This was such a different book for me so different than my usual picks, I had been a fan of Eleanor Eliohant and I see this book was referencing that so I thought why not check it out! It was a sweet heartfelt story of community and eccentricity but most of all heart. High key enjoyed and recommend

I wasn't sure, going into this story, of what I had in store for me, but I'm so glad that I managed to get a copy of 'The Utterly Unacceptable Atrocity of Isabelle Marsden: A Novel by Nan Sanders Pokerwinski.'

I read this in one sitting, knowing that from the start that this is a story with charm, love, loss, and so much more than that.

A lovely read for me, and one I will still be thinking of for a while.


Pub Date: 17 Mar 2028


Many thanks for the opportunity to read 'The Utterly Unacceptable Atrocity of Isabelle Marsden'

Something a little different but ultimately enjoyable.
It's a very clever concept, to discover a protagonist's backstory through her journey through artistic inspiration/madness, and works really well. The book is filled with wonderful characters, the sort of people I'd love to know myself, and ambles along gently to a most satisfying conclusion - recommend!

I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Belle lands in Lawrence, Kansas after a traumatic experience. She meets some eccentric friends and finds purpose in being. In the midst of chaos, she finds healing and the promise of a better future for herself.

This is a charming and quirky novel that follows Belle, a woman recovering from trauma, as she relocates from Chicago to a small Kansas town hoping for peace and quiet.

Instead, she finds herself swept up in the eccentric world of local artist Reba—who owns a wallaby with strong opinions—and her clever friend Mae, all centered around planning a delightfully odd summer parade.

The story is filled with humor, warmth, and gentle healing as Belle discovers new talents, makes unexpected friendships, and slowly begins to gain confidence.

The characters are weirdly delightful and the story gives an uplifting message about community, creativity, and embracing the unexpected, it's a light yet touching read reminiscent of Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine

It's brilliant and in my opinion a must read..

Belle moves from Chicago to Kansas to get away from the events that have left her shattered. This move will prove to be the best decision she’s ever made! I will say if you get through the first 1/4 of this story, it really starts to come alive! I loved then watching Belle’s story unfold!

I work with artists and often struggle to understand where some of them are coming from. I am always curious to ask about their vision, how they can look at something that is obviously an ordinary object or scene and turn it into something magical. How do they know when a piece is done? I'm always asking this because of the time an artist came to an opening, looked at her piece after we had it for several months but had just hung the week before and she walked in, looked at her painting, went out to her car, came back in with her supplies and proceeded to work on the piece -- while it was on the wall and two hours before opening -- and announced it was finished. So this book resonated with me as Belle created her art and we got to see her vision, her madness, her creative process, and along they way, we are drawn in by the people she meets and befriends, a sort of Greek chorus who also fill us in on Belle's art.


The book is funny, heartbreaking, hopeful and entertaining. It's about found family, giving back to the universe, and healing from trauma. I cannot wait to read more books from this author.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the chance to read and review this book. All opinions are mine, and freely given.

Belle moves to a random Kansas town planning to hide from the world. By day one, she's been adopted by Reba — kooky, irresistible, and absolutely not taking no for an answer. A wallaby, a rescued fox, a free-spirited gang called the Soulstice crew, and a surprising new art project later,

Belle is finding herself in ways she never expected.

Funny, fresh, and quietly healing. The kind of story that sneaks up on you.

For readers who need a reminder that the best chapters start when you colour outside the lines.

A genuinely original debut with real warmth and wit. Belle is an easy character to root for, and the eccentric supporting cast makes this a joy from start to finish. Perfect for fans of quirky, feel-good fiction — and a brilliant handsell for artists, creatives, and anyone ready for something a little different.

I loved how the author wove in everyone has talents and you not have to chose a talent . You will find your people will find you. You can be motivated by positive or negative comments/attitudes. The main characters were all unique and relatable. I will be looking forward to future books.