The Woman Who Wouldn't: A Novel

by Gene Wilder

The beloved actor and screenwriter's second novel, set in 1903, stars a young concert violinist named Jeremy Webb, who one day goes from accomplished adagios with the Cleveland Orchestra to having a complete breakdown on stage. If he hadn't poured a glass of water down the throat of a tuba, maybe he wouldn't have been sent to a health resort in Badenweiler, Germany. But it's in that serene place that Jeremy meets Clara Mulpas, whom he tries his hardest to seduce.

Clara is so beautiful that Jeremy finds it impossible to keep from trying to find a chink in her extraordinary reserve and elegance. He finds himself reflexively flirting to get a reaction—after all, a tease and a wink have always worked before, with women back home. But flirting probably isn't the best way to appeal to a woman who was married to a dumb brute and doesn't want to have anything more to do with men. Jeremy isn't sure how to press his case—but he won't give up.

Wilder's prose is elegant, spare and affecting. But it's his romantic's eye for the intense emotions that animate a real love story that makes The Woman Who Wouldn't an unforgettable book.

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance, Humor, Audiobook, Historical, Music

180 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Gene Wilder was an American Emmy Award-winning and twice Academy Award-nominated stage and screen comic actor, screenwriter, film director, and author.

Wilder began his career on stage, making his screen debut in the film Bonnie and Clyde in 1967. His first major role was as Leo Bloom in the 1968 film, The Producers. This was the first in a series of prolific collaborations with writer/director Mel Brooks, including 1974's Young Frankenstein, the script of which garnered the pair an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay. Wilder was known for his portrayal of Willy Wonka on Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971) and for his four films with Richard Pryor: Silver Streak (1976), Stir Crazy (1980), See No Evil, Hear No Evil (1989), and Another You (1991). Wilder directed and wrote several of his films, including The Woman in Red (1984).

His marriage to actress Gilda Radner, who died from ovarian cancer, led to his active involvement in promoting cancer awareness and treatment, helping found the Gilda Radner Ovarian Cancer Detection Center in Los Angeles and co-founding Gilda's Club.

In more recent years, Wilder turned his attention to writing, producing a memoir in 2005, Kiss Me Like A Stranger: My Search for Love and Art, and the novels My French Whore (2007) and The Woman Who Wouldn't (2008).

Reviews

[Moonkiszt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had no idea that Gene Wilder wrote books. . . .and was crazy happy to find out he did.

Then I read this - so sad. Beautiful story, fine writing, but like Gene himself, he was always himself in every skit, every movie, every song, and now - this book. The main character is him. . . the love interest is Gilda (very toned down), and the story is his dreams and hopes.

so. sad.

RIP G&G.

Was going to read others of his books, but reviews say much the same about them. The echoes of his own life rings too loudly to escape into his book freed from them. . .so I'll ponder on that.

[Bryan Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I picked it up, this was NOT the story I expected to read. I am VERY surprised that none of the reviews I read so far mentioned Gilda Radner, but then I didn't read ALL of the reviews, and mybe folks just don't know the story. I mention her here because THIS story is exactly what I think he would have wanted to happen with her, and flies in the face of what DID happen. The book carries REAL emotion about life, love and loss, and gives a good deal of insight into a very tragic time in one man's life. As a book it is very good, but if you folow the breadcrumbs, it can be an extraordinary experience.

[Just a Girl Fighting Censorship · Rating 4 out of 5]

A review in two parts...

Highly biased and subjective review

I love you Gene Wilder, I Love You, you brilliant wonderful man!



Slightly more objective review

Jeremy Web, a pseudo stand-in for Wilder, is a famous concert violinist from America who totally loses it during one of his performances and is shipped off to Germany where he stays in a spa/hotel type of recuperation facility. There, under the guidance of a doctor, he tries to find the root of his temporary insanity. At this facility he meets Anton Chekhov who is nearing the end of his life and 'the woman who wouldn't', Clara a twenty-something Belgium woman who is dying of stomach cancer. What makes this a bit of historical fiction fun is that Chekhov did spend time in the German spa town of Badenweiler in the Black Forest where he was being 'treated' for his consumption (tuberculosis).

The narrative that follows is a sweet story of romance that is just a little too neat and tidy. There are a few uncomfortable sex scenes and I think that most would walk away from this story a little confused as to what the message was, what was the point?

I however felt like I had a deeper connection and understanding of the story since I have recently read Kiss Me Like a Stranger: My Search for Love and Art, Wilder's memoir. Reading his auto-biography gives you little more perspective. The fact that he lost his wife, Gilda Radner, to cancer and he himself suffered from mental illness adds another layer to the narrative. Is this story wish fulfillment? Maybe, but it certainly felt like it came from a very personal place and it is told in such a way that I sometimes forgot it was fiction.

