Title: Love Anthony
Author: Lisa Genova
First published September 1, 2012
309 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781439164686 (ISBN10: 1439164681)
Rating: 3.97
Overview
Love Anthony by Lisa Genova tells the story of two women who find an unlikely friendship that changes their perspective on life. Olivia is a grieving mother, still reeling from the loss of her eight-year-old autistic son.
She arrives on Nantucket Island in a trial separation, hoping to find some solace in the tragedy that has befallen her. Beth, a stay-at-home mother of three, is also at a crossroads in her life, having recently discovered her husband’s infidelity.
She turns to writing to help her find her voice and unexpectedly finds herself drawn to the voice of an autistic boy. As the two women bond over their shared experiences, they find solace in each other’s company and come to understand the thoughts and feelings of Anthony, Olivia’s son.
Love Anthony is a poignant and heartfelt story that shows the power of friendship and the unexpected ways in which we can find healing.
About the Author
Lisa Genova is an accomplished author and scholar with an impressive educational background. She graduated with top honors from Bates College with a degree in Biopsychology and went on to earn a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Harvard University.
Lisa’s writing is highly regarded for its unique blend of neuroscience and human emotion. She has authored several bestselling books, including STILL ALICE, LEFT NEGLECTED, LOVE ANTHONY, INSIDE THE O’BRIENS, and EVERY NOTE PLAYED.
Her upcoming book, REMEMBER: The Science of Memory & the Art of Forgetting, is set to release on March 23, 2021.
STILL ALICE, one of Lisa’s most popular books, was adapted into a film featuring a star-studded cast, including Julianne Moore, Alec Baldwin, and Kristen Stewart. Julianne Moore won an Oscar for her portrayal of Alice Howland.
EVERY NOTE PLAYED is currently being adapted into a film starring Angelina Jolie and Christoph Waltz, with Michael Sucsy directing. INSIDE THE O’BRIENS is also in the process of being adapted into a film.
Lisa’s contributions to the field of neuroscience and storytelling have not gone unnoticed. She has been named one of the U.S. Top 50 Influencers in Aging and has appeared on several popular shows and documentaries.
Her TED Talk, “What You Can Do To Prevent Alzheimer’s,” has amassed over five million views. She has also received numerous awards, including The Pell Center Prize for Story in the Public Square, The Sargent and Eunice Shriver Profiles in Dignity Award, The Global Genes RARE Champions of Hope Award, The American College of Neuropsychopharmacology Media Award, and Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Bates College, The Alzheimer’s Association’s Rita Hayworth Award, and The Huntington’s Disease Society of America Community Awareness Award.
Editoral Review
Love Anthony by Lisa Genova is a heart-wrenching and thought-provoking novel that explores the complexities of motherhood, autism, and relationships. Genova is a New York Times bestselling author and a neuroscientist who brings her expertise in the field of neurological disorders to the forefront of her storytelling.
The novel centers around Olivia Donatelli, a woman struggling to cope with the death of her young son, Anthony, who was diagnosed with autism. As she tries to come to terms with her grief, Olivia sets out to discover more about what Anthony’s life might have been like had he lived.
At the same time, we follow the story of another woman, Beth Ellis, who moves to Nantucket with her husband after he cheats on her. While reflecting on her life, Beth befriends Olivia and becomes entangled in her journey to understand Anthony’s world.
The book is a masterful exploration of the human experience and the many ways in which people cope with loss and grief. Genova’s writing is emotionally resonant, evoking a powerful sense of empathy for each character’s struggles.
Her descriptions of autism and its impact on families are particularly insightful, offering a nuanced and compassionate perspective on this complex condition. Despite its heavy subject matter, Love Anthony is a beautifully written novel that is both engaging and accessible.
Genova’s prose is lyrical and flowing, drawing the reader in and immersing them in the world of the story. Her characters are richly drawn and fully realized, with complex motivations and deep emotional lives.
That said, the novel does have a few flaws that detract from its overall impact. The pacing can be slow at times, and some readers may find themselves becoming impatient with the story’s deliberate unfolding.
Additionally, the ending is somewhat predictable, which may leave some readers feeling dissatisfied with the overall resolution. Nevertheless, Love Anthony is a powerful and moving novel that is well worth the read.
Its themes of love, loss, and acceptance are universal, and its insights into the world of autism are both illuminating and deeply moving. The book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys literary fiction that tackles tough subjects with sensitivity and grace.
In conclusion, I would highly recommend Love Anthony to anyone who is looking for a touching and thought-provoking novel that explores the complexities of human relationships and emotions. While it may not be for everyone, readers who are drawn to literary fiction that deals with heavy subject matter will find much to appreciate in Genova’s latest work.
Overall, I would give Love Anthony a rating of four out of five stars, based on its powerful emotional impact, engaging writing style, and insightful exploration of complex themes.
