Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

I didn’t know this was published way back, and I was delighted to be introduced now to the life of Bette. A fabulous read and a great insight into a life I never knew about.

this writer was new to me and I'm so glad I read this. Thank you netgalley for the opportunity to discover Bette Howland.

Blue in Chicago is a really incredible read, I was unaware of Bette Howland until I was given the opportunity to read this book and I will be forever grateful for this new exposure.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an Advance Readers Copy in exchange for an honest review.

Episodic, impressionist, lyrical; Howland's prose is definitely reminiscent of Didion and Elizabeth Hardwick's, whilst also standing out as both uniquely poignant and painfully sincere.