Wilder's narration is full of emotion and really brings the story to life. I highly recommend for a true blue fan, others who might not know much about Wilder's background might not have as much appreciation. Either way, it is a quick sweet story with a vibrant setting.

[Katey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have finished in one day. It’s short, sweet, real and to the point. Gene Wilder was made to entertain us and he further proves that in this beautiful novel.

It’s 1903 and Jeremy Webber is a violinist that has a breakdown during a concern in front of a large audience. He is sent to a “spa” all the way in Germany from Ohio to heal and receive therapy.

The book is written in first person and usually I am not fond of that writing style. However, this book is written so well, I was able to enjoy it despite my typical preferences.

Gene Wilder manages to conquer the typical boy meets girl in a much more “real” adult way. The book doesn’t drag on in each chapter describing food, scenery and characters to you. You are given just enough to let your mind wander and imagine but still understand the author’s intention. Gene also gives a few small life lessons about love, art and pain within this book.

I am not a history buff so I am unsure if the history and geography in the book are “accurate”; but, it appears to be overall believable for the era the book takes place in.

If you enjoy “feel good” books with a hint of romance and comedy, you will love this one. Don’t let the short page count keep you from giving the book a shot.

I give this a 5 star rating!! Thank you, Mr. Wilder, for never disappointing your fans.

[Melissa Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this short story in audio format and was pleased to find that it was narrated by the author himself. Although I really enjoyed the story itself, I couldn’t imagine it being told by anyone other than Gene Wilder. Other reviewers have mentioned comparisons to this story and his real life experience with wife Gilda Radner’s death from ovarian cancer in 1989. Unfortunately reality has a very different ending than fiction.

Jeremy was an interesting character, who I would describe as erratic due in part to his temporary insanity. Clara was an innocent woman with a streak of stubbornness that made for some creative wooing on Jeremy’s part. His love for her developed quite quickly, however it didn’t come across as an insta-love that is so popular in other romance novels. However my favourite character was the doctor that treated them. He came across as such an endearing person and I enjoyed hearing Wilder’s accent for this character.

The beautiful pre-war Germany setting was one of my favourite parts of The Woman Who Wouldn’t. Beginning in the description of Jeremy’s arrival through the Black Forest to the health resort in Badenweiler, continuing on to the hikes which allowed for the patients to experience the benefits of the fresh air. Wilder’s descriptions really paint a beautiful picture and I found it refreshing to read about this country during a time of peace. The term health resort is very fitting for this location as the patients had a freedom and compassionate care that many with mental inflictions of that time weren’t fortunate enough to receive

I would recommend this short story to anyone who is looking for a light love story. Although I do hope to purchase it in book format, listening to the audio version was very enjoyable. I look forward to reading more of Gene Wilder’s books in the future.

To read more of my reviews check out my blog:
http://mlsmanyreads.blogspot.ca/

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is short and sweet, a light read that would be a nice break for readers who have just finished a tome and need a snack before diving into their next lengthy read. It's bittersweet (unavoidable connections to Gilda Radner here) and sentimental, possibly predictable, but overall I found it enjoyable.

[Ken Carter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Feels like a very personal story for Wilder given the things that have happened to him in his life, but I don't know if it translates to the best read in the world for me. I really preferred his previous book, though I didn't hate this by any means. Gene reads the audiobook, and it's fairly brief, so if you're interested just because it's one of his novels I would say that is your best bet.

[Joy H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Added 10/25 11.
I read this book in June 2015. A very enjoyable story.

FROM THE BOOK JACKET:
"A supple, unpretentious writer."---The Palm Beach Post
"A sweet, adult fable." ---Kirkus Reviews

[Sara Nunamaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

The audiobook was very short, only a little over 2 hours. Read by the author, which I loved. This was a sad and funny little love story, I enjoyed it greatly.

[Laura Corna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Una storia che mi ricorda un po' "Tenera è la notte" di F. S. Fitzgerald (per la casa di cura svizzera più che altro). Gene Wilder era decisamente bravo anche come scrittore.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I said of My French Whore that it was a "silly, sappy, love story. But Wilder infuses it with enough wit and heart that it is enjoyable regardless." That can be said of this work as well. Kirkus calls it a "A sweet, adult fable." Wilder has a certain minimalist style; a straightforwardness that matches the brevity of his stories. But there is also a sense of humor; what PW calls "whimsically romantic." This second novel has a happier ending but it still has the poignancy and the sense of the power of love.

