Amy Beth Bloom

Amy Bloom's characters are flawed. They make mistakes; they use poor judgement; they are not beautiful or young or without fault. In other words, they are real. And her ability to introduce us to them with complete lack of judgement is a gift. Ms. Bloom worked for some time as a psychotherapist before devoting herself to writing, and she weds these two experiences in a way that offers us a unique and honest glimpse into the psyches of her characters. The result is captivating. I read somewhere that she puts more truth into one line than many authors do in an entire novel. I couldn't agree more.

Where the God of Love Hangs Out is a collection of short stories (several of which have appeared in other publications). There are two quartets, each connecting four short stories following the same characters. However, even in these mini-novellas, Ms. Bloom finds a way to add complexity and depth by telling the story from different points of view and in different periods of time.

I was lucky enough to see Ms. Bloom speak last week at RJ Julia Independent Booksellers in Madison, CT. She read from the stories of Clare and William, and it was a treat to hear the selection in her own voice. As a writer, it's a challenge to write in a way that conveys your voice, your inflection and emphasis. While I had read the story that Ms. Bloom read for us, it gave me a new understanding to hear her read her own words.

The NY Times Book Review of Where the God of Love Hangs Out is: here and it's a great, insightful review.

This was a wonderful book, and I highly recommend it.… (more)

I loved this book! Bloom is a wonderful writer. Maybe it's because I happen to be going through a great deal of personal strife right now, but Bloom unfailingly and completely drew me into Lillian's story. I didn't want to put the book down. And if I had to, I couldn't wait to carve out time to pick it up again. Lillian's story is a remarkable one, and she is a character who is sympathetic and likable. I won't say anything about the ending, but it was unexpected but satisfying.

Highly recommend.… (more)

In a word: Disappointing.

I looked forward with much enthusiasm to this fictionalized account of the relationship between Eleanor Roosevelt and journalist Lorena Hickok (aka "Hick"). While historians are in near universal agreement about the relationship between Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings (and the children that resulted from their union), the jury is still out on the exact nature of the arrangement between Roosevelt and Hick -- was it friendship? platonic? consummated? I was curious to see how Bloom would treat the subject.

The author gives us a story from Hick's point of view that veers off in every direction imaginable. I felt as though I was on a canoe ride exploring every little tributary off the main river. By the time I got to the end, I wouldn't have been able to retrace the route if I tried. This, combined with lots of obscure Roosevelt-era name dropping, made the book more of a chore than a treat.

2.5 stars rounded down.

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House for a galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.… (more)