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Queen of the Owls
A chance meeting with a charismatic photographer will forever change Elizabeth’s life.
Until she met Richard, Elizabeth's relationship with Georgia O’Keeffe and her little-known Hawaii paintings was purely academic. Now it’s personal. Richard tells Elizabeth that the only way she can truly understand O’Keeffe isn’t with her mind―it’s by getting into O’Keeffe’s skin and reenacting her famous nude photos.
In the intimacy of Richard’s studio, Elizabeth experiences a new, intoxicating abandon and fullness. It never occurs to her that the photographs might be made public, especially without her consent. Desperate to avoid exposure―she’s a rising star in the academic world and the mother of young children―Elizabeth demands that Richard dismantle the exhibit. But he refuses. The pictures are his art. His property, not hers.
As word of the photos spreads, Elizabeth unwittingly becomes a feminist heroine to her students, who misunderstand her motives in posing. To the university, however, her actions are a public scandal. To her husband, they’re a public humiliation. Yet Richard has reawakened an awareness that’s haunted Elizabeth since she was a child―the truth that cerebral knowledge will never be enough.
Now she must face the How much is she willing to risk to be truly seen and known?
Until she met Richard, Elizabeth's relationship with Georgia O’Keeffe and her little-known Hawaii paintings was purely academic. Now it’s personal. Richard tells Elizabeth that the only way she can truly understand O’Keeffe isn’t with her mind―it’s by getting into O’Keeffe’s skin and reenacting her famous nude photos.
In the intimacy of Richard’s studio, Elizabeth experiences a new, intoxicating abandon and fullness. It never occurs to her that the photographs might be made public, especially without her consent. Desperate to avoid exposure―she’s a rising star in the academic world and the mother of young children―Elizabeth demands that Richard dismantle the exhibit. But he refuses. The pictures are his art. His property, not hers.
As word of the photos spreads, Elizabeth unwittingly becomes a feminist heroine to her students, who misunderstand her motives in posing. To the university, however, her actions are a public scandal. To her husband, they’re a public humiliation. Yet Richard has reawakened an awareness that’s haunted Elizabeth since she was a child―the truth that cerebral knowledge will never be enough.
Now she must face the How much is she willing to risk to be truly seen and known?
330 pages, Paperback
First published April 7, 2020
89 people are currently reading
2872 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Linn Probst
5 books218 followersBarbara Linn Probst is an award-winning author of contemporary women’s fiction living on an historic dirt road in New York’s Hudson Valley. Her acclaimed novels QUEEN OF THE OWLS (2020) and TTHE SOUND BETWEEN THE NOTES (2021) were medalists for prestigious national awards, and THE SOUND BETWEEN THE NOTES was selected by Kirkus Reviews as one of the Best Indie Books of 2021. Barbara has also published over fifty essays on the craft of writing for sites such as Jane Friedman and Writer Unboxed, along with two nonfiction books. Her third novel THE COLOR OF ICE will be released in October 2022.
FUN FACT:
Barbara's first book was framed around the art and life of iconic American painter Georgia O'Keeffe, and her second book was framed around music and the piano. THE COLOR OF ICE, set among Iceland's thermal lagoons and blue icebergs, is framed around the magical art of glassblowing.
FUN FACT:
Barbara's first book was framed around the art and life of iconic American painter Georgia O'Keeffe, and her second book was framed around music and the piano. THE COLOR OF ICE, set among Iceland's thermal lagoons and blue icebergs, is framed around the magical art of glassblowing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
February 29, 2020
One of the reasons I chose to read this book was because - from a distance- I’ve admired ( and still do), the author, Barbara Linn Probst from other conversations she was engaged in - through Goodreads and Facebook.
To me - she exemplifies a balanced loving wonderful woman. I also wanted to be supportive. I still want to be supportive- so be clear my low rating doesn’t change this fact.
When asked the question, “Where did you get the idea for your most recent”, “Queen of Owls”?—Barbara gave a great answer:
“A complicated question! The idea for QUEEN OF THE OWLS came from sources that came together at just the right moment. But at its heart is the question I’ve always had about how to be a complete woman, especially in a culture that tends to dichotomize women into bodies and brains, and foxes and owls”.
I sincerely want to congratulate Barbara on her debut novel, but I wasn’t the right audience for it.
I found myself battling too much with my own inner voice about the things that didn’t work for me.
I found it too cliche....with obvious stereotyping (not that I believe it was the author’s purpose), and very predictable.
By 4% into this book- we get a ‘reprieved’ description letting us know that Ben, Elizabeth’s husband, who had been reading a Vietnam documentary one Wednesday evening — didn’t give Elizabeth the smile, or kiss, or greeting she wanted after her tai chi class.
Clear- sparks weren’t flying off the wall.
We also learn early that sex with Ben - on a Wednesday night - was unusual -unmemorable - but “duly accomplished”.
They had the type of relationship where they analyzed and dissected world issues.....often agreeing, about how life should be, but they lacked authentic playful steam and passion for each other.
Ben was a lawyer who worked for a small local firm. He took on working class clients who needed help with leases and disability claims. Elizabeth ‘did’ respect her husband’s work ethics and integrity.....but she didn’t feel overwhelmingly whole and complete with him - or with herself.
She simply desired something more! The emptiness inside her was unraveling.
Maybe Richard...the handsome-hot-stud photographer whom Elizabeth met in a Thai Chi class - a man who tilted his head just right - and “touched Elizabeth’s arm meditatively”, would be the fulfillment she was looking for.
Afterall, when their eyes met, Elizabeth felt it was like a “javelin” aim straight at her. However, we readers know otherwise - that this attraction-fantasy - will lead down a slippery path: and of course it does.
Fact is.....I could see the story, messages and predictability a mile away.
I apologize for being a horrible Debbie-Downer- (it’s not fun picking a book apart).....but there were just ‘too many’ things that didn’t float my boat.
The biggest weakness - ( I feel like such a creep for saying this too) - was mixing themes about Georgia O’Keeffe, and Alfred Stieglitz into this story at all. I wouldn’t have done it.
It wasn’t necessary in order to examine Elizabeth’s personal dissatisfaction, self worth, voice, marriage, or her job, as a woman.
I still own a few of Georgia Okeeffe books - have read plenty about O’Keeffe’s personal and artistic life—(we gave the wall-artwork away years ago), but honestly...
I couldn’t get behind the icon-theme, ( plot device), to shed light on insights about being a whole, complete, satisfied woman.
Wishing Barbara Linn Probst enjoyment and success with the release of her first book - I was wrong ‘fit’ reader....but many others will enjoy it.
