Mary Gordon Boeken

Virginia Woolf's blazing polemic on female creativity, the role of writers and the silent fate of Shakespeare's imaginary sister remains a powerful reminder of a woman's need for financial independence and intellectual freedom.

When Judith Hearne moves into her new lodgings, she meets James Madden, recently returned from New York, where he was "in the hotel business right on Times Square". Is she too late for love - or dare she let herself hope? Soon reality and fantasy become hopelessly mixed.

Raised by five intensely religious women and a charismatic, controversial priest, sheltered from the secular world, Felicitas Maria Taylor is intelligent, charming, and desperate for a taste of ordinary happiness. More freedom than she has ever imagined awaits her at Columbia University in the 1960s. There, Felicitas falls in love with the worst man for her -- with shattering results. Now she must turn again to the company of the women who love her as she struggles to embrace the future without betraying the past.

Exploring the intricacies of Irish American family life, the collection delves into the challenges of middle age, including bodily decline and mortality. The stories blend pre- and postwar experiences, showcasing contemporary characters grappling with the complexities of modern existence. Through keen observations of character and the fading American Dream, the author offers profound insights into personal and social resilience, making these narratives a valuable contribution to American fiction.

The narrative centers on Marian Taylor, who, at nineteen, distanced herself from her affluent Irish Catholic family to volunteer in the Spanish Civil War, a chapter of her life she has kept hidden. Now in her nineties and facing cancer, she reveals her past to her granddaughter Amelia, who seeks purpose in her own life. Through Marian's profound experiences of love, friendship, and moral dilemmas, Amelia embarks on a journey to Spain, aiming to connect her grandmother's legacy with her own future. The story poignantly examines how personal character is shaped by historical moments and familial ties.

Exploring the fundamental Biblical stories, Mary Gordon reflects on the complexities of a divine figure in human form and the moral ambiguities present in the text. Through her insightful and candid analysis, she reinterprets the teachings surrounding the miracle of the Resurrection, revealing a rich tapestry of overlapping, often conflicting lessons that resonate with both familiarity and intrigue. This personal journey invites readers to engage deeply with the profound themes of faith and understanding within the Scriptures.

Exploring profound human connections, this collection features four emotionally rich stories. Readers encounter Simone Weil in her final days in New York, an American student seeking solace in Italy after heartbreak, an engaging Irish storyteller who navigates life with charm, and the impact of Thomas Mann on a Midwestern high schooler's heart. Each narrative highlights transformative moments and deep understanding, showcasing Mary Gordon's literary skill and empathetic insight into the complexities of life and relationships.

The story explores the dynamic between Monica Szabo, a middle-aged painter, and B, a wealthy commodities broker who becomes her muse. B provides Monica with the resources and freedom typically afforded to male artists, including time, space, financial support, and a sexual relationship. This arrangement challenges traditional artistic boundaries and delves into themes of gender, creativity, and the complexities of artistic inspiration.

Isabel Moore grapples with newfound freedom after her father's death, having dedicated over a decade to his care. As she reconnects with childhood friends and navigates a new job, she finds herself torn between two contrasting romantic interests. Just as she starts to envision a fresh future, unresolved issues from her past resurface, threatening her progress and forcing her to confront her former life.

Late 18th century Ireland. Two women from noble families - Eleanor Butler and Sarah Ponsonby - form an intense romantic friendship. They become famous as the Ladies of Llangollen. Chase is the forgotten queer novel of the inter-war period - an amiable companion to Woolf's time-travelling Orlando and antidote to the misery of The Well of Loneliness.