Dancing Woman
by Elaine Neil Orr
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Pub Date Jan 21 2025 | Archive Date Oct 30 2024
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Description
Elaine Neil Orr, born in Nigeria to expat parents, brings us an indelible portrait of a young female artist, torn between two men and two cultures, struggling to find her passion and her purpose.
It’s 1963 and Isabel Hammond is an expat who has accompanied her agriculture aid worker husband to Nigeria, where she is hoping to find inspiration for her art and for her life. Then she meets charismatic local singer Bobby Tunde, and they share a night of passion that could upend everything. Seeking solace and distraction, she returns to her painting and her home in a rural town where she plants a lemon tree and unearths an ancient statue buried in her garden. She knows that the dancing female figure is not hers to keep, yet she is reluctant to give it up, and soon, she notices other changes that make her wonder what the dancing woman might portend.
Against the backdrop of political unrest in Nigeria, Isabel’s personal situation also becomes precarious. She finds herself in the center of a tide of suspicion, leaving her torn between the confines of her domestic life and the desire to immerse herself in her art and in the culture that surrounds her. The expat society, the ancient Nigerian culture, her beautiful family, and even the statue hidden in a back room—each trouble and beguile Isabel. Amid all of this, can she finally become who she wants to be?
A Note From the Publisher
Advance Praise
"Brimming with vivid description, deeply rooted in time and place, and with a fascinating cast of complicated, enigmatic characters, Dancing Woman is ultimately a story of longing—for a sense of self, community, redemption, and healing—and a profound exploration of the transformative power of art in its many forms."
—Charles Frazier, Cold Mountain and The Trackers
"1960s Nigeria is in turmoil, and so is Elaine Neil Orr's thoughtful, unique protagonist: transplanted American bride Isabel Hammond, whose struggles to find her purpose and identity launch this fascinating tale. Dancing Woman is a provocative, lyrical, moving exploration of a dynamic young woman's journey from crisis to growth in a challenging time and place, and well worth readers' valuable time."
—Therese Fowler, It All Comes Down to This and Z
“Utterly intriguing...Who knew sex and drumming are intertwined? Elaine will take you on that journey...Amidst suspense, betrayal, and confusion, Elaine Neil Orr brings Nigeria in the 1960s to you, giving you a dose of history, language, culture, music, and art