The Red Wheelbarrow - by Marjorie Nelson Matthews (Paperback)

About the Book

Reminds us of the power of art to transform, of love and decency to triumph, and of hope to endure.

Book Synopsis

Amy Barnes, a high school English teacher from Hawai'i, and Paul Rideau, a Vermont farmer, lead ordinary lives dedicated to their families and their work, but each nurses a quiet passion for creative expression-Paul in painting and Amy in poetry. When their personal worlds fracture, both struggle to find their way through crushing loss and grief. Their creative pursuits help them heal as well as reimagine their lives as authentic selves.

For fans of Ethan Joella's A Quiet Life, The Red Wheelbarrow is a quiet, literary story that reminds us of the power of art to transform, of love and decency to triumph, and of hope to endure.

Review Quotes

"Matthews' character-driven narrative sparkles with well-drawn protagonists... this rewarding story successfully weaves disparate perspectives into a rich braid. A satisfying story of love, family, and creativity."

-Kirkus Reviews

"A triumph of the spirit as well as the heart."

-Cynthia Huntington, 2012 National Book Award Finalist in Poetry

"One of the most thought-provoking and affirming novels I've read in a long time."

-Joni B. Cole, author of Party Like It's 2044