A new release from Pulitzer Prize winner Jane Smiley is always a big deal, and Private Life, her first novel since 2007′s Ten Days in the Hills, is no exception. The book, which will be published by Knopf on May 4, is a departure from Smiley’s previous work—it’s historical, a sweeping saga that spans the life of an American woman, from the 1880s to World War II.
Margaret Mayfield marries late, but she also marries up: Captain Andrew Jackson Jefferson Early is an influential person in their small Missouri town, one who is a military officer and a brilliant scientist/astronomer. Though Margaret realizes soon after their marriage that Andrew is more interested in his work than his wife, they stay together—until the start of World War II reveals a dark side to her husband’s scientific work.
Will you be reading?
I loved A Thousand Acres, hated Moo, and Lidie Newton was OK — but I’m willing to give her another shot because I love turn of the century/WWII historical fiction.
I love Jane Smiley’s writing! I will definitely add this book to my list.