Thank you Barbara, ‘She Writes Press’, and Netgalley
To me - she exemplifies a balanced loving wonderful woman. I also wanted to be supportive. I still want to be supportive- so be clear my low rating doesn’t change this fact.
When asked the question, “Where did you get the idea for your most recent”, “Queen of Owls”?—Barbara gave a great answer:
“A complicated question! The idea for QUEEN OF THE OWLS came from sources that came together at just the right moment. But at its heart is the question I’ve always had about how to be a complete woman, especially in a culture that tends to dichotomize women into bodies and brains, and foxes and owls”.
I sincerely want to congratulate Barbara on her debut novel, but I wasn’t the right audience for it.
I found myself battling too much with my own inner voice about the things that didn’t work for me.
I found it too cliche....with obvious stereotyping (not that I believe it was the author’s purpose), and very predictable.
By 4% into this book- we get a ‘reprieved’ description letting us know that Ben, Elizabeth’s husband, who had been reading a Vietnam documentary one Wednesday evening — didn’t give Elizabeth the smile, or kiss, or greeting she wanted after her tai chi class.
Clear- sparks weren’t flying off the wall.
We also learn early that sex with Ben - on a Wednesday night - was unusual -unmemorable - but “duly accomplished”.
They had the type of relationship where they analyzed and dissected world issues.....often agreeing, about how life should be, but they lacked authentic playful steam and passion for each other.
Ben was a lawyer who worked for a small local firm. He took on working class clients who needed help with leases and disability claims. Elizabeth ‘did’ respect her husband’s work ethics and integrity.....but she didn’t feel overwhelmingly whole and complete with him - or with herself.
She simply desired something more! The emptiness inside her was unraveling.
Maybe Richard...the handsome-hot-stud photographer whom Elizabeth met in a Thai Chi class - a man who tilted his head just right - and “touched Elizabeth’s arm meditatively”, would be the fulfillment she was looking for.
Afterall, when their eyes met, Elizabeth felt it was like a “javelin” aim straight at her. However, we readers know otherwise - that this attraction-fantasy - will lead down a slippery path: and of course it does.
Fact is.....I could see the story, messages and predictability a mile away.
I apologize for being a horrible Debbie-Downer- (it’s not fun picking a book apart).....but there were just ‘too many’ things that didn’t float my boat.
The biggest weakness - ( I feel like such a creep for saying this too) - was mixing themes about Georgia O’Keeffe, and Alfred Stieglitz into this story at all. I wouldn’t have done it.
It wasn’t necessary in order to examine Elizabeth’s personal dissatisfaction, self worth, voice, marriage, or her job, as a woman.
I still own a few of Georgia Okeeffe books - have read plenty about O’Keeffe’s personal and artistic life—(we gave the wall-artwork away years ago), but honestly...
I couldn’t get behind the icon-theme, ( plot device), to shed light on insights about being a whole, complete, satisfied woman.
Wishing Barbara Linn Probst enjoyment and success with the release of her first book - I was wrong ‘fit’ reader....but many others will enjoy it.
Thank you Barbara, ‘She Writes Press’, and Netgalley
January 26, 2020
This beautiful debut novel by Barbara Linn Propst is a look at a woman in transition in her life. Does she want to continue her life like it is or can she make changes and find happiness? The main character is so well written that her flaws and indecisions are apparent as well as her love for life. She is a complex but very real character and it's fascinating to watch her growth through the novel.
I absolutely loved this novel and watching the main character as she makes changes and takes risks that affect her life using Georgia O'Keeffe's paintings and life as a road map. This is a wonderful book for lovers of the artist but more importantly a book that every woman should read about finding her true self - not only as a wife, mother, sister, friend but, most importantly, finding the true person at her center.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
I absolutely loved this novel and watching the main character as she makes changes and takes risks that affect her life using Georgia O'Keeffe's paintings and life as a road map. This is a wonderful book for lovers of the artist but more importantly a book that every woman should read about finding her true self - not only as a wife, mother, sister, friend but, most importantly, finding the true person at her center.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
April 3, 2020
Queen of the Owls is a scholarly look at Georgia O'Keeffe's art and how it changes the course of an academic's life when she risks following in Georgia's footsteps. I have such mixed emotions about this book... I assumed this story would be the perfect fit for me. Unfortunately, it fell short and was more frustrating than intriguing. Feel free to read more here... Full Book Review
February 24, 2020
Barbara Linn Probst’s debut novel is stunning: gorgeous prose highlighting a book about creativity, seeing and being seen. As a former photographer and artist, this book has everything needed to intrigue me: Georgia O’Keeffe, Alfred Steiglitz, painting, photography, art history, feminism, and the price a woman pays to be creative, to be all she was meant to be, to be seen as herself—not merely in the male gaze or a reflection of a man.
Elizabeth is an Art History Ph.D. candidate stuck in the rut of a marriage that never should have been. Her dissertation is on O’Keeffe’s time in Hawaii. Her feelings are chiseled open by an unusual relationship with a photographer, Richard. Together, they explore the seen and unseen, the whole and the fragment. With Richard, she feels safe enough to reveal her innermost desires as they reproduce the photographs in which O’Keeffe posed for Steiglitz. When Richard exhibits those photographs—without her permission—Elizabeth’s position at the university, her personal and professional reputations, and her very marriage are at risk. Despite the precariousness of her life at the moment, Elizabeth realizes that she is authentic, a fully-dimensional person. She stands at this rift in her life and must decide whether to leap across the void or to retreat.
This is an intimate, yet psychologically deep look at one woman’s attempts to balance love, life, children, and career—and above all, to liberate herself from the limits of her own expectations and to evolve.
Elizabeth is an Art History Ph.D. candidate stuck in the rut of a marriage that never should have been. Her dissertation is on O’Keeffe’s time in Hawaii. Her feelings are chiseled open by an unusual relationship with a photographer, Richard. Together, they explore the seen and unseen, the whole and the fragment. With Richard, she feels safe enough to reveal her innermost desires as they reproduce the photographs in which O’Keeffe posed for Steiglitz. When Richard exhibits those photographs—without her permission—Elizabeth’s position at the university, her personal and professional reputations, and her very marriage are at risk. Despite the precariousness of her life at the moment, Elizabeth realizes that she is authentic, a fully-dimensional person. She stands at this rift in her life and must decide whether to leap across the void or to retreat.
This is an intimate, yet psychologically deep look at one woman’s attempts to balance love, life, children, and career—and above all, to liberate herself from the limits of her own expectations and to evolve.
