Set amidst the lush pine forests and rich savannas of Florida’s Northern Panhandle, HOW CLARISSA BURDEN LEARNED TO FLY tells the story of one woman whose existence until now has seemed fairly normal: she is 30-something, married, and goes about her daily routine as a writer. However, it is soon discovered that ghosts, an indifferent husband, and a seemingly terminal case of writer’s block are burdening Clarissa’s life. She awakes on the summer solstice and, prodded by her own discontent and one ghost’s righteous need for truth, commences upon a twenty-four hour journey of self-discovery. Her harrowing, funny, and startling adventures lead Clarissa to a momentous decision: She must find a way to do the unthinkable. Her life and the well-being of a remarkable family of blithe spirits hang in the balance. Connie May Fowler demonstrates her keen abilities as a storyteller in this remarkably original novel about an unexpected mid-life awakening. This is an empowering story that will resonate and be discussed for years to come.
3 of 5 stars
Freda Mans says...
I have so many emotions after finishing the book, that I think I liked it, but really don't know where I stand.
Clarissa Burden is a character I relate to all too well. I was in an abusive relationship once, and it tore my world apart. Reading the emotional sacrifice she made by being with her husband, hit home with me.
Her husband is one of those characters you hate from the start. He is so awful, the other characters in the book hate him.
The story the author told was one that should be told, over and over again, until women realize they don't live in the age of settling anymore. We as women need to stand up for ourselves, even to our big, bad husbands.
The one thing I didn't about the writing style was getting off point to describe redundant things. I would point particulars out but then I would spoil the book. Let's just say a little too descriptive for me.
All-in-all, this was a good book, but for a recommendation, I'm not sure. Not everyone would appreciate the story since it's nature is violence on women. I do think it is quite worth the read though.
I really give this book a 3.5
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