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Title: The Resurrection of Joan Ashby
Subtitle: A Novel
Author: Cherise Wolas
Narrator: Gabra Zackman, Michael Dickes
Format: Unabridged
Length: 19 hrs and 20 mins
Language: English
Release date: 08-29-17
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 40 votes
Genres: Fiction, Literary
Publisher's Summary:
I viewed the consumptive nature of love as a threat to serious women. But the wonderful man I just married believes as I do - work is paramount, absolutely no children - and now love seems to me quite marvelous.
These words are spoken to a rapturous audience by Joan Ashby, a brilliant and intense literary sensation acclaimed for her explosively dark and singular stories.
When Joan finds herself unexpectedly pregnant, she is stunned by Martin's delight, his instant betrayal of their pact. She makes a fateful, selfless decision then, to embrace her unintentional family. Challenged by raising two precocious sons, it is decades before she finally completes her masterpiece novel. Poised to reclaim the spotlight, to resume the intended life she gave up for love, a betrayal of Shakespearean proportion forces her to question every choice she has made.
Epic, propulsive, incredibly ambitious, and dazzlingly written, The Resurrection of Joan Ashby is a story about sacrifice and motherhood, the burdens of expectation and genius. Cherise Wolas' gorgeous debut introduces an indelible heroine candid about her struggles and unapologetic in her ambition.
Critic Reviews:
"That I got so worked up about a person who doesn't exist is a testament to Cherise Wolas's success in creating a complex and distinct fictional character." (
The New York Times Book Review)
Members Reviews:
Unnecessary Words
I am definitely in the minority in my reaction to this novel. Too many details of minor actions made me feel as if the author was just going for more words and additional pages rather than adding anything significant to the story. I felt the same way about the many short stories that were laced throughout the book. The protagonist was so self-centered and always justifying why her feelings were the right ones that I had a difficult time relating or liking this person. The narrator, Gabra Zackman, was outstanding.
A bit too long - but a great piece overall
I found this book intriguing because there are lots of stories within the story. The main story is about Joan Ashby, an author, who gets married and has two kids. Her whole life leading up to that she spoke openly about not wanting either of those things : no marriage, no kids. As someone with no kids I wanted to hear Joans point of view. She had them and she loved them. However, it ruined her career. Not just having the kids but the actual kids themselves ruined her career.
Anyway, lots of stories within the story. Because Joan Ashby is a writer there will be parts of the book where you read her works. Her short stories, parts of her novel. The book opens with some interviews and articles written about her. I liked this a lot. I did not like Part 3, it went on way too long. Overall it was enjoyable and I would recommend it to those who like character driven novels that move slowly without lots of action. Think John Irving or Kent Haruf.
A Little More Than It Needed to Be
I got an email from Goodreads, but they said it was from A.M. Homes telling me I needed to read this book. I love her, so I listened. I knew it was a marketing ploy, but A.M. Homes!
She had this to say:
"stunning debut...reminds me of my most favorite authors: J.D. Salinger, Carson McCullers, Truman Capote, Joan Didion."
I NEEDED to spend Audible credits and it was 19 hours, a perfect storm for book selection. Only, it wasn't.