February 11, 2021
While researching her thesis on artist Georgia O'Keeffe's Hawaii paintings, doctoral student Elizabeth's entire life is upended when photographer Richard inspires her to take a risk and pose nude for him. Normally "owlish," levelheaded, and predicable, she is shocked by her own actions and must come to terms with the consequences. What will be the fallout, and is she ready to make some difficult choices?
"Making your unknown known is the most important thing."
If you enjoy books that feature art, feminism, and the journey of self discovery, then try this debut!
I received an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
"Making your unknown known is the most important thing."
If you enjoy books that feature art, feminism, and the journey of self discovery, then try this debut!
I received an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
February 22, 2020
I really enjoy books that take me somewhere I would never have gone or to experience something I never would have unless I had read the book. This book took me into the world of an artist I had never heard of through the main character, Elizabeth. I learned so much about Georgia O'Keeffe and a world of art I had never experienced. I had never considered looking past what was in front of me to see what was beyond the image. This caused me to look up just who this artist was and find out more of what she was about. Why she painted the way she did and ultimately became a model for Alfred Stieglitz in the poses she was in. I felt she was very ahead of her times in what she did. Art was an expression of who she was. In her own works and the works of Stieglitz. One of her quotes:
“I often painted fragments of things because it seemed to make my statement as well as or better than the whole could.” All of these components are adeptly written throughout the pages of this book as to who Georgia O'Keeffe was. The characters in the book complimented this very well.
Elizabeth is writing her dissertation around the famous artist Georgia O'Keefee and how her artwork transitioned throughout her life. A part of that was how O'Keeffe's relationship with Stieglitz developed and she became the subject of his art medium of photography. Elizabeth's life has become a ho-hum, day in, day out humdrum of an existence. She's lost who she is in all the everyday motions of being a wife, mother, sister, student and student teacher. All the other couples she knows have loving relationships and hers is nothing close. Ben and her go "through the motions" but have no romantic or intimate feelings for one another. Elizabeth is the "intelligent" one between her and her sister, Andrea and starts to wonder who "she" really is. "The same Liz, because people didn't change-until they did." She decides to enroll in a Tai Chi class and in enters photographer Richard...and an attraction she never expects. Where does this take Elizabeth in her self searching? This story took me into a thought provoking and complex search with Elizabeth. In a way it was life imitating art. What can happen in a search for self? Well, this story was one of unexpected results. I felt for Elizabeth. The choices she made were so out of character but in the end were they the right ones? Would Elizabeth ultimately find out who she was meant to be?
This story is intimate and deep. It's one that challenged my thinking and how far would I be willing to go if I felt "unseen" or "unknown" for who I am. How self expression through art is more than just images on canvas or prints. I thought about the title and why Ms. Probst chose "The Queen of the Owls". I know what I concluded but each reader needs to discover that on their own, I believe. The story within this story is an in-depth look at who Georgia O'Keeffe was, what she could have been thinking and feeling and why she chose the subjects of her artwork at the points in her life that she did. Another of her quotes: “I've been absolutely terrified every moment of my life and I've never let it keep me from doing a single thing that I wanted to do.”
I want to thank Barbara Linn Probst for the advance copy of her debut novel. It's one that really made me think but also gave me a new appreciation of what it means to be true to yourself and all the multiple parts that make you the person you are meant to be.
All thoughts and opinions in this review are my heartfelt own.
“I often painted fragments of things because it seemed to make my statement as well as or better than the whole could.” All of these components are adeptly written throughout the pages of this book as to who Georgia O'Keeffe was. The characters in the book complimented this very well.
Elizabeth is writing her dissertation around the famous artist Georgia O'Keefee and how her artwork transitioned throughout her life. A part of that was how O'Keeffe's relationship with Stieglitz developed and she became the subject of his art medium of photography. Elizabeth's life has become a ho-hum, day in, day out humdrum of an existence. She's lost who she is in all the everyday motions of being a wife, mother, sister, student and student teacher. All the other couples she knows have loving relationships and hers is nothing close. Ben and her go "through the motions" but have no romantic or intimate feelings for one another. Elizabeth is the "intelligent" one between her and her sister, Andrea and starts to wonder who "she" really is. "The same Liz, because people didn't change-until they did." She decides to enroll in a Tai Chi class and in enters photographer Richard...and an attraction she never expects. Where does this take Elizabeth in her self searching? This story took me into a thought provoking and complex search with Elizabeth. In a way it was life imitating art. What can happen in a search for self? Well, this story was one of unexpected results. I felt for Elizabeth. The choices she made were so out of character but in the end were they the right ones? Would Elizabeth ultimately find out who she was meant to be?
This story is intimate and deep. It's one that challenged my thinking and how far would I be willing to go if I felt "unseen" or "unknown" for who I am. How self expression through art is more than just images on canvas or prints. I thought about the title and why Ms. Probst chose "The Queen of the Owls". I know what I concluded but each reader needs to discover that on their own, I believe. The story within this story is an in-depth look at who Georgia O'Keeffe was, what she could have been thinking and feeling and why she chose the subjects of her artwork at the points in her life that she did. Another of her quotes: “I've been absolutely terrified every moment of my life and I've never let it keep me from doing a single thing that I wanted to do.”
I want to thank Barbara Linn Probst for the advance copy of her debut novel. It's one that really made me think but also gave me a new appreciation of what it means to be true to yourself and all the multiple parts that make you the person you are meant to be.
All thoughts and opinions in this review are my heartfelt own.
January 14, 2020
A strong, thoughtful book, that will make you question your own beliefs, not only about art, but about yourself, as a woman.
January 21, 2021
* i got this eARC from Netgalley in exhange for a honest review *
Honestly did not float my boat, if i can say so. It seemed interesting at the first few chapters, but the mirrage- problems with Ben, and the photographer hot-stud Richard and awful sex, husband who don`t care (seemingly) it just all was mixed together and not in a good way, i was left unsatisfied and bored.
Honestly did not float my boat, if i can say so. It seemed interesting at the first few chapters, but the mirrage- problems with Ben, and the photographer hot-stud Richard and awful sex, husband who don`t care (seemingly) it just all was mixed together and not in a good way, i was left unsatisfied and bored.
October 22, 2020
The main character, Elizabeth, struggles with her dissertation on Georgia O'Keefe, trying to identify how her time in Hawaii was a transition point in her art. Elizabeth's marriage lacks physical passion and emotional intimacy. She finds herself attracted to a photographer and together they discuss O'Keefe and her modeling in the nude for Stieglitz. She accepts his challenge to recreate the photographs with him as a way of coming to better understand O'Keefe and her motivation for modeling, if she was a co-creator in the art.
Plot-wise, the novel felt inevitable and unsurprising. The real interest is in Elizabeth's internal struggle for self-realization. She and her sister were early pigeonholed into narrow roles. Their husbands keep them confined to those roles, Elizabeth the 'owly' intellectual, her sister the fun and pretty one. Elizabeth is a good teacher and she believes in her work and can defend it. She has to learn to believe in her beauty, free herself to find real love, and take charge of her destiny.
Much of the novel's space is centered on O'Keefe's art and life, which I did enjoy.
The sexual issues are addressed with great honesty, from the marriage bed's coolness to Elizabeth's intense, unrequited attraction.
Plot-wise, the novel felt inevitable and unsurprising. The real interest is in Elizabeth's internal struggle for self-realization. She and her sister were early pigeonholed into narrow roles. Their husbands keep them confined to those roles, Elizabeth the 'owly' intellectual, her sister the fun and pretty one. Elizabeth is a good teacher and she believes in her work and can defend it. She has to learn to believe in her beauty, free herself to find real love, and take charge of her destiny.
Much of the novel's space is centered on O'Keefe's art and life, which I did enjoy.
The sexual issues are addressed with great honesty, from the marriage bed's coolness to Elizabeth's intense, unrequited attraction.
February 21, 2020
An excellent read about the choices a scholar makes as she writes her dissertation on the Time Georgia O'Keefe spent in Hawaii. Elizabeth meets a photographer in her Tai Chi class and they share a fascination with O'Keefe' s nude photographs. She embarks on a journey of discovery that redefines her roles as wife, mother, sister, student and subject. Information about the art made me want to read more about women artists. The scenes with the children are especially sweet and realistic. A bit predictable yet full of unyielding independence.
Copy provided by the Publisher and NetGalley
Copy provided by the Publisher and NetGalley
May 13, 2020
Is the price of discovering one’s true nature worth the cost?
Life goes on as normal for Elizabeth in her roles as mother, sister, wife, and co-worker. Elizabeth is fine with the status quo until a chance meeting in Tai Chi class turns her perceptions inside out. Elizabeth is no longer satisfied. Her eyes open to Georgia O’Keefe’s life and art...discovering her own womanhood and the price she’ll have to pay to discover her true self. The story centers on a woman who finds it difficult to conform to the restrictions imposed by society, like The Price of Rubies starring Rene Zellwiger.
Life goes on as normal for Elizabeth in her roles as mother, sister, wife, and co-worker. Elizabeth is fine with the status quo until a chance meeting in Tai Chi class turns her perceptions inside out. Elizabeth is no longer satisfied. Her eyes open to Georgia O’Keefe’s life and art...discovering her own womanhood and the price she’ll have to pay to discover her true self. The story centers on a woman who finds it difficult to conform to the restrictions imposed by society, like The Price of Rubies starring Rene Zellwiger.
February 18, 2020
Elizabeth is a student writing her dissertation on Georgia O'Keefe. She becomes consumed with her Thesis and the nude photos of O'Keefe. She meets a photographer in her Tai Chi class and her actions will redefine her current existence as mother, wife, sister, teacher and student. Is she brave or reckless? The writing brings O'Keefe' s paintings to life for the reader. The scenes with her children are especially sweet. Thought provoking all around.
Copy provided by the Publisher and NetGalley
Copy provided by the Publisher and NetGalley
August 1, 2020
What an uncomfortably beautiful story! If you've ever been in a relationship where you didn't feel seen and desired, Queen of the Owls will resonate with you. Barbara Linn Probst's protagonist, Elizabeth Crawford, is a high-achieving, intellectually-oriented woman whose inner self is neglected by her partner, unrecognized by her sister, and misused by the one man who sees and understands it. Despite this neglect and misuse, Crawford triumphs in unexpected ways.
Probst uses the intellectual and aesthetic exploration of paintings by Georgia O'Keeffe and photographs by Joseph Stiglitz as a medium through which to develop Crawford's character and the story arc she follows. In beautiful prose, evocative and provocative scene construction, and dialogue (internal as well as between characters) that will feel familiar to so many readers, this book resonates in deep and meaningful ways.
Probst uses the intellectual and aesthetic exploration of paintings by Georgia O'Keeffe and photographs by Joseph Stiglitz as a medium through which to develop Crawford's character and the story arc she follows. In beautiful prose, evocative and provocative scene construction, and dialogue (internal as well as between characters) that will feel familiar to so many readers, this book resonates in deep and meaningful ways.
February 4, 2020
This debut novel by Barbara Linn Probst explores a turning point in a woman’s life. Elizabeth is a mother, a wife, and an academic who is writing a thesis on Georgia O’Keeffe while teaching undergraduates at a local university. But something is missing. She’s always relied on her intellect to succeed, the “bookworm” to her sister Andrea’s “pixie”. But she knows that’s not all she is. Inspired by O’Keeffe’s life, particularly the time she spent with Alfred Stieglitz as his model, muse, and (many believe) willing collaborator, Elizabeth realizes she’s been denying her own sexuality. She does not feel truly seen by anyone in her life. A chance meeting with Richard, a charismatic photographer, leads her to take a leap of faith and bare not only her body but her deepest emotions in a series of shots which, without her permission, go public. The aftermath threatens not only her job and her professional reputation but drives a rift between her and her husband Ben. A deftly-executed examination of one woman’s struggle to break free of her conventional life and explore the totality of herself, Queen of the Owls is a must-read for book clubs and fans of women’s fiction everywhere. Through graceful language and a well-executed plot line, this book explores what it means to reveal not just parts of yourself but to embrace the glory of being wholly and truly seen as a complex, nuanced, and layered human being. I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 14, 2020
I would like to start off by saying thank you to NetGalley and She Writes Press for giving me the opportunity to read and review an advance copy of this book.
Elizabeth is a busy woman. She’s a mother, a wife, a teacher and a student writing her dissertation on the painter Georgia O’Keefe, mainly about her time spent in Hawaii. To try and help her relax Elizabeth starts going to a Tai Chi class where she meets Richard, a portrait photographer. While talking about the dissertation Richard tells Elizabeth that the only way to truly get into O’Keefe’s head is to become her and re-enact her famous nude portraits. With this proposition Elizabeth must decide if she wants to continue living her timid, academic life, or if she wants to break free and find happiness.
