The Windmill

by Stephanie Gertler

From the author of Jimmy's Girl —a writer who “hits the emotional bull's-eye dead center” ( Baton Rouge Advocate )—comes a new novel that will remind us all that sometimes you don't know how much you have until it's gone. Known for her gift for reaching straight to the heart, Stephanie Gertler now tells the story of a couple whose seemingly perfect life is toppled in an instant and saved through their bold leap of faith. Olivia and Carl appear to have the perfect a son and a daughter, weekends on Cape Cod, and satisfying work as professors at Belvedere College in the picturesque town of Willow, Massachusetts. Until, one day, the seemingly stable, dependable Carl disappears without a trace— leaving behind only a cryptic note. Alone and terrified, Olivia cannot help but relive the long-buried pain she felt when she lost her first husband. While Carl travels back to his childhood hometown to confront the demons he has always hidden from his wife, Olivia takes a journey of her own as she tries to make peace with the memories that have always haunted her. Told with graceful skill and unflinching honesty, The Windmill is a story of the secrets we are entitled to keep in a marriage and those we must share—marking a splendid new level of achievement in this much- admired author.

Genres: Chick Lit, Adult Fiction

Hardcover

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Brianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I had read this 20+ years from now it may have meant more to me. I didn't feel connected to the main characters and still have more questions than answers. 80% of the book is building up to the reveal and reconnection of the marriage between Carl and Olivia then the end feels rushed and over looked. Another 50 pages going into deeper character development and thought process of divulging the new information Olivia learns after 25yrs of unknowingly being in the dark would have led to me feeling more connected to the novel. The storyline of Noah and Olivia was my favorite part.

[Frances Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t believe I let this gem of a book sit on my shelves, unread, for so many years! Then again, I’m a firm believer that the right book finds us at the right time. This is a fascinating story of life’s unforeseen twists and turns and how we move on from them. It’s beautifully written and carefully constructed. If your life has ever thrown you a big giant curveball, you’ll relate well to this book. I could hardly put it down. I read it in two days.

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

Windmill Gertle, Stephanie 3 Hist.F Hist. WWII couple together for years with children & grandchildren & career confront past, unknown woman's 1st marriage murdered racism, domestic violence in his cost be authentic selves 2017 7/20/2017 7/19/2017

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Takes place in Massachusetts. Tells the story of a woman, Olivia, who became a widow in her 20's and goes on to remarry. Her second husband goes to work one day and disappears. Olivia learns new things about her husband.
I really liked the story.

[Vikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story starts with a woman's husband that has disappeared. It switches from a chapter of a man talking to a chapter of a woman talking. A great story and a great character study. I really like Stephanie Gertler. It was a very fast read.

[Marie Buccellato · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a love story like no other i've read in a long time - Past secrets that come to surface will surprise you - I didnt want this one to end.
Olivia & Carl really reach into your heart
I highly recommend

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It was a quick read, couldn't put it down.

[Cws]

F Ger

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This is the first book I read from this author. Right from the first page this is a very sad story.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avery interesting book. It didn't start out good for me, but the more I read the more I had to keep going.

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

a very good book with a good story line. Not too many characters and easy to follow the plot.

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the second book I read by Gertler (first being Puzzle Bark Tree). The Windmill was was fine, but for some reason didn't seem as "meaty" to me compared to Puzzle Bark Tree book.