastating times. Insanity, Magic, Deceit, Sensory Fulfillment, and, finally, Being Seen—Judith looks at these many aspects of her love.Her feelings for this man cost her, impinged on every other relationship in her life: friends, her two husbands, even her three children. After sixty years, however, it all changes. Judith makes one more profound sacrifice, finally achieving a sort of long-awaited happiness in her love.

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

338 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2019

Reviews

[Lloyd Russell]

Everybody is a comedian...or so they/we all think. I've actually got a review for you. It's a book called Love Is A Rebellious Bird, by Elayne Klasson. It's a love story unlike most love stories. Here's the synopsis:

This tale of a sixty-year love affair examines the age-old question of why we love the people we do. A beautiful, charismatic and wildly successful man is adored by a woman. Even when they were children, he held the power. Though they are bound by tragedy and friendship, he defines the terms of their relationship, until finally, in old age, the power shifts. Looking at the roles of Beauty, Insanity, Magic, Deceit, Consolation, Sensory Fulfillment, and, finally, Being Seen, Judith explores why she loved Elliot - a relationship that impinged on every other in her life.

You all are VERY aware that I am not an intellectual. And those books that try to convert me are bound to fail. Having said that, there are definitely authors who can combine literary expertise with readability. Of course Pat Conway immediately comes to mind. Well, I can honestly say that Elayne has that skill. This book is both literary and readable.

I also have to say that she grabbed me right away. As early as Page 13, I was emotionally vested in the 2 main characters. And it never let up. I cared about Judith and Elliot from beginning to end. It certainly didn't hurt that Elayne can turn a phrase:

"Lilly looked at me with one brow raised, as if I were an item on the menu she'd overlooked."

And let's not forget the awards circuit and a great Kirkus review:


Love Is A Rebellious Bird Has Been Selected As A Finalist For:


2020 Next Generation Indie Book Awards: General Fiction Finalist AND Best Cover Design Finalist


“Best New Fiction” from the American BookFest 2019 Best Book Awards


The Goldberg Prize for debut fiction from the National Jewish Book Awards


The 2019 Sarton Women's Book Awards







“Klasson fills every scene she can with thought-and romance. A surprisingly complex and realistic love story delicately narrated by an endearing protagonist.”

— Kirkus Reviews


Am I recommending Love Is A Rebellious Bird? Uh...yeah.

[Lucille · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book is set up as a sort of late-life memoir in which Judith recounts momentous events in her life (marriages, babies, deaths, etc.) as they played second string to the core obsession she held for over 60 years pining for a (probably closeted gay) guy appropriately named Elliott Pine. At various points over the 60 years, Judith & Elliott’s lives would cross, sometimes intimately as lovers, yet at each juncture when they both were free to be a couple, Elliott always chose someone else. Nonetheless, Judith stayed constant in her romantic adoration of him, albeit from afar. Finally, in their seventh decade, and after almost a full decade without much contact between them (occasioned by a disagreement over Elliott’s latest preferred paramour), Judith is suddenly back in touch with an out-of-touch Elliott, who finds himself alone & basically wandering around the Hudson Valley, quite befuddled. So the rebellious lovebird Judith swoops in and arranges for herself and a (now) diagnosed dementia afflicted Elliott to take up residence in a senior living home, one suitably equipped to handle Elliott’s care when the demands to care for someone with his degree of dementia will exceed Judith’s ability. There were moments where it seemed to me that Klasson was moving towards a recognition that her character Judith was delusional, and sad, but ultimately the reader is left with the sense that Judith has reached a contentment with the final role she is playing in Elliott’s final days. This probably won’t be a popular takeaway with others who have loved this book (and there are many) but for me, it is essentially a story about self-loathing.

[Reyna Gentin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel evoked so many conflicting emotions. First of all, it is written in an extremely persuasive, intense way. I've never read fiction quite like this, where I went back several times to make sure it was a novel and not memoir. The characters were completely and convincingly drawn. Sometimes, the detail was so rich that I had the urge to scream, "too much information," but in a good way. Indeed, the protagonist was so real to me that I often wanted to shake her. Judith's love for Elliot was powerful and all-consuming, but I couldn't admire her for it. I felt at many turns she was too passive, taking the turns in her life and love with this man as though she didn't deserve to be treated any better. The last chapters of their lives somehow saddened me rather than uplifted me, but it is a tribute to the author that I believed every emotion and motivation.