I ended up learning quite a bit about Georgia O’Keefe and art while reading this book, before starting it I had never heard of her. The plot of this book was very original and I like that the artist was a real person I could google and learn about instead of a made up character for the story, but unfortunately the main character was just too much for me to handle. Every decision she made infuriated me, and whenever I was supposed to feel bad for her I just couldn’t. She deserved everything that came to her.
My other issue with this book is that I could see the climax coming from a mile away. Elizabeth can’t see it coming because she’s stuck in her own little world, but for the audience it’s glaringly obvious. The book would have interested me a lot more if it had been a surprise.
Overall I just don’t think I was the right audience for this book. I couldn’t connect with the main character and art has never interest me too much. But who knows, if you’re into art and Georgia O’Keefe, you might love it.
Elizabeth is a busy woman. She’s a mother, a wife, a teacher and a student writing her dissertation on the painter Georgia O’Keefe, mainly about her time spent in Hawaii. To try and help her relax Elizabeth starts going to a Tai Chi class where she meets Richard, a portrait photographer. While talking about the dissertation Richard tells Elizabeth that the only way to truly get into O’Keefe’s head is to become her and re-enact her famous nude portraits. With this proposition Elizabeth must decide if she wants to continue living her timid, academic life, or if she wants to break free and find happiness.
I ended up learning quite a bit about Georgia O’Keefe and art while reading this book, before starting it I had never heard of her. The plot of this book was very original and I like that the artist was a real person I could google and learn about instead of a made up character for the story, but unfortunately the main character was just too much for me to handle. Every decision she made infuriated me, and whenever I was supposed to feel bad for her I just couldn’t. She deserved everything that came to her.
My other issue with this book is that I could see the climax coming from a mile away. Elizabeth can’t see it coming because she’s stuck in her own little world, but for the audience it’s glaringly obvious. The book would have interested me a lot more if it had been a surprise.
Overall I just don’t think I was the right audience for this book. I couldn’t connect with the main character and art has never interest me too much. But who knows, if you’re into art and Georgia O’Keefe, you might love it.
February 16, 2020
This is a book about finding yourself. Finding out who you really are and what you want in your life. Whether it’s to be a teacher, mother, wife, lover, business owner or something entirely different.
Elizabeth is going to college working on her dissertation on Georgia O’Keeffe. Through O’Keeffe’s paintings Elizabeth learns more about herself than she every thought possible. Meeting Richard at a Tia Chi class she learns to let go of her inhibitions and finding her own sexuality. But will it help her or hurt her? Can she make her husband see the things she needs or that they need to be truly a happily married couple. They have two beautiful children they both adore but Elizabeth does seem to do most of the nurturing and being there. Though she does take her time finally and leaves Ben to care for them when she needs him too. It was kind of silly in my opinion that she had to ask, when she should have just told him he was going to watch them while she went to a class or whatever she needed to do. After all, he is their father. He is a parent also.
Will the choices Elizabeth makes change her life or will she be treated fairly? If she was a man I’m thinking all would have been fine. People would not judge her or say what she did was wrong if she would have been male. Maybe, maybe not. You have to judge that for yourself.
Did Richard just use Elizabeth to further his career or was he sincere. Did his paintings help her to see herself as a complete woman who deserved more in life or did it hurt her? In my opinion she needed to learn who she was. That she was a desirable woman. I do not believe her and Ben should have ever married. They were to different. He didn’t seem to stand by her like a spouse should have. The desire was just not there. Though I think he believed he was a good husband, an in many ways he was, he still didn’t see her as an individual or as a beautiful woman. She was just: his wife, mother to their children, college teacher, graduate. He seemed to ignore her most of the time.
This book was beautifully written and presented in a way that makes you feel like you are there. In every sense of the word there. From the halls of a college to the home with the children. From the posing for pictures to worrying to much what others thought. I would love to believe that Richard did what he did for the right reasons not for his own selfish gain and maybe he did. It was a job after all. Elizabeth may or may not have done something wrong. In my opinion she did what she had to do. It’s truly a very good story of one woman’s journey at self discovery and finding that one thing that will help her in life. He own self worth and her own beauty.
I loved it from start to finish. Thank you Barbara Linn Probst for this ARC of your awesome book. I look forward to more of your work in the future. You sure started out with a great debut book!
It’s a 5 star from me and a highly recommended read.
Elizabeth is going to college working on her dissertation on Georgia O’Keeffe. Through O’Keeffe’s paintings Elizabeth learns more about herself than she every thought possible. Meeting Richard at a Tia Chi class she learns to let go of her inhibitions and finding her own sexuality. But will it help her or hurt her? Can she make her husband see the things she needs or that they need to be truly a happily married couple. They have two beautiful children they both adore but Elizabeth does seem to do most of the nurturing and being there. Though she does take her time finally and leaves Ben to care for them when she needs him too. It was kind of silly in my opinion that she had to ask, when she should have just told him he was going to watch them while she went to a class or whatever she needed to do. After all, he is their father. He is a parent also.
Will the choices Elizabeth makes change her life or will she be treated fairly? If she was a man I’m thinking all would have been fine. People would not judge her or say what she did was wrong if she would have been male. Maybe, maybe not. You have to judge that for yourself.
Did Richard just use Elizabeth to further his career or was he sincere. Did his paintings help her to see herself as a complete woman who deserved more in life or did it hurt her? In my opinion she needed to learn who she was. That she was a desirable woman. I do not believe her and Ben should have ever married. They were to different. He didn’t seem to stand by her like a spouse should have. The desire was just not there. Though I think he believed he was a good husband, an in many ways he was, he still didn’t see her as an individual or as a beautiful woman. She was just: his wife, mother to their children, college teacher, graduate. He seemed to ignore her most of the time.
This book was beautifully written and presented in a way that makes you feel like you are there. In every sense of the word there. From the halls of a college to the home with the children. From the posing for pictures to worrying to much what others thought. I would love to believe that Richard did what he did for the right reasons not for his own selfish gain and maybe he did. It was a job after all. Elizabeth may or may not have done something wrong. In my opinion she did what she had to do. It’s truly a very good story of one woman’s journey at self discovery and finding that one thing that will help her in life. He own self worth and her own beauty.
I loved it from start to finish. Thank you Barbara Linn Probst for this ARC of your awesome book. I look forward to more of your work in the future. You sure started out with a great debut book!
It’s a 5 star from me and a highly recommended read.
May 19, 2020
"There's something unexplored about woman that only a woman can explore."
