When I heard about Rosie Sultan’s historical fiction novel Helen Keller in Love, my heart beat a little faster.
You see, when I was a girl, I loved Helen Keller. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one, but I read books about her, Annie Sullivan, and then later other books (fiction mostly) featuring blind or deaf heroines. I learned the finger alphabet by following the diagrams at the back of one of my books, and my parents proudly asked me to share what I knew.
If Helen Keller in Love did anything to dig up facts and incorporate them into a fictional story like some recent novels have (such as The Paris Wife), I was sold! I was curious about Helen Keller’s life in her late 30’s and the romance that she herself mentioned briefly in one of her autobiographies.
Rosie Sultan did base her book on facts — about Helen Keller’s speaking career, her benefactors, and yes, some facts concerning that romance. I enjoyed learning all of that, and feeling Helen Keller’s frustration with being limited and controlled by her mother and Annie Sullivan.
However, the novel is told in the first person, which lent her words and thoughts and feelings even more weight (even though I knew they were fictional), and since many of her thoughts and words were about her “burning desires,” it was a little awkward. I also felt as if Sultan took some liberties in sharing some of the physical sessions that may or may not have occurred. She also did not include a detailed list of what was true and what was speculation as I’ve seen some writers of historical fiction that features real people do.
Parts of it read like a tawdry romance novel (or a young adult novel of the type that I joke with my daughter feature lots of “yearning and burning.”). I personally think the novel would have been stronger without it, but I admit that my perspective of Helen Keller as being a real woman — not merely a blind and deaf heroine — which I would assume was some of Sultan’s intent.
Nonetheless, my curiosity has been poked again, and I think that I’ll be searching out some more information about this period of time in Helen Keller and her companion Annie Sullivan’s lives, so even with my reservations, if you are a Helen Keller fan, I think you might enjoy it.
Thanks to the publisher, I have a copy to give away to one of you (U.S. shipping only). Please leave a comment if you’d like to win. We’ll announce the winner in our May 9 giveaway column.The giveaway is closed.
- The winner of The Spirit Keeper is #5 Cindi.
- The winner of the Song Remains the Same is #16 Jennifer Downing.
- The winners of the Wedding Dress are #6 Ellie and #26 Stacie.
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I had to laugh at the phrase “yearning and burning” but, the book really does sound interesting. I’ve always been curious to learn more about Helen Keller and like you, I have enjoyed a few book with deaf heroes and heroines. Thanks for sharing.
Somewhat ambivalent as I’ve read some Austen spinoffs that could not distort the truth more.
Kind of a different book. thanks
Many thanks for this lovely giveaway.
Sounds good, wife would like.
very intrigued. thanks for offering the book.
Would love a copy!
I actually don’t know very much about Helen Keller but have seen this book around and the subject matter did intrigue me. Thanks for a chance to win a copy!
Another good book to read.
I too was enamored by Helen Keller when I was younger. She still fascinates me! Even if I don’t score the free copy, this one has been added to my Amazon wish list to be read soon. If it’s anything like The Paris Wife, I know I’ll love it (Paris Wife is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time!). Thanks for the recommendation!
Sounds intriguing. Thanks for the giveaway
Would like to read.
Good book giveaway,thanks
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I’m very interested to read Helen Keller in Love. Love your review.
Historical fiction is always fun! And I was also completely fascinated by Hellen Keller and Annie Sullivan. They were both amazing women.
I’m pretty sure my wife would enjoy reading this one.
Would love to win! I remember reading Helen Keller when I was in middle school.
Would like to win this book.
Sounds like another good book.
I learned the sign language alphabet and picked Helen Keller for a biographical study in elementary school too! I was obsessed. I l’d love to read this version of her life.
I read the story of Helen Keller years ago when I was in school.
As a teacher of students with special needs, I am adding this to my list of books to read. Would love a chance to win it!
thanks for the chance to read this beautiful story 🙂
Sure to be a good read.
I would love to win/read this book. It sounds terrific.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
Sounds interesting, thanks for the chance!
Sounds like a very interesting read. Please enter me. Thanks!
I am so hoping to win! I have been fascinated by Helen Keller since childhood.