MY REVIEW:
I have to admit that I struggled to finish How Do I Love Thee. Although it was very well written (as all of Moser’s novels are), I personally found it hard to empathize with the characters enough to engage.
A story based on the life of Elizabeth Barrett and her romance with Robert Browning, How Do I Love Thee narrates details of Elizabeth’s life. The tale moves at an excruciatingly slow pace – probably because most of Elizabeth’s life was spent in the isolation of one room due to her poor health. For that reason, the narration focuses more on her thoughts than on events.
If you are a poetry lover or love biographical fiction, How Do I Love Thee would probably appeal to you. In addition to the story, Moser has included several appendixes at the end which include a Fact or Fiction? section with chapter by chapter details and Elizabeth’s poems from “Sonnnets from the Portuguese”.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Elizabeth Barrett is a published poet–and a virtual prisoner in her own home. Blind family loyalty ties her to a tyrannical father who forbids any of his children to marry. Bedridden by chronic illness, she has resigned herself to simply existing. That is, until the letter arrives…
“I love your verses with all my heart,” writes Robert Browning, an admiring fellow poet. As friendly correspondence gives way to something more, Elizabeth discovers that Robert’s love is not for her poetry alone. Might God grant her more than mere existence? And will she risk defying her father in pursuit of true happiness?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Nancy Moser is the author of three inspirational humor books and a eighteen novels, including Mozart’s Sister, Just Jane, and Time Lottery, a Christy Award winner. She is an inspirational speaker, giving seminars around the country. She has earned a degree in architecture; run a business with her husband; traveled extensively in Europe; and has performed in various theaters, symphonies, and choirs. She and her husband have three grown children and make their home in the Midwest. Read more about her books at www.nancymoser.com.