QUEEN of THE OWLS, page 146
This summer there's a book that is quietly getting so much buzz, readers can't ignore it. Barbara Linn Probst's debut, QUEEN OF THE OWLS (SheWritesPress) is being heralded as a must read by PopSugar.com to Bustle.com and Parade Magazine. QUEEN of THE OWLS challenges every woman to explore and find her authentic self.
Elizabeth is a professor studying the Hawaii paintings of Georgia O'Keeffe. Her time on the Islands transforms O'Keeffe's life through her body, not just her eyes or painting. Elizabeth's examination of O'Keeffe's life as a painter during that time takes a hold of her resulting in Elizabeth making some very un-Elizabeth choices. These actions have consequences including her family relationships and profession. In the end, Elizabeth comes out a stronger woman.
I was initially excited to read this novel, because I love O'Keeffe's paintings. I wasn't aware of her Hawaii paintings and what they represented. But QUEEN of THE OWLS is so much more than a story about Georgia O'Keeffe's paintings. It had me questioning how I feel I'm seen as a woman in the world and even by my family. The book felt like a call to action. It dared me to be honest with myself and question what it means to be a woman. Georgia O'Keeffe wrote, "You get whatever accomplishment you're willing to declare." That's strength.
I look forward to what Barbara writes next.
QUEEN of THE OWLS, page 146
This summer there's a book that is quietly getting so much buzz, readers can't ignore it. Barbara Linn Probst's debut, QUEEN OF THE OWLS (SheWritesPress) is being heralded as a must read by PopSugar.com to Bustle.com and Parade Magazine. QUEEN of THE OWLS challenges every woman to explore and find her authentic self.
Elizabeth is a professor studying the Hawaii paintings of Georgia O'Keeffe. Her time on the Islands transforms O'Keeffe's life through her body, not just her eyes or painting. Elizabeth's examination of O'Keeffe's life as a painter during that time takes a hold of her resulting in Elizabeth making some very un-Elizabeth choices. These actions have consequences including her family relationships and profession. In the end, Elizabeth comes out a stronger woman.
I was initially excited to read this novel, because I love O'Keeffe's paintings. I wasn't aware of her Hawaii paintings and what they represented. But QUEEN of THE OWLS is so much more than a story about Georgia O'Keeffe's paintings. It had me questioning how I feel I'm seen as a woman in the world and even by my family. The book felt like a call to action. It dared me to be honest with myself and question what it means to be a woman. Georgia O'Keeffe wrote, "You get whatever accomplishment you're willing to declare." That's strength.
I look forward to what Barbara writes next.
March 18, 2020
Unlike anything else I've read; a novel I wish I'd had thirty years ago, though I'm not sure I would have appreciated it as much. A story of relationships, viewed through the lens of Lizzie - wife, mother, teacher, more. As much as the book covers relationships with her children, her husband, her sister, her students, it is even more about her relationship with herself, and her own body. As I read, I anticipated the story line falling into the expected, but it didn't. That aspect alone, waiting for the aha! of catching the author falling into the expected, may have affected the way I read and appreciated the book, and I can see a re-read needed in the near future, which will probably up my rating.
Bonus, for me, is the way the life and art of Georgia O'Keefe is woven throughout. O'Keefe's work has affected at least one of my relationships, as well.
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC
Bonus, for me, is the way the life and art of Georgia O'Keefe is woven throughout. O'Keefe's work has affected at least one of my relationships, as well.
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC
April 12, 2020
4.5/5 stars. I wasn't sure what I was getting into when the author asked me to read and review her book, but I was very pleasantly surprised at this debut novel. You can read my review here. https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2020/04/1...
April 9, 2020
BOOK REVIEW: (ARC)
Queen of the Owls by author, Barbara Linn Probst
"A chance meeting with a charismatic photographer will forever change Elizabeth's life."
Queen of the Owls is an impressive story~ one of self-discovery and transition. You'll find yourself on an intimate and intriguing journey of one womans need to "see and be seen" as she navigates her way through marriage, motherhood, teaching, and on to the risks she's willing to take to become the woman she wants to be, the one she's meant to be. All leading her to the unexpected.
As an Art History Ph.D. candidate, Elizabeth's studies and teachings have led her into the exploration of artist, Georgia O'Keefe. But as her research probes into the depths of O'Keefe's complexities, she finds herself dealing with more than her share of unique situations...
A thought-provoking, well written narrative that fills the pages and sparks the emotions with lifes curiosities, excitement, choices and the importance of self~ one Ms. Probst has brought deep meaning and beauty to.
4 Stars
#BarbaraLinnProbst
#SheWritesPress
Wild Sage Book Blog
Novels N Latte Book Club
Queen of the Owls by author, Barbara Linn Probst
"A chance meeting with a charismatic photographer will forever change Elizabeth's life."
Queen of the Owls is an impressive story~ one of self-discovery and transition. You'll find yourself on an intimate and intriguing journey of one womans need to "see and be seen" as she navigates her way through marriage, motherhood, teaching, and on to the risks she's willing to take to become the woman she wants to be, the one she's meant to be. All leading her to the unexpected.
As an Art History Ph.D. candidate, Elizabeth's studies and teachings have led her into the exploration of artist, Georgia O'Keefe. But as her research probes into the depths of O'Keefe's complexities, she finds herself dealing with more than her share of unique situations...
A thought-provoking, well written narrative that fills the pages and sparks the emotions with lifes curiosities, excitement, choices and the importance of self~ one Ms. Probst has brought deep meaning and beauty to.
4 Stars
#BarbaraLinnProbst
#SheWritesPress
Wild Sage Book Blog
Novels N Latte Book Club
April 30, 2020
I enjoyed this book. I didn’t know much about O’Keefe and the stories behind her paintings intrigued me.
I enjoyed the story and the character of Elizabeth- in a loveless marriage wanting someone to see her outer beauty instead of her brain.
Interesting story and get well
Written. Great debut effort.
I enjoyed the story and the character of Elizabeth- in a loveless marriage wanting someone to see her outer beauty instead of her brain.
Interesting story and get well
Written. Great debut effort.
April 4, 2020
Thank you Netgalley, publisher and author for Queen of the owls arc!
Goshh I wanted to dnf this book so bad but I had to finish it anyway. I hate Elizabeth!! I don't feel bad or glad for whatever happened to her. I hate Ben and Richard too!! Goshhh there is no characters that I like in this book lol
Goshh I wanted to dnf this book so bad but I had to finish it anyway. I hate Elizabeth!! I don't feel bad or glad for whatever happened to her. I hate Ben and Richard too!! Goshhh there is no characters that I like in this book lol
April 30, 2020
A moving story of one woman’s journey to own her choices - good and bad - and to move forward with intention and beauty - while she studies the life and work of Georgia O’Keeffe.
