Hamilton Books
Pages: 192
•
Trim: 6 x 9
978-0-7618-6281-9 • eBook • December 2013 • $39.50 • (£30.00)
Lucille M. Griswold, a MRHS Hall of Fame recipient, attended Alfred University and the University of Maryland. She holds a bachelor of arts degree from Vermont College. A college writing consultant, Lucille lives with her husband, William, in Maryland and advocates for women’s rights, troubled youth, and Disabled American Veterans (DAV).
A compelling story about the human spirit, Complex Love paints a picture of a woman overcoming tragedy, searching for spiritual peace, and finding love in unexpected times and places. The reader is captivated by the intricate relationships between friends and family on a journey which reminds us all of our personal tragedies and triumphs in life and love.
— Devina Raybuck, DPT
This is an engrossing story about the trials and tribulations that are faced in the difficult world we live in today. Through the viewpoint of Maria, Ms. Griswold conveys the reactions of a group of friends to life’s most difficult situations. From the pain and loss of divorce and death to the elation and excitement of new love, Complex Love carries a myriad of emotions, friendships, and experiences that any reader can relate to. Ms. Griswold weaves together the experiences of a group of women into a rich account of love, loss, and life.
— Vanessa Hobbs, MS
How can you not love a novel that begins with the survival instinct of a stinkbug in a toilet? It's the perfect metaphor for Maria who loses her beloved husband and then her confidante/life rudder Granny. Ironically, it's these losses that force Maria to consider the nature of her other kinds of loves, including: those of her friends, some of whom irritate her; that of her passionate priest, a best buddy since childhood; that of her friend's son who comes out as gay; that of her catholic religion which often condemns types of love it doesn't see fit to exist. Then there's that annoying Mr. Viera, who thinks he has the corner on widowhood. While the toilet bowl of life wants to send Maria swirling down into the underworld, it's the loves she fights for that keep her afloat. My only tiny quibble is that the child characters are too goody goody considering the problems they're facing. But hey, I'm a children's book author whose job is to make complicated kid characters. This is a delightful book for adults, and a heroine you'd love to have with you in any troubling waters. Enjoy Complex Love!
— Pegi Deitz Shea