Reviews for HATTIE
Hattie” is written in a very inventive way–the structure of the story isn’t linear. . .it meanders just like our inner most thoughts. That is very much in keeping with the most contemporary writers that we’ve been reading in our book club which concentrates on “prize winners” like the Booker Prize. I found many powerful observations in the book, but probably my favorite was on p. 264 in the section about living alone and talking to yourself: “Living alone is knowing that you open the door for yourself and there is no need to keep it open after you pass through it.” and the rest of that section (paperback edition)Get I. Bowen devised a very strong, sympathetic character in “Hattie” and I’m glad that Sam came along for her. Keep writing, Ms. Bowen. .. the world needs what you have to offer.
Nancy Mayer July 2014
Hattie” is a touching story that immediately draws the reader in with Hattie’s first person recollection of her life events. Hattie lived a life of hardship, abuse and painful tragedies as a wash woman, a loving mother and a wife who lost everything but gained herself. Written beautifully with such a poetic voice, I am moved read “Hattie” a second and third time.
J. McArdle Librarian March 2014
Hattie’s voice is spectacular, while it is also sad and world-weary. We connect instantly to her, and grow to love her more page-by-page…. The author does a great job giving Hattie a dialect without overdoing it. Very subtle and very well done. Descriptions are done masterfully, of scenery, of other characters and of items like the blood-soaked embroidery section. The author does an excellent job of painting each scene with full and experiential detail…. Beautiful. Heartbreakingly beautiful…. All of Hattie’s tragedies add up to a fabulous tale of how one goes on when life delivers blow after blow. She creates hope in her journey, and we hope for her as well. We want her to connect with people and be loved…. The mystery is very deep and wonderfully done…. An excellent work of fiction. Bravo to the author.
Judge, Writer’s Digest 21st Annual Self-Published Book Awards
Overall, this lovely novel has much to recommend it. The writing is wonderful, rich and lyrical and yet always accessible. The heroine Hattie is a very likable character readers are bound to fall in love with. Her voice is strong and compelling and keeps you turning the pages. The supporting characters are well-developed, and the settings are well-drawn. The author has a firm grasp on the elements of fiction; she provides the reader with an emotionally satisfying experience in almost every way….
Judge, Writer’s Digest 21st Annual self-Published Book Awards
HATTIE : A BEAUTIFUL DEBUT – A BEAUTIFUL VOICE What strikes me about HATTIE is the consistency of the strong, heartfelt voice of the narrator. Told in first person, intimacy links the page to the reader. We actually hear HATTIE speaking to us. At times, she is so close to us, snuggled inside our skin, that we feel her breath. Author, Anna Bozena Bowen, does a superb job making us care about HATTIE’S life. It is not an easy one! But we stay with her, turning each page, hoping she will triumph… I like Bowen’s style – succinct. This takes courage. If you’re looking for a book that will stay with you, then HATTIE is the one you should read next.
Poet Julie Maloney, Amazon review, September 2013
Why isn’t this on the New York Times Bestseller’s List? This book was a beautifully written, deeply emotional story that kept my attention from the first page to the last page. It should be on the New York Times Bestseller’s List. …at times I felt that it was unrelenting in sadness but that fact just proves this author’s skill in pulling you into the life of Hattie. This is a beautiful book.
Author Marie P. Duess, Amazon Review, August 2013