January 2, 2020
A beautiful, deeply thoughtful novel concerning a woman who dares to break her own conventions by following what has heart and meaning. Author Barbara Linn Probst has written a contemporary story with timeless themes, and she has done so through the power of an engaging page-turner. Queen of the Owls depicts the day to day life of young wife and mother, Elizabeth, who juggles writing her thesis as a Ph.D. student teaching undergraduate courses while researching a significant time in photographer Georgia O’Keefe’s life. This is a soulful, searching novel about the repercussions that come when one woman is inspired by another; about balancing one’s obligations while exploring the voice within that speaks on an individual level. As Elizabeth is tentatively lured deeper and deeper into Georgia O’Keefe’s unconventional life, a mirror is held to her own and she finds it lacking. When she is drawn by chance to artistic photographer, Richard, whose ethos captures what lies beneath the surface, the predicament she finds herself in is poignantly metaphoric. Queen of the Owls takes no hard and fast position on the definition of a woman’s happiness, rather, through the power of suggestion in a deftly crafted novel, it invites the reader to consider their own.
I am grateful to have read an advance reader copy.
I am grateful to have read an advance reader copy.
December 14, 2020
Brava talented author, Barbara Linn Probst!
As an art history major, watercolorist and avid fictional history reader, I adored & could not put down gorgeously written “Queen of the Owls.” I learned more about artist Georgia O’Keeffe, her paintings & relationship with Alfred Stieglitz which blended uniquely into a fascinating family drama. Can highly recommend!
As an art history major, watercolorist and avid fictional history reader, I adored & could not put down gorgeously written “Queen of the Owls.” I learned more about artist Georgia O’Keeffe, her paintings & relationship with Alfred Stieglitz which blended uniquely into a fascinating family drama. Can highly recommend!
March 20, 2020
Barbara Linn Probst, Author of "Queen of the Owls" has written an intriguing and enthralling novel. I especially appreciate Barbara Linn Probst's observations of the Art of painting and photography and symbolic meaning. The Genres for this novel are Literary Fiction and Dramatic Fiction. The story takes place in the present and goes to the past when it pertains to the characters and events.
Elizabeth, is a wife, doctoral student, teacher, and mother of two young children. Her dissertation is on the life of artist Georgia O'Keefe, and the period of her life when she was in Hawaii and her paintings. Elizabeth becomes very conscious of other married couples' affections, and her husband's lack of affection. At the same time, Elizabeth becomes obsessed with Georgia O'Keefe's relationship with a photographer, who used her pictures to express her feelings. The photographer also has an idea of how to utilize this idea.
Coincidentally, Elizabeth meets a photographer who seems to get her feelings of Georgia O'Keefe and takes pictures of Elizabeth in the same poses that Georgia O'Keefe had done. Elizabeth is so intent on her expressing herself, she doesn't realize that they will be shown in public. How will she handle showing her private feelings?
Elizabeth is a teacher and talks about women and art. She never realizes that her students will see her pose. What will she risk and gain by doing this?
I appreciate that the author discusses the importance of a woman's role in society, and the importance of family, friends, and colleagues. This is a thought-provoking novel that connects, art and media with emotions. It is a story of sisters, love, hope and making choices. I would highly recommend this unique novel.
Elizabeth, is a wife, doctoral student, teacher, and mother of two young children. Her dissertation is on the life of artist Georgia O'Keefe, and the period of her life when she was in Hawaii and her paintings. Elizabeth becomes very conscious of other married couples' affections, and her husband's lack of affection. At the same time, Elizabeth becomes obsessed with Georgia O'Keefe's relationship with a photographer, who used her pictures to express her feelings. The photographer also has an idea of how to utilize this idea.
Coincidentally, Elizabeth meets a photographer who seems to get her feelings of Georgia O'Keefe and takes pictures of Elizabeth in the same poses that Georgia O'Keefe had done. Elizabeth is so intent on her expressing herself, she doesn't realize that they will be shown in public. How will she handle showing her private feelings?
Elizabeth is a teacher and talks about women and art. She never realizes that her students will see her pose. What will she risk and gain by doing this?
I appreciate that the author discusses the importance of a woman's role in society, and the importance of family, friends, and colleagues. This is a thought-provoking novel that connects, art and media with emotions. It is a story of sisters, love, hope and making choices. I would highly recommend this unique novel.
March 20, 2020
Barbara Linn Probst, Author of "Queen of the Owls" has written an intriguing and enthralling novel. I especially appreciate Barbara Linn Probst's observations of the Art of painting and photography and symbolic meaning. The Genres for this novel are Literary Fiction and Dramatic Fiction. The story takes place in the present and goes to the past when it pertains to the characters and events.
Elizabeth, is a wife, doctoral student, teacher, and mother of two young children. Her dissertation is on the life of artist Georgia O'Keefe, and the period of her life when she was in Hawaii and her paintings. Elizabeth becomes very conscious of other married couples' affections, and her husband's lack of affection. At the same time, Elizabeth becomes obsessed with Georgia O'Keefe's relationship with a photographer, who used her pictures to express her feelings. The photographer also has an idea of how to utilize this idea.
Coincidentally, Elizabeth meets a photographer who seems to get her feelings of Georgia O'Keefe and takes pictures of Elizabeth in the same poses that Georgia O'Keefe had done. Elizabeth is so intent on her expressing herself, she doesn't realize that they will be shown in public. How will she handle showing her private feelings?
Elizabeth is a teacher and talks about women and art. She never realizes that her students will see her pose. What will she risk and gain by doing this?
I appreciate that the author discusses the importance of a woman's role in society, and the importance of family, friends, and colleagues. This is a thought-provoking novel that connects, art and media with emotions. It is a story of sisters, love, hope and making choices. I would highly recommend this unique novel.
Elizabeth, is a wife, doctoral student, teacher, and mother of two young children. Her dissertation is on the life of artist Georgia O'Keefe, and the period of her life when she was in Hawaii and her paintings. Elizabeth becomes very conscious of other married couples' affections, and her husband's lack of affection. At the same time, Elizabeth becomes obsessed with Georgia O'Keefe's relationship with a photographer, who used her pictures to express her feelings. The photographer also has an idea of how to utilize this idea.
Coincidentally, Elizabeth meets a photographer who seems to get her feelings of Georgia O'Keefe and takes pictures of Elizabeth in the same poses that Georgia O'Keefe had done. Elizabeth is so intent on her expressing herself, she doesn't realize that they will be shown in public. How will she handle showing her private feelings?
