Quotes
“In Frances and
Bernard Ms. Bauer attempts to walk a tricky line, giving her characters
enough life of their own to seem more than historical glosses, while borrowing
from Lowell and O’Connor’s stature so that Bernard and Frances become
sufficiently formidable literary figures to carry the show.” New York Times
“Bauer…writes with authority and gusto about
issues of faith. The prose here is exquisite, winding between narrative
momentum and lofty introspection. And she employs the epistolary form nimbly,
providing an intimate, uncluttered space for her characters to develop. The
most unexpected pleasure of this period love story is spending time in the
company of people who are engaged in the edifying pursuit of living as
Christians—a good reminder that, regardless of the current upheaval in the
church, the big questions are still worth asking.” Washington Post
“Graceful and gem-like…Through Bauer’s sharp,
witty, and elegant prose, [Frances and Bernard] become vibrant and original
characters…These are not your typical lovebirds, but writers with fierce and
fine intellects…We are reminded of the power of correspondence—the flirtation
of it, the nervousness, the delicious uncertainty of writing bold things and
then waiting days, weeks, or even months for a reply. After finishing this
sweet and somber novel, we might sigh and think, ‘It’s a shame we don’t write
love letters anymore’—before stopping for a moment to marvel at the subtlety of
what Bauer has wrought out of history and a generous imagination, and being
thankful that someone still is.” Boston Globe
“Short but satisfying…Well written, engrossing,
and succeeds in making Frances and Bernard’s shared interest in religion
believable and their relationship funny, sweet, and sad. A lovely surprise.” Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Bauer’s account of the ups and downs of Frances and
Bernard’s relationship is by turns beautiful and heartbreaking. Her story is
enhanced by the superb narration of Angela Brazil and Stephen Thorne…Both
narrators excel at bringing forth the joy and pain in the letters…[their]
delivery is natural and expressive, taking Bauer’s lovely work and making it a
memorable listening experience.”AudioFile AudioFile
“Gracefully written, Bauer’s fluid prose is at
once solemn, tender, and witty as she ponders the cost and duty of art and
love.” Library Journal
“A debut novel of stunning subtlety, grace, and
depth…Bauer’s piercing novel is dynamic in structure, dramatic in emotion and
event, and fierce in its inquiry into religion, love, and art.” Booklist
