The Contract

by Sheila Grinell

Joanna and Ev have been partners for ten years―in business and in love―when one of the only women in government in the Middle East invites their firm to design a children’s museum in Riyadh. Jo sees a chance to solidify her name in the design world, and help Saudi girls along the way, in the venture. Her husband, however, has no desire to work in a vigorously policed society; he prefers to remain in his workshop, fashioning gadgets for museum displays. Jo’s sister and young protégé share his doubts, but Ev accedes to Jo’s wishes. The process of bidding on the job soon throws their home office into chaos and challenges their long-held assumptions about the value of their work―and marriage. If they get the job, will their partnership survive the strain?

288 pages, Paperback

Published September 24, 2019

Reviews

[Deborah Whitford · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Contract might be viewed as a cautionary tale for smart, well-educated driven young women who are trying to negotiate their choices outside their comfort zones and facing cultural obstacles every turn of the way, both on the homeland and abroad. Joanna “Jo” Dunhill has altruistic and well as self-serving ambitions, which wax and wane depending on the terrain with which she is confronted. She is a science museum designer with a chance to make a name for herself who is married to Ev, who is only lukewarm about the project she undertakes but who, nevertheless, marshalls his talents and throws himself into realizing her vision. Jo is not a very sympathetic character in that she doesn’t seem to appreciate Ev’s dreams beyond her own. She also has a little bit of a superior attitude about Ev and her sister Diane, the mother of Joey, a special-needs child. As we learn about Jo’s background, we begin to appreciate why she seems insensitive and a little hard-nosed about others’ vulnerabilities. Through circumstances, Jo took over the mantel of parent to Diane, always being the responsible one, always doing the hard stuff for them to survive. Jo was also dumped by a man she’d fallen for in colllege. Those two experiences hardened Jo a little too solidly and raised the bar of her standards for anyone attempting to try to please her. The Contract sees her wall of self preservation dissolve as she’s faced with insurmountable problems; but it leaves her more open, more vulnerable, and more understanding of what’s important in the end, with a deeper understanding of her sister Diane and her husband/partner Ev. The Contract also goes into the Saudi culture and upends some of the stereotypes Western readers might have brought to the table about women and their restrictions in this culture. The Contract would probably have its strongest appeal for modern young educated women.

[Candice · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read the first couple chapters and didnt like it. The writer used very condescending language. This was meant to be an inspiring novel about social recognition for women in a society where there is none. Yet the writer's descriptions of the arabian/muslim culture and norms, even in the way she describes the men's mannerisms and attire, i found really irksome. If the writer was attempting to show the differences between american and muslim cultures the execution was very poor and left me wondering if she had an overt prejudice against muslims. I did not think the book was worthy of my time and consideration so it gets a big DNF.

[Lesley-Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had an interesting premise - how to get a contract for a children's museum in Saudi Arabia when you don't understand their cultural context or way of doing business. I didn't give it a 4 though because the main character just annoyed me.

[Crystal Arzu (Bookish in Midlife) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Contract follows a married couple, Joanna and Ev, whose lives revolve around the world of museum design and curation. When their firm is tapped by a member of the Saudi Arabian Government to design a children’s museum, Joanna feels as though this is the beginning of the notoriety and advancement that she had craved in her career. Although those closest to her had reservations about working within the confines of the Saudi Arabian government, the decision was made to forge ahead. By doing so, there are lessons learned by everyone in Joanna’s life. Facing challenges with her marriage, siblings, and seeing first hand the ins and outs of the Saudi government began to take its toll on Joanna.

What started as a desire to seek advancement in her professional life, ends with a new resilience and understanding of herself and those around her. The conclusion tied up all the loose ends nicely. The lesson that touched me the most; “Be grateful for what and who you have in your life.” Simple enough, right? Yet it is something that we forget all the time. There is nothing wrong with wanting more, but will you enjoy that success without those that mean the most to you by your side? Is personal advancement more important than personal growth? This book touches on all of life’s biggies: complicated family dynamics, resentment, loss, grief, forgiveness, and redemption. The best books are the ones that make you think outside the box and give you insights on situations and feelings in your own lives.

Sheila Grinell, having worked in the industry, incorporated first-hand knowledge and experiences when writing The Contract. The attention to detail made the story that much better. I had no idea all of the work, education, and skill that went into museum design. Pair that with the inner workings of a foreign government, and you have a real conversation piece.

The Contract is a book outside of my typical genre of books, but I am glad to have had the opportunity to read it and enjoyed it immensely.

Thank you to Sheila Grinell, and She Writes Press for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Judy Rand · Rating 5 out of 5]

How far would you go—and what would you risk—to finally be called “the best” in your field?

For museum designer Joanna Dunhill, the chance to design a new children’s museum in Saudi Arabia—the first of its kind—is irresistible. Invited to Riyadh to compete for the job by one of the few women in government, Jo pushes on despite resistance from her husband-and-design-partner, Everett. Saudi Arabia is one of the world’s most conservative countries, and Ev, a freewheeling inventor-type, has no desire to play by Saudi rules.

Jo knows that winning the contract to design this museum would make headlines, and bring her the career recognition she deserves. Even better, she could give new generations of Saudi children the chance to learn science in a playful way.

But nothing is as it seems in Riyadh—or back home in their design workshop. Driven to succeed, ignoring the warning signs, Jo stumbles on secrets every step of the way.

Sheila Grinell’s novel shows us worlds that few of us know, from the unusual field of museum design to the behind-closed-doors Saudi women’s society-within-a-society. Filled with intriguing characters, conflict, and plot twists, The Contract is that rare find: a fast-paced book full of insight.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is probably the only novel that features the work of hands-on science and children's museums, and for that reason alone, it's a compelling read (especially if you've worked in the museum field yourself, as I have). But it's also a story of characters struggling quietly with issues of gender and power in the workplace and home - a story that many of us have lived. The central character, a woman, has (as the author has her reflect) a poker up her spine, or as some of her associates think, up another part of her anatomy. That's both an asset, in her work, and a liability. Her pursuit of a job in Saudi Arabia throws that central tension into higher relief. It also introduces her to women who at first seem alien - subjugated to men legally and by custom - but who, she comes to see, can be kind and welcoming and hold different aspirations for their own daughters. As her understanding of these women shifts, she also is able to appreciate women closer to her in new ways. Throughout, there are glimpses of Saudi Arabia as seen by a visiting contractor which also add a human dimension to understanding of that dark country. All in all, a good and satisfying read.

[Sara Strand · Rating 4 out of 5]

More of a look at interpersonal relationships and how outside people/things/situations can affect them, and I really liked it. I liked the look at the marriage and struggles within that and how they each handle it separately and together and what the end result of it is. I really liked this one.