Featured Book
Lizzie
A Biographical Novel
From the author of LIZZIE:
LIZZIE began with my fascination with a legendary woman from Fall River, Massachusetts that eventually took the form of a novel.
In writing LIZZIE, I wanted to capture the real and tragic figure as I got to know her through my research, beginning with the little five-year-old girl who was molested by her religious father, then went on to struggle with finding balance and meaning in her life.
There have been many books about Lizzie Borden that tried to make sense of her motivation to axe her father and step mother to death one sunny day in Victorian New England. I felt by writing her story as a novel and using literary tools and license, I could delve into her mind and reveal the authentic Lizzie Borden.
My goal was to write not just a historical novel but a literary one as well--one that would be of interest to psychologists and lay people.
About the Author
Gerald Schoenewolf, Ph.D. has lived two lives. The first life was an angry and unsuccessful attempt to find love and balance in the midst of chaos. In the second, he became a licensed psychoanalyst in New York, where he has had an office for over 45 years. He has also been an adjunct assistant professor at the Borough of Manhattan Community College for seventeen years. He authored fourteen books on psychoanalysis, psychology, and philosophy; wrote and published nine novels; wrote and illustrated two books of philosophical poetry; translated and illustrated a book of two books of ancient philosophy; and produced, wrote, and directed two feature-length movies and a volume of video song poems. He currently lives in the Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. with his wife, Julia, two cats and a parrot.
A Literary Gem!
"Lizzy" is an absolute literary gem that deserves every one of its five stars and more. In this biographical novel, the author, a psychoanalyst, has masterfully crafted a profoundly immersive and exceptionally authentic portrayal of the enigmatic Lizzie Borden, offering readers a captivating journey into her mind and life.This book's commitment to authenticity while acknowledging its fictional nature is what sets it apart. Drawing from numerous sources, including court records, previous biographies, and his novelist's sensibility, the author has painstakingly pieced together Lizzie Borden's story. The result is a narrative that feels both compelling and genuine, even as it delves into the creative realm of fiction. Including dialogues, expertly woven into the history, adds a dramatic flair that brings the story to life.
The choice to tell Lizzie's story from her point of view is a stroke of brilliance. It allows readers to step into her shoes, experiencing her life from childhood to the events preceding the infamous murders, the trials, and her life after that. The author's use of streams of consciousness and unconsciousness to explore Lizzie's inner thoughts adds depth to her character. This deep dive into her psyche is a testament to the author's skill as both a psychoanalyst and a novelist.
The book is not merely a biography but a work of literature in its own right. It seamlessly blends fact and fiction, creating a narrative that is as captivating as it is thought-provoking. As readers, we are not just observers; we become intimate witnesses to Lizzie's striking life, relationships, and struggles. Her complex character is brought to life in a way that leaves an indelible mark on the reader's psyche.Throughout the book, the author skillfully navigates the nuances of Lizzie's life, including her relationship with the actress Nance O'Neil and the depression that ultimately led to her death. It's a poignant exploration of a tragic figure, shedding light on the various facets of her existence.
In "Lizzy," the author has remarkably balanced historical accuracy and creative storytelling. The result is a work that is as informative as emotionally resonant. This book is a testament to the author's literary prowess and profound understanding of the human psyche. Whether you're a fan of true crime, historical fiction, or academic exploration, "Lizzy" is a must-read that will leave a lasting impact. It's a triumph of storytelling and an unforgettable journey into the mind and life of Lizzie Borden.
--Michael Murrell, Book Party Podcast
The Authentic Lizzie Borden
"I absolutely loved this and, through unsettling at parts, it was a great piece that showed the humanity of even someone as infamous as Lizzie Borden....The book did an amazing job displaying the details of her character from the childlike nature which she always seemed to possess on the inside, displayed by her at times narrow -minded and sulky thoughts, to her self-absorption as displayed by how easily se let go of those who were no longer useful to her....We started from the traumof her childhood (the root of her following events) and moved to the intricacies of Lizzie's relationship with her family, to the catalyst for the murder, to the murder and its aftermath, to the later part of Lizzie's life, which showed her huanity and how very undramatic her life was after such a dramatic event. This was the perfect way to lay out the story and to allow readers to form an opinion of Lizzie without only showing the terrible parts of her crime, or the glamorized parts. I love how you gave myselfand other readers a part of the story that we've never gotten to learn about before."
--Isabel Pettibone, Ediitor, Fiverr
“Lizzie Borden took an axe
And gave her mother forty whacks.
When she saw what she had done,
She gave her father forty-one.”
I know this is fiction, but if even half of the stuff in here is true, it’s a miracle Lizzie survived as long as she did. It’s amazing how much she had going against her, to keep her down."
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