Whether you would enjoy The Woman Who Wouldn't thus depends a lot on your taste. If you are a fan of Gene Wilder you will obviously enjoy these books as they share a large aspect of his personality. But if you are looking for complexity, cynicism, or psychological realism I am not sure Wilder is for you.

But if you enjoy simple, romantic, and often poignant stories told with a touch of whimsy then you probably will enjoy Wilder's novellas. Personally, I enjoy complexity and depth as much as the next but it is fun to try something different now and again. And I enjoy Wilder's simplicity and belief in the redemptive power of love.

A little sappiness never hurt anyone.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another slim, hyper-romantic novella from Gene Wilder, it's a wistful reverie about broken people who make each other whole again. In his depiction of a couple in love dealing with the woman's critical illness, I couldn't help imagining that Wilder taking ownership of his experience with Gilda Radner, setting it in a more romantic time and place and revising certain crucial details. It reads like a happy daydream, but not a particularly engrossing one. I enjoyed Wilder's earlier My French Whore much more, probably because it included some highly unlikely but extremely engaging action. Where that book was an adventure with some romance, this is a romance with some romance. z-z-z-z-z-zzzzzz

[Caleb · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a book I didn't even know existed, I have to say that it's a rather sweet little story. I'm sure you could read into it a lot if you wanted to, but I choose to not do that and just enjoy it as an adorable romance that one could only dream of having. That being said, it's hard not to read this book with Gene Wilder as the voice of the main character in your head and imagine this as a movie of his with his dearest Gilda Radner as his love interest. I'll hold back the tears though, and just say that this is a great little read that I'd recommend if you're in the mood for a sweet, sometimes silly, romantic read. You won't be sorry.

[Amanda Emms · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was strange and sweet. I really liked Clara and enjoyed the surprising ending.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely little book! Thoroughly enjoyed it! It made me miss Gene Wilder and wonder what other talents he was keeping so well hidden!

[Konna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listen to what The Woman Who Wouldn't sounds like, with this Play(list) by the Book, a literary playlist: http://thereadingarmchair.blogspot.co...

[H.L. Gibson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gene Wilder wrote sweet stories with good endings, the kind that should be made into movies instead of another lame installment of some comic book superhero movie.

[Yorick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gene Wilder's short novel (176 pages) The Woman Who Wouldn't is an amusing and tender tale about a musician who has a break down during a concert and subsequently goes to a sanatorium in Badenweiler, Germany. The story takes place in 1903, includes visits with Anton Chekhov who is there dying of consumption.

Without writing any spoilers, I can only say that the book has a lovely sentimental touch. Some may indeed find it ultimately too sweet, but it pleased me and made me cry. Interestingly enough, it even has a couple of sex scenes, but they're not pornographic nor erotica in nature. I think that's a little difficult to pull off. (no pun intended) They are also intrinsic to the story; short as the book is, extra- gratuitous words aren't really there.

It's worth reading. I'm doubtful that I'd read it a second time--not because it was bad, but because I've done that now. And part of the impact of the book is in going through for the first time and experiencing it as it develops. But be fair: I don't read many mysteries a second time either and they're perfectly fine reading the first time.

Finally, if you have the chance, listen to the audio book read by Gene Wilder himself. As both an actor and the author, he catches everything just right with his voice.

[Riva Eve · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rated this 5 stars when I first read it more than a decade ago. At the time I was deeply charmed by this short, saccharine tale of love conquering all. I felt that I would read it again, recommend it to others, and even buy a copy of it for my home library. In 2024 I am revisiting books that I previously rated 5 stars. There is a moment wherein the narrator indicates not previously understanding the meaning of consent prior to holding his new love as she naps. The concept of doctor-patient confidentiality is a pipe dream. Still, the turn-of-the-century setting of a southern Germany health resort and spa is beyond idyllic (adding Badenweiler to my vacation wishlist) and if you can get over a few juvenile turns of phrase, this is still very enjoyable. It is now a 3- or 4-star read for me according to the Goodreads scale (did not like, ok, liked, really liked, amazing).

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only bad thing that I can be say about this short novel is that it's a bit too touching, a bit too sweet, a bit too poignant and a bit too optimistic about the human condition. But that isn't so bad now is it? Reading it is a bit like being around the couple in your life/circle of friends who are perpetually in love/affectionate/sweet to each other. If those people piss you off, this is not the book for you. If you hang out with them and feel a bit hopeful and romantic and uplifted, then I think you'll enjoy this one.

[Laurel · Rating 2 out of 5]

In honesty I'd give this 2 1/2 stars. I love Gene Wilder, so I was willing to give it a try. I read it in one sitting, in little over an hour, and I don't want that hour back. The story was interesting, but the characters were ultimately hollow. I knew nothing real about them, and I didn't care what happened to them!

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

Reading one Wilder book was enough, as this story was very similar to "My French Whore." I practically could have predicted what was going to happen based on how the other book turned out. Worth a glance to read the totally lame sex scene - even worse was that I listened to Gene Wilder read it!

[linnea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this one. It was a quick short read that I was surpired by.

[Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

A love that could move mountains and a man with a glass of water dumped in a tuba.

Intrigued? I was.

I like the writing of Gene Wilder. It’s like comfort food. I know I’m going to enjoy myself and it’ll be filling. Now this story is quick in pace, but light on description, it’s true. This isn’t a very long story. But the length wasn’t a deterrent for me. I liked the quick clip.

I also liked the characters. Clara is delicate and sweet. She’s not what I expected at all. I liked the way she grew through the story and how she wasn’t a wilting flower–not all the time. The surprise at the end was great, too. Jeremy left a little to be desired. Initially, I thought I wasn’t going to find out why he’d dumped the glass of water in the tuba, but all is well.

If you’re looking for a sweet romance that’s out of the norm and reads a little like a screenplay, then this might be the book for you.

[Federica Frittoli · Rating 5 out of 5]

The somehow crazy American musician Mr Webb is sent to Badenweiler, in Germany, to be cured. There he meets his Pretty Woman Clara and they fall in love with each other. But more interestingly, in Badenweiler Webb also meets Anton Chekhov, who was actually hospitalized in Badenweiler to recover from his tubercolosis, they become friends and their chats make the reader willing to read or re-read Chekhov's short stories, which are "better than my plays", as he says repeatedly in the novel.

Written with witty sweetness, this light yet touching second novel by Gene Wilder is as good as his first one, or maybe even better, if only I could decipher rather than only sense all the historical and biographical references included in the story.

[Ryan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love love love Gene Wilder, so I really, really wanted to like this book a lot more. Unfortunately... it's just not that good. The narrator/main character is dull and a bit of a creeper (also, there was no Cleveland Orchestra until 1918, 15 years after this novel takes place). The titular Woman is a cipher with no discernible personality besides her childlike awe for the narrator. The attempts at comedy fall flat -- he poured a glass of water in a tuba, how wacky! -- and the romance is not romantic. The narrator literally screws the Woman healthy, and the sex scenes are ludicrously bad (Actual quote: "I gently put my penis in her vagina." Uh...). It's not a BAD book -- it is a quick read -- but it is pretty lo cal, unsatisfying stuff. Sorry Gene.

[Dave Kirschner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gene Wilder is, in my humble opinion, one of the best screen writers, director, actor, and comedians of all time. I picked this book up not knowing much about his writing, and I guess I shouldn't have been surprised by the charm and subtle humor he squeezes into every page of the book.

I'm not a fan of Romance novels, usually, but he definitely did something special with this book, and I look forward to tracking down the rest of his work.

The book itself is quiet and subtle, and it takes its time. I'd say it was a little dull at times, but if you slow down and focus on the language of his writing it's a pleasant story about finding happiness in your life

[Elizabeth A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again I see tinges of Gene Wilder's own life in this story. If you read, " Kiss me like a stranger" you can catch certain details. Like the lavender dress....its what he first saw his own wife Karen wearing when they first met.
His stories are not very long...sometimes I wish they were longer so I could see more character development. I think the message in this story was that life was incomplete and led to crazy behavior but settled down once it found love in a relationship. That with love all things are possible.

[Marty Carey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This charming book was set in 1903. Jeremy was a concert violinist from Cleveland whom the critics found technically flawless but without emotion. After he starts doing really bizarre stuff during a concert, he is sent to a German "health resort" where he meets Anton Chekov and an enigmatic woman named Clara, who wouldn't. Jeremy is used to using his flirtatious tactics to woo women and then leave them without so much as a farewell, but Clara is different. I felt like I could hear Gene Wilder's voice while reading the book, and I loved it.

[Deanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, tender...a short, light read.
I listened to the book, start to finish, during a two plus hour car ride. It was a great companion, with the added bonus of it being narrated by Wilder himself.
I enjoyed it.
Knowing the pain Wilder must have endured losing his wife in real life, the story had a deeper meaning. I imagine writing this helped him heal, which made me more fond of the book.