I received the advance reader copy of this book from Michelle Fitzgerald, Publicity Director, FSB Associates
Review: The Well of Truth Stories of Spirit By Elizabeth A. Gould
Right off the bat, The Well of Truth felt like a compulsive read. We are able to view the cover and began our journey following Grace an art history major who studied Italian painting and sculpture.
We witness Grace aimlessly rambling about the Glasgow countryside until she learns of the Well of Truth. Then, she has a purpose! Near the end of chapter one, Grace goes in search of the well and locates it. Soon after, we learn a gentle breeze tells Grace "This Is Who You Are".
We spend a lot of time in Grace's head as she receives guidance from a variety of goddesses. Grace ruminates about who she is and why she feels the way that she does. What bride on her wedding day would ponder why she's feeling so miserable? Unless there is a threat of impending doom.
Reading this book of short stories of spirit, we learn of crucial new developments in each chapter. The central role of this book makes use of real and mythological themes to help us recognize internal and external environmental factors that influence Grace's life cycle.
I appreciate Gould's writing style! The storyline uses a lot of emotional appeal and sensory detail to hold attention and there are many instances in the novel in which the mood of nature portrays the nature of events during life lessons.
There is so much authenticity embedded in every page of this book that quite frankly many women will identify with these stories as a portion of them may be similar to their own life cycle. I personally found myself searching out the italicized words, wanting to know what questions Grace would be asking herself next. One thing this book solidly achieves is it passes on that nature nourishes us and having connections and a purpose makes life meaningful.
About the Author
Elizabeth Gould received a BA in Art History from Stanford University and worked in the Old Masters art world in New York City for several years. After obtaining an MS in Education from S.U.N.Y., she became a rites of passage educator for girls and women and the director of a non-profit committed to positive menstrual/menopausal education and awareness. The themes in The Well of Truth grew organically out of her two decades of experience as a mother, teacher, and menstrual activist as well as her love of mythology, goddess traditions, and the moon. Devoted to finding the magic and beauty hidden in daily life, she is thrilled to be part of the rising chorus of voices reclaiming and celebrating the wisdom of the Feminine. Although she is an inveterate traveler, Elizabeth feels most at home in Aotearoa, NZ. The Well of Truth is her first book.
Description of The Well of Truth Stories of Spirit
Incorporating elements of fantasy, mysticism, and lore, The Well of Truth follows a female heroine through poignant moments of her adult life. Through the initiations of marriage, raising children, getting divorced, going through menopause, losing loved ones, and ultimately making an independent life for herself, she gains insight and spiritual wisdom from unexpected places.
These short stories are filled with reflections on feminine resilience, power, and agency.
Paperback | 152 pages | 9781684631391 | June 14, 2022