Synopses & Reviews
When she is nine-years-old, Louise Kirks mother disappears, leaving a note that reads only--and incorrectly--"Louise knows how to work the washing machine." It is not long before a strange couple and their adopted son, Abel, move in across the street. Louise quickly grows close with the exotic Mrs. Richter, but saves her stronger, more lasting affections for Mrs. Richters intelligent son. From this childhood friendship evolves a love that will bind Louise and Abel forever, and though Abel moves away and Louise matures into adulthood, her attachment grows dangerously, fiercely fixed.
Review
"[A] heartbreaking and compassionate novel...Gowdy is a miraculous writer. The pages of
The Romantic brim over with so much real life they practically breathe."--
Chicago Tribune"Few writers are able to meld the serious and the comic to such poignant effect...a brilliant evocation."--The Boston Globe
"[A] masterful narration that moves seamlessly back and forth in time...clear-eyed."--Los Angeles Times
"I had to admire Gowdy's elegant structure.... Louises descriptions of her feelings for Abel are carefully constructed and, at times, flat-out beautiful.... [Gowdy] has found a perfect vehicle for her peculiar talents."--The New York Times Book Review
Synopsis
From a childhood friendship evolves a love that will bind two people forever, and though the boy moves away and the girl matures into adulthood, her attachment grows dangerously, fiercely fixed.
About the Author
Barbara Gowdy is the author of five previous books, including
The White Bone. Her fiction has been published in more than twenty countries. She lives in Toronto, Ontario.