Elizabeth is a teacher and talks about women and art. She never realizes that her students will see her pose. What will she risk and gain by doing this?
I appreciate that the author discusses the importance of a woman's role in society, and the importance of family, friends, and colleagues. This is a thought-provoking novel that connects, art and media with emotions. It is a story of sisters, love, hope and making choices. I would highly recommend this unique novel.
August 11, 2020
I am an academic; I know little about O'Keeffe; and I like romance. This background shaped my responses to the novel. I felt Elizabeth the academic was extreme in being a brainy "owl" who suppresses her emotions and sensuality and chooses a cold utilitarian marriage that helps her pursue her career. Yet she senses the void in her life. So it is not surprising that as she becomes obsessed with the subject of her dissertation—the sensual Georgia O'Keeffe and her photographer lover Stieglitz--she is tempted by Richard Ferris, the sexy photographer with smouldering gray eyes at Tai Chi. Richard wants to photograph her nude as Stielitz did Georgia. The crux of the novel is how, if she decides to let him do so, that will affect and change her life and view of herself. (I'm trying not to give away too much plot.) Queen of the Owls is not a romance but a feminist novel about a woman discovering her whole self and her autonomy, and sometimes it seemed to me somewhat owl-like itself in exploring these themes. But the knowledge, thought, and research that went into this novel make it impressive. And it makes the reader think--an important effect!
March 30, 2020
Elizabeth is brainy and apparently 'Owly' as she compares her sad, dry marriage with the apparent passion she imagines every other marriage is constantly experiencing.
Currently teaching an art class while doing her Ph.D. on the paintings by Georgia O'Keeffe and their significance in her life, Elizabeth meets Richard. Richard is a photographer who awakens her desire, while convincing her that she needs to re-enact the photographs that O'Keeffe's husband took of her at the beginning of their relationship, in order to really understand the significance of the Hawaii paintings.
This leads to all sorts of complications in Elizabeth's life, that I won't go into here as I don't want to spoil the story for future readers. That being said, I found the plot utterly predictable, and only just interesting enough to get me to finish the book. It felt extremely long and Elizabeth's journey could have been exactly the same if about half the O'Keeffe facts had been removed.
I do love the cover of the book. It's simply stunning and very appropriate given the story. However, the pace of said story needed to be much faster and I needed something a little more in regards to Elizabeth's character, so that I could become attached to her and actually care about her outcome. Unfortunately, this fell a little short and I found the story overall, remarkable - in how dull it is.
The story is not utterly without redeeming qualities. Elizabeth's relationship with her children and struggles with parenting is certainly enjoyable to read. I also like the fact that Elizabeth doesn't like people simply because they are nice. She finds overly nice people annoying like I imagine most of us do. I did enjoy the ending, only because it seemed fitting and anything else would have been a complete cop-out.
Whilst this was a pre-release copy of the book so may not have had its final edit at my time of reading, I was not a fan of the layout. It felt untidy and cramped.
Perhaps other people will like this book, we all have different tastes. I would suggest readers download the free sample on Kindle first to be sure that this suits their tastes before spending money.
I received #Queenofthe Owls for free from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Currently teaching an art class while doing her Ph.D. on the paintings by Georgia O'Keeffe and their significance in her life, Elizabeth meets Richard. Richard is a photographer who awakens her desire, while convincing her that she needs to re-enact the photographs that O'Keeffe's husband took of her at the beginning of their relationship, in order to really understand the significance of the Hawaii paintings.
This leads to all sorts of complications in Elizabeth's life, that I won't go into here as I don't want to spoil the story for future readers. That being said, I found the plot utterly predictable, and only just interesting enough to get me to finish the book. It felt extremely long and Elizabeth's journey could have been exactly the same if about half the O'Keeffe facts had been removed.
I do love the cover of the book. It's simply stunning and very appropriate given the story. However, the pace of said story needed to be much faster and I needed something a little more in regards to Elizabeth's character, so that I could become attached to her and actually care about her outcome. Unfortunately, this fell a little short and I found the story overall, remarkable - in how dull it is.
The story is not utterly without redeeming qualities. Elizabeth's relationship with her children and struggles with parenting is certainly enjoyable to read. I also like the fact that Elizabeth doesn't like people simply because they are nice. She finds overly nice people annoying like I imagine most of us do. I did enjoy the ending, only because it seemed fitting and anything else would have been a complete cop-out.
Whilst this was a pre-release copy of the book so may not have had its final edit at my time of reading, I was not a fan of the layout. It felt untidy and cramped.
Perhaps other people will like this book, we all have different tastes. I would suggest readers download the free sample on Kindle first to be sure that this suits their tastes before spending money.
I received #Queenofthe Owls for free from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 13, 2020
I really love the concept of this novel—the main character’s identification with a transitional period in Georgia O’Keefe’s life that reveals insight into her own. There is a lovely, aching romanticism about how their two lives bleed into each other. Elizabeth recognizes experiences from their mutual paths as she juggles her various roles under the weight of too many expectations, all of which mask a fundamental problem in her marriage (and in her life) she’s been trying to avoid. As a result, she takes an out-of-character risk and the blocks of her tightly-constructed life topple down. You feel O’Keefe nodding behind the curtains, knowing this was inevitable, but necessary.
The best parts are when the character’s artistic/scholar side is discovering and honing her revelations about O’Keefe, and when she argues her big questions with her students. For this reader, that part of the story could have had more “on stage” time in the novel. The story begs, for example, a physical trip (or flashback) to Hawaii where Elizabeth can follow in O’Keefe’s footsteps/see through her eyes, as her revelations “flower.” And, a powerful scene when she successfully defends her thesis to “pay off,” her long journey, despite obstacles, and to provide a clearer rationale for the final, surprising turn into her not-as-planned, but satisfying ending.
That said, all the elements are in here for an enjoyable, highly empathetic read, and a great Book Club discussion.
The best parts are when the character’s artistic/scholar side is discovering and honing her revelations about O’Keefe, and when she argues her big questions with her students. For this reader, that part of the story could have had more “on stage” time in the novel. The story begs, for example, a physical trip (or flashback) to Hawaii where Elizabeth can follow in O’Keefe’s footsteps/see through her eyes, as her revelations “flower.” And, a powerful scene when she successfully defends her thesis to “pay off,” her long journey, despite obstacles, and to provide a clearer rationale for the final, surprising turn into her not-as-planned, but satisfying ending.
That said, all the elements are in here for an enjoyable, highly empathetic read, and a great Book Club discussion.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews