The Color of Dreams
An Umbrian Tale
by Roberta Kaye Waldbaum
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Pub Date 1 Oct 2024 | Archive Date Not set
Amplify Publishing | Mascot Books
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Description
n 19th-century Europe, Claire Brophy is born into a lower middle-class family where the traditional life as a dutiful wife and mother is prescribed. But Claire’s rare intellectual and aesthetic sensibilities, combined with an unexpected change in her family’s fortune, allow her to rise well beyond her station. Claire marries and settles down to a life of presumed normalcy. Yet, all is not well, and she begins a downward spiral into a state of deep depression, verging on madness.
Written as a series of diary entries set under stunning splashes of the ever-changing colors of the clouds, Claire begins to reminisce and dream in color as the stories of her youth, marriage, infidelity, and travels are painted through a series of intricate flashbacks and flashforwards.
The reader travels with Claire on a physical and mental journey southward and downward that probes deeply into her deep-seated desires and troubled psyche. Observing each and every shape and color of her natural surroundings, she takes the reader along with her on a spiritual, sensual, and magical quest.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9781637557174 |
| PRICE | US$18.00 (USD) |
| PAGES | 144 |
Links
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Rachel S, Reviewer
Roberta Kaye Waldbaum's debut novel.
The book is told through the diary entries of the main character Claire. It takes you through the highs and lows of her life. Clarie struggles with unhappiness from feeling like she leads an unfulfilled life. Her happiness leads to severe depression. The author does a fine job of making the reader feel exactly how Claire is feeling.
Thank you to NetGalley, RK Waldbaum and Mascot Books for the arc version of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Siobhan M, Reviewer
The Color of Dreams, An Umbrian Tale by Roberta Kaye Waldbaum
Set in the end of the 19th century we follow FMC Claire's journey to Umbria through 3rd person diary entries, memories and inner monologues. Consideration of existential questions with embellished and ornate intricate details of her surroundings. To the outside world she starts off serene, intelligent and well adapted. Inside she struggles with contradicting halves; vulnarable & passionate, good & evil, peace & depression that fuel the tale.
Time purely exists, in the way a piece of classical piano sometimes seems to float alongside time in this love letter to Umbria. As someone who struggles with mental health issues, there were several instances of me feeling connection with Claire and the longing for time to lapse and stand still simultaneously.
Claire's attention to detail is amplified by Waldbaum's dignified, rich and lush pretty prose. Though it took me a few chapters to adapt from the Epic Fantasy style I most recently have been reading, I enjoyed the simplicity and slow-burn of this tale. I wish it was longer and that Claire's relationships were explored further, however it is perfect for a quick and cosy evening read.
Publisher: Mascot Books
Release Date: 1st Oct 2024
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Waldbaum's debut, e-ARC, Short story
Thankyou Roberta Kaye Waldbaum, Mascot books and Netgalley for providing me with this e-ARC for the perfect price of an honest review.
