Polymath

by M.B. Shannon

Paulina Williams, known as Polly to friends, knew her life was unconventional. At only 14 years old, she pushed against societal norms and her own mother's expectations of a woman's place in the 1940s. She fights for a seat at schools where people do not think she belongs, and finds ways to bring her music compositions to audiences.

Feeling confined in her hometown, Polly moves to the city to further her schooling. After meeting an interesting and eclectic group of women at her boarding house, she is inspired to make her mark on the world. Polly's self doubts prove to be her greatest vice, and are the cause of some regrettable choices. Escaping an abusive relationship, unwed and pregnant, with her dissertation incomplete, Polly needs to find herself again.

Supported by a circle of courageous women and her childhood friends, Dorthey and Oliver, Polly is emboldened to continually redefine her path through career, marriage, motherhood, love and illness. Along the way her choices and tradeoffs have unexpected and recurring impacts on her until she faces the biggest challenge of her life. Spanning decades and continents, Polly never sets out to change the world, yet she inspires us to each define our own way.

304 pages, Paperback

Published April 19, 2022

Reviews

[Laura Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book in one of the many ‘Little libraries’ in Oakville. This one is at a house on my street. The title of the book piqued my interest. I didn’t really know what it was.
I absolutely loved this book and am now passing it on to my 15 year old daughter!

[Deborah And · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stumbled upon Polymath indirectly. Once I had read it I recommended it to my book club. We almost never agree on our reaction to a book but everyone enjoyed this book.

Right from the start Polly got her hooks in me and I was rooting for her all the way through. Like most women she was filled with talent (many in her case), confidence and insecurity all at the same time - when women were definitely not appreciated for their talent or confidence. It made me appreciate the struggle of our mothers in that time which has stayed with me.

A great bookclub read - we discussed the book for 2 hours!

Looking forward to more work by MB Shannon.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful read - so educational and entertaining. The author obviously did a lot of research and did a great job weaving historical elements throughout the story of Polly and her friends. I recommend this book highly for anyone who likes historical fiction and stories of women who excel.

[Miriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel was beautifully written and the characters well-developed and truly compelling. We accompanied Polly from her childhood right through to her end, every stage of her life was fascinating. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to read more by MB Shannon.

[Belle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I greatly enjoyed following Paulina through her life and rooted for at every fork in the road. So interesting and endearing. Such a well crafted story, MB. Congratulations