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The Contract: A Novel
A hard-driving designer seeks acclaim by developing a Middle Eastern museum only to discover the project’s real value is not what she imagined.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?
- GenresFiction
289 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 24, 2019
16 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 28, 2021
I really enjoyed this smart novel, with its unusual setting (partly in Saudi Arabia) and introduction to a field (museum design) that I knew nothing about. The characters are believably flawed, and learn to forgive each other after betrayals big and small.
May 10, 2021
A well-written and authentic novel depicting the many obstacles and cultural challenges to designing a children's museum in the Middle East. Ms. Grinell's protagonist is especially inspiring for her skill, tenacity, and drive.
March 12, 2021
This story is about children's museum designers and couple Jo and Ev who live in California. Jo is invited to bid on a designing contract in Saudi Arabia. She thinks this job will make her name in designing, but Ev wants to stay home. They go anyway. Unfortunately, it doesn't turn out the way Jo thought. She learns a lot about her culture, about her work, about her marriage, and about herself in what she can tolerate and what she can't.
The author had a whole career in museums and had an experience in Saudi Arabia. Because of that, she was able to bring those details into the book, so everything felt genuine and authentic. She took everything she knew and melded it together to produce this novel that is sure to delight and entertainment so many other people.
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://zibbyowens.com/transcript/she...
The author had a whole career in museums and had an experience in Saudi Arabia. Because of that, she was able to bring those details into the book, so everything felt genuine and authentic. She took everything she knew and melded it together to produce this novel that is sure to delight and entertainment so many other people.
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://zibbyowens.com/transcript/she...
July 8, 2021
I was drawn into this novel right away. I only wish I had purchased the actual book instead of the Kindle. I’d like to have this one on my shelf.
The author’s in-depth knowledge of the inner workings of museums enriches The Contract. The reader is treated to an insider’s view of the creation of a hands-on, science-based, interactive children’s museum. To add another layer of interest, this proposed museum is slated to open in Saudi Arabia.
Grinell creates just the right level of tension as the bidding process for this museum job unfolds. She addresses the bewildering differences between doing business in the U.S. and in Saudi Arabia, and touches on the societal differences between the two cultures, especially when women are involved in the business transaction. She does so without preaching, but approaches the subject with a mix of frustration, curiosity, and bemusement. The confusion to the western eye is well-played.
The characters are well-developed and backstory info is well-timed, giving the reader needed information at just the right point to round out relationships and understand motivation. Our main character, Jo, is an intelligent, driven, and very talented professional, who runs a design business with her husband, Ev, who leans more toward the artistic than the practical. They are an odd match, but manage to fill in each other’s gaps. However, the stress of bidding on this project in the Middle East is straining not only their relationship, but the reputation of their firm, and their bottom line. Tossing employees into the mix, who are a blend of family and friends, adds another layer of interest to the storyline.
The ending was not what I expected, but it was a good choice and quite satisfying
The author’s in-depth knowledge of the inner workings of museums enriches The Contract. The reader is treated to an insider’s view of the creation of a hands-on, science-based, interactive children’s museum. To add another layer of interest, this proposed museum is slated to open in Saudi Arabia.
Grinell creates just the right level of tension as the bidding process for this museum job unfolds. She addresses the bewildering differences between doing business in the U.S. and in Saudi Arabia, and touches on the societal differences between the two cultures, especially when women are involved in the business transaction. She does so without preaching, but approaches the subject with a mix of frustration, curiosity, and bemusement. The confusion to the western eye is well-played.
The characters are well-developed and backstory info is well-timed, giving the reader needed information at just the right point to round out relationships and understand motivation. Our main character, Jo, is an intelligent, driven, and very talented professional, who runs a design business with her husband, Ev, who leans more toward the artistic than the practical. They are an odd match, but manage to fill in each other’s gaps. However, the stress of bidding on this project in the Middle East is straining not only their relationship, but the reputation of their firm, and their bottom line. Tossing employees into the mix, who are a blend of family and friends, adds another layer of interest to the storyline.
The ending was not what I expected, but it was a good choice and quite satisfying
May 1, 2021
The Contract offers some fascinating insights into the creation of exhibits for children's museums. It also explores the difficulties and cultural clashes of an American company working in Saudi Arabia. Finally, Grinell gives us a candid look at how a couple with very different talents and personalities can clash, but ultimately work as a team, saving their business and their marriage.
November 5, 2019
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.
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.
October 11, 2019
Contract is a novel of ideas played out almost completely in dialogue. The exchanges between characters are skillful and natural—strongly indicative of a mature novelist. The scenes of the verbal exchange compliment the novel’s organization. The human contract, or all of the contracts contained within the book, is representative of the webs of human interaction or the complexity of daily living with its contradictory trade-offs.
Posing the contract as the central organizing principle is also a useful means of exploring a foreign and deeply alien culture. This was also a theme of the author’s first book and one that has an obvious attraction. The central problem of how to engage another culture, without signalling acceptance, is powerful and rightfully left unresolved. It offers crucial tension thorough the volume without overwhelming it. There is a constant see-sawing between the political and the personal.
Posing the contract as the central organizing principle is also a useful means of exploring a foreign and deeply alien culture. This was also a theme of the author’s first book and one that has an obvious attraction. The central problem of how to engage another culture, without signalling acceptance, is powerful and rightfully left unresolved. It offers crucial tension thorough the volume without overwhelming it. There is a constant see-sawing between the political and the personal.
September 10, 2021
Sheila Grinnell offered a free PDF of the book so I had to read it on my tablet computer--hard for a lefty but I persevered and loved the book. Interesting details and a surprising ending. Thanks, Sheila.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews