Hopeful but not for everyone.
Real stories, as told by Udoh-Grossfurthner, from real women with faith in their lives.
Udoh-Grossfurthner’s book claims to tell “unbelievable” stories, and it does—each of the five women’s stories told are, at times, astonishing. With hardships ranging from barrenness to abuse, the women’s stories have one common thread—faith becomes a lifeline. After being driven to desperation by all manner of heartache at the hands of the world, their communities or their partners, all five women turn to their faith for hope. Udoh-Grossfurthner’s book is for Christians, even if it hopes to be a book for any suffering person of any faith and background. Most stories contain a dizzying amount of references to Scripture, which would be difficult to wade through for nonbelievers. Still, the collection triumphs over other inspirational story collections due to its unique vantage point—Udoh-Grossfurthner is Nigerian and lives in Vienna, Austria. None of the stories she relates are about Westerners. The unique cultural elements of each story help lend new interest to familiar plotlines. For instance, Silvana’s inability to conceive is doubly difficult in a Nigerian context, where blame is generally cast on the woman; most men’s families will begin scheming for a childless man to impregnate a different woman when his wife can’t bear a child. Though unpolished, the gripping stories are quick reads. Udoh-Grossfurthner tells each story in the woman’s voice, which creates an intimate, if less engaging, tone. In addition, Western readers might have a difficult time understanding the ultraconservative views shared by some of the women profiled. Nonetheless, those seeking comfort might find it here.
Hopeful but not for everyone.Pub Date: May 13, 2013
ISBN: 978-3950343304
Page Count: 178
Publisher: Sarah Udoh-Grossfurthner
Review Posted Online: Sept. 3, 2013
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)
Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996
ISBN: 0-15-100227-4
Page Count: 136
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.
Pub Date: Feb. 23, 1955
ISBN: 0670717797
Page Count: -
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1955
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