Reviews for HATTIE
I just finished reading HATTIE, and even with such mature content, at 18 I could fully feel the pain of the narrator. It was written beautifully, opening new views on life’s toughest subjects. I was eager to read more about Hattie, and felt myself developing a relationship with her. Not only was it written exceptionally well, but it was so different from any other story I have ever read. It truly captures life’s miseries and beauties. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to open their minds and soul.
Anonymous (18 year old), Barnes and Noble, August 2013
By the time I’d finished HATTIE, I felt like I had made a good friend…. It’s written with such a profoundness that I felt as if I was standing right by her, with her whispering in my ear. I especially loved her moments of clarity and vision and celebrated with her as she gained tremendous insight to herself, truly a magical moment. As with other books with heavy content, I needed to proceed slow and would advise other survivors to do the same. But don’t take that as a warning to avoid this book. It’s rich with detail and tells a woman’s very important story. Thank you Anna, for putting this lovely book out into the world and taking us on such a wonderful journey.
Rescuing Little L, Amazon Review, July 2013
Bowen has created a world full of vivid characters, but none more vivid than Hattie herself. Hattie’s compelling voice and tension-filled story keep you rooting for this strong woman. What new crisis would she face? Could she find a measure of happiness? A book filled with energy, life and compassion.
–Tlacativa, Amazon Review, July 2013
Just about as perfect as a book can be, this grabs you from the first word and holds onto your heart right to the last, fateful word. Bowen has created a book that is so fully saturated in the voice of the narrator that the reader comes away feeling as if he or she were Hattie’s best friend. Through short chapters and snippets that jump through Hattie’s life, from her death scene in the opening to her life’s trials and triumphs, the reader experiences Hattie’s hard, unforgiving world and is transported through love, longing, hope, disgust, betrayal, and back to love again. Bowen has us rooting for Hattie to finally find her happiness even though we already know her fate. Hattie is a masterful debut that expertly weaves together themes of love, loss, nature, destiny and the beauty of simple humanity.
US Review of Books/Eric Hoffer Award
HATTIE is an engaging and memorable story of a woman who endures much heartbreak yet survives to tell the truths of her life. The author weaves an intriguing narrative by starting and ending with the protagonist’s, Hattie’s, death. Anna’s writing is concise, lyrical and captivating as she touches upon the universal themes of love, loss and what it feels like to be fully human, in a unique and mesmerizing way.
Hattie’s character is courageous, resilient and lovable and I found myself relating to her trials and triumphs on a deeply personal level as a wife, mother and woman. Hattie comes alive on the page and at the end, when she finally finds her voice, I am satisfied and relieved. This is an impressive and enjoyable debut novel by Anna Bozena Bowen. It is well-crafted and well-paced and leaves me wanting to read more from her.
Kathy Pooler, Amazon Review
Loved Hattie. I had to read it straight through the weekend just to see what was going to happen next. The emotions it brings to the surface run from sadness to delight. Great read and thought provoking. A great book to read with friends and discuss!!!!
Lori Newsome, Amazon Review