[Diane C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moving, satisfying and thought provoking. Loved this story of a woman's life long love for her childhood friend/lover. They married other people, lived different lives, but the thread of love never dropped. Love is more complicated and stronger than we usually think.

Highly recommended!

[Susan Inman · Rating 4 out of 5]

For at least the first half of the book I really didn't like the main character, Judith. She just seemed to keep making bad choices and then being disappointed in their results. It wasn't until she reached middle age and took time to reflect back on all of her prior relationships that I began to sympathize with her. I particularly liked the section where she realizes that it's difficult to feel seen, especially as a woman of a certain age. The ending is not what I expected, although it was a nice way to wrap up the story. I liked Judith enough by the end to wonder what her life was like after the book ends.

[Danielle Urban · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love is a Rebellious Bird by Elayne Klasson is a beautiful novel. I was swept up into this story from the beginning. The main character, Judith, had me following her journey of love. She loved one man only. Her whole heart, soul, and mind were captivated by this one man. Distance separated the two. But neither one gave up hope. I explored the deep meaning behind her love for Elliot. What they have is real, raw, and magical. The ending made my heart swell and break and then mend again. Overall, I recommend this sweet tale to all.

I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.

[Lolly K Dandeneau · Rating 4 out of 5]

via my blog: https://bookstalkerblog.wordpress.com/

“Judith, sometimes it’s hard to be objective when it’s someone we love.”

With the years gone faster than the blink of Judith’s eye, she finds herself thinking about the same person she has since childhood, the one person whom has occupied the biggest room in her heart, Eliot Pine. The most pressing question of all, beyond why and how we love the people we do, is can you love someone who doesn’t love you with the same devotion and passion you feel for them? Is true love only measured in equal parts? Worse, can you stop yourself from loving a person who can never return your own? Judith is over seventy, and “trying to make sense of what I did with my life”, knowing her obsessive love was “consuming, painful, and, ultimately, unsuitable.” Here she presents her story of unwavering love for Eliot through her marriages, births of her children and her career.

Judith first meets Eliot Pine, a beautiful boy, when she is ten years old and transfers to Pratt Elementary School in Chicago her fifth grade year. The reader learns, just like Judith, through a fight he is in that his mother is in the mental hospital, again. His pain and sorrow becomes Judith’s own. Immediately her heart belongs to Eliot. First it’s love from a distance, each with their own little boyfriend and girlfriends until they begin to compete academically. Impressed by her intelligence, the two become fast friends, earning her even a special nickname from Eliot that sticks for life. She inserts herself in his passionate causes to be closer to him, getting to know even his mother, for a time. But she always seems to be asking him for more than he can give, their relationship one of imbalance. A terrible tragedy takes place, and Judith is only too eager to be Eliot’s solace. Through the years and difficulties of life, Eliot and Judith turn to each other as something far more undefinable than friends.

As growing up does, experiences change Eliot and Judith just can’t seem to keep up. As he changes, Judith longs for him in the Ann Arbor Gloom, focusing on her education, waiting for that ‘some day’ he always promises when she can finally, fully give herself to him, body and soul. Judith immerses herself in psychology and social work. The two meet up again and again through life, keeping in touch through letters before emails take over, their life circles different as Eliot’s in more affluent, and yet there are times they are unavailable to each other as he graduates Harvard Law and she travels the world with someone else.

Judith and Eliot’s life paths split in different directions, he with a career in law, she with a career in social work and later raising children as a single mother after a tragic turn. Eliot gives her mixed signals even after he is married to someone else, and all she can ever feel is “if only” about everything involving Eliot. Is Eliot moved more by their shared history and her utter devotion and attention to him? In love with the intensity of her love for him? She promises him to always be there for him, even when they’re old and she keeps that promise, which in fact may be the most beautiful part of the story and the most pure example of love.

The novel is Judith’s journey through life, always on the edge of Eliot’s as he goes on to do great things. Using her other loves and marriages as a means to have a life of her own, separate from Eliot. Her own love life comes with it’s own issues and temptations like any marriage. There are betrayals and losses, brutal days. It is with startling honesty that Judith tells her story of how she humiliated herself for love, which a woman once she reaches old age at some point has done over someone. Not every great love story is mutual nor mutually exclusive. Love is sometimes one sided, but is it any less true? Even when she tries to push away, there is always her heart beating for Eliot and it is tender until the end, loyal if not returned. Eliot, again and again ‘not choosing me’ and yet not quite ever releasing her either. She is the constant friend, and in old age, let her children think she is crazy, she will not refuse Eliot when he needs her the most. It may be painful to recognize yourself either in Eliot or Judith, the worshiped or the devoted. The end was tender and sad, dare I say beautiful?

Published November 12, 2019

She Writes Press




“Judith, sometimes it’s hard to be objective when it’s someone we love.”

With the years gone faster than the blink of Judith’s eye, she finds herself thinking about the same person she has since childhood, the one person whom has occupied the biggest room in her heart, Eliot Pine. The most pressing question of all, beyond why and how we love the people we do, is can you love someone who doesn’t love you with the same devotion and passion you feel for them? Is true love only measured in equal parts? Worse, can you stop yourself from loving a person who can never return your own? Judith is over seventy, and “trying to make sense of what I did with my life”, knowing her obsessive love was “consuming, painful, and, ultimately, unsuitable.” Here she presents her story of unwavering love for Eliot through her marriages, births of her children and her career.

Judith first meets Eliot Pine, a beautiful boy, when she is ten years old and transfers to Pratt Elementary School in Chicago her fifth grade year. The reader learns, just like Judith, through a fight he is in that his mother is in the mental hospital, again. His pain and sorrow becomes Judith’s own. Immediately her heart belongs to Eliot. First it’s love from a distance, each with their own little boyfriend and girlfriends until they begin to compete academically. Impressed by her intelligence, the two become fast friends, earning her even a special nickname from Eliot that sticks for life. She inserts herself in his passionate causes to be closer to him, getting to know even his mother, for a time. But she always seems to be asking him for more than he can give, their relationship one of imbalance. A terrible tragedy takes place, and Judith is only too eager to be Eliot’s solace. Through the years and difficulties of life, Eliot and Judith turn to each other as something far more undefinable than friends.

As growing up does, experiences change Eliot and Judith just can’t seem to keep up. As he changes, Judith longs for him in the Ann Arbor Gloom, focusing on her education, waiting for that ‘some day’ he always promises when she can finally, fully give herself to him, body and soul. Judith immerses herself in psychology and social work. The two meet up again and again through life, keeping in touch through letters before emails take over, their life circles different as Eliot’s in more affluent, and yet there are times they are unavailable to each other as he graduates Harvard Law and she travels the world with someone else.

Judith and Eliot’s life paths split in different directions, he with a career in law, she with a career in social work and later raising children as a single mother after a tragic turn. Eliot gives her mixed signals even after he is married to someone else, and all she can ever feel is “if only” about everything involving Eliot. Is Eliot moved more by their shared history and her utter devotion and attention to him? In love with the intensity of her love for him? She promises him to always be there for him, even when they’re old and she keeps that promise, which in fact may be the most beautiful part of the story and the most pure example of love.

The novel is Judith’s journey through life, always on the edge of Eliot’s as he goes on to do great things. Using her other loves and marriages as a means to have a life of her own, separate from Eliot. Her own love life comes with it’s own issues and temptations like any marriage. There are betrayals and losses, brutal days. It is with startling honesty that Judith tells her story of how she humiliated herself for love, which a woman once she reaches old age at some point has done over someone. Not every great love story is mutual nor mutually exclusive. Love is sometimes one sided, but is it any less true? Even when she tries to push away, there is always her heart beating for Eliot and it is tender until the end, loyal if not returned. Eliot, again and again ‘not choosing me’ and yet not quite ever releasing her either. She is the constant friend, and in old age, let her children think she is crazy, she will not refuse Eliot when he needs her the most. It may be painful to recognize yourself either in Eliot or Judith, the worshiped or the devoted. The end was tender and sad, dare I say beautiful?

Published November 12, 2019

She Writes Press

[Barbara Stark-Nemon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elayne Kasson’s Love is a Rebellious Bird, is an exploration of the depth, the passion and the unreliability of a fierce young love aged over time in the life of a bright and complicated woman. With elegant prose, Klasson fully explores the inner narrative of Judith, a psychologically sophisticated woman who gives us her understanding of her relationship with a man she has loved for sixty years. That her love was deep, passionate, in many ways unrequited, and almost obsessional plays out in the context of her marriages to other men, her life as a single mother, his marriages and relationships with other women, and both their successful professions. This is a particularly poignant story for readers of Judith’s generation, as it deftly describes the changes in societal constructs of romantic relationships that both influenced but ultimately were cast aside by Judith’s own needs and wants. Why we love the people we love, and how we decide to move forward with them in and out of our lives is a common literary theme. What is uncommon, is to find these considerations so skillfully written about in a tightly crafted story. Brava!

[Deborah Shepherd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elayne Klasson had me at her first sentence, in her opening chapter, “Beauty”:

“Over seventy, I am considered by most of the world and for most of history, an old woman.”

Klasson speaks to so many of us of a certain age as we take the measure of our lives and of our loves. For the book’s protagonist, Judith,
it was one love, her fierce, lifelong attachment to her childhood friend, Elliot, despite the fact he could not love her the way she needed him to.

This deep, complicated, sometimes confounding, but immensely satisfying story spans 60 years. While you may not always agree with the choices Judith makes as she holds Elliot in her heart, if not in her arms ( but once in awhile, that happens, too), you will be riveted by this tale until the very end. Klasson is a wonderful storyteller, and Judith is a completely relatable protagonist. I loved this book.

[Rachel Michelberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an opera singer who has sung the role of Carmen - including the famous aria "L'amour est un oixeaux rebelle" - Love is a rebellious bird - I was curious how this novel would connect the dots. In fact there isn't a mention of the aria, yet Elayne Klasson provided an entirely new perspective on the idea that love usually knows no logic or reason. Judith, the story's protagonist, struggles with her lifelong affection - obsession, actually - with Elliott despite his hot/cold attitude towards her. I loved the story's arc from childish puppy love to the harsh realities of aging. A beautifully written, compelling read.

[Felicity Sicari · Rating 2 out of 5]

For me this was less a love story and more a cautionary tale about not examining your life/relationships/yourself until it is too late to for anything other than regret. It was frustrating that Judith kept trying to change herself to fit what she thought Elliot wanted, even though he rejected her, dismissed her, married other women etc. It felt like she was justifying a toxic relationship by telling herself it was love.

[Kim Orendor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is both heart-warming and heart-wrenching at the same time. Written in what feels like a true stream of consciousness Elayne Klasson's "Love is a Rebellious Bird" pulled me in and wouldn't let me go until I finished. It's easy to see why it's a National Jewish Book Awards finalist.

The story follows the life of Judith and her first love Elliot from their first meeting in grade school until their gray years. Written in first person from Judith's point of view the story shows the highs and lows of life in Chicago and New York and Los Angeles across the decades. The characters have highs and lows and there were times when I felt like shaking the book to try to shake some sense into them.

Every moment in time felt authentic, the dialogue on-point, and even the deep devotion--which at first I totally questioned as being unrealistic--rang true in the final chapters.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very unique tale of love told solely from the perspective of one (perhaps there is a 2nd book planned to learn the perspective of the other;) I love books that are told in a different way and feel so new to read. I kept expecting to loose interest in the single thread of this story and at times I did but there was always enough to keep me reading. I will admit at times I was very annoyed with the story teller - the main character - I wanted to shake her but it was her life to live and her story to tell.

[Lyn Zuberbuhler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elayne Klasson is a competent author. The premise of this novel is that a young love continues to appear throughout her life until she.........but that would be telling.
However, I found her premise specious, and somewhat smug. In the end, my impression is that this "forever love" used her throughout their lives, and continued to disrupt her life.
After reading the author's biography, I would prefer that she write of her own life experiences as a health care consultant in the West Indies.

[Sandy]

I liked Love is a Rebellious Bird more than I thought I would. It was a book club assignment and the title didn't ententivize me to read the book, but it was a good story. The main character; Judith has been in love with Elliott Pine almost as long as she can remember -- since grade school -- and though he always seems to be just out of reach, he is the one constant man in her entire life. Their story, and her tremendous act of love and forgiveness at the end of the book are worth the read.

[Susi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it. A woman deeply in love with a man, who loves her as a dear friend. I think we can all relate to that! I know I can. Maybe that's why I enjoyed reading the book. Even to the end, Judith's love for Elliot never ended and she was always there for him. I can sometimes be put off with American Authors, as the style of writing can be different, but this book was ok. If you need a lockdown read, then try it.

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t believe this is a debut novel. I was hooked immediately because the main characters experiences in the first 60 pages, growing up in Chicago, were so parallel to mine that I felt she had interviewed me! Then while the parallels were gone, the story was compelling, well written and grownup! The only thing I didn’t like, and it was immaterial, is the title. Bravo to Elaine Klasson.

[Meredith Messmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a woman in her 70's, I could relate to so many aspects of this woman's life - everything from being a slut or a "good girl" in high school, from the heightened sense of smell regarding men we love, to raising children and doubting our competency. I loved this book especially because it brought to mind so many memories of my own life.

[Anne Kimbrough · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of a lifetime passion

I started out thinking I would not like this book, but then found I couldn't put it down. At the age of 70 Judith is writing a letter to the man she has loved since she was ten years old. The story follows their lives both separately and together, relationships with others, and the connection that they can't seem to let go.

[Debbie Shoulders · Rating 4 out of 5]

Judith in her early seventies reminisces about the big love of her life. Simply told this is a story of of a one-sided love affair shared with few regrets. Beginning in elementary school, Judith is attracted to Elliot. a man, whose ambition and charisma takes him far in life and she is there when he needs her. Klasson writes an extended love letter that is authentic rather than romantic.

[Cathy Zane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading like a memoir, this novel is a long love letter to Elliot, the man Judith has loved for 60 years. She questions why we love who we do and looks at the loss and sacrifice she has endured in this unequal love. Anyone who has loved someone devotedly throughout their life will find themselves in these pages. A beautiful and gently unfolding story.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unrequited Love But a Lovely Ending

I really liked this book. It was a different sort of love story. While I was frustrated with the main characters at times ( Judith.... really? How could you maneuver through life carrying that torch?) ( Elliot- How could you be so purposefully blind... and selfish?) And yet- I developed an affinity for both by the end of the book. I appreciated the weaving of life’s hardships and joys in this mature love story. Well written and enjoyable.

[Patrice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this quiet love story. It's written as a letter from Judith to her lifetime love; a very interesting perspective that I don't think I've ever seen before. There's no big scandal, no mystery to solve, just an examination of why we love those we love and how love drives our life choices. A really beautiful story, well worth the read.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I stumbled upon this audiobook because it was on sale at Chirp for $1.99. Never having heard anything about it, I unexpectedly loved it. I thought the story was very realistic (I kept forgetting it was fiction) and the relationship between the two main characters seemed organic. I loved the ending (won’t spoil it for you).

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is this a story of unrequited love? Or would the term "uneven love" be more apt? It was a beautiful story with an unexpected ending. I loved that ending, however, and its original take on a trope already done by Sparks and Sandler.

[Lauren Harrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an unexpected treasure! I loved the way the author examined love from all its facets, while weaving through the decades of this poignant love story. I love when library grabs turn out like this 😀

[Molly Lecheler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story of love and devotion

Although it is early this may well be the best read of 2021. Ms. Klaxon writes a poignant story of love and devotion and how some loves stay with us no matter what....

[Traci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written in first person, which was a nice change from most books. The author did a great job with character development, and the plot was not predictable (always good in my view).

[Adrienne Prince · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good but often skipped sections and it didnt matter. Sometimes I wondered why she stayed in touch with him????

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Took a while to get into but then I was hooked and never wanted it to end. Moving, realistic, and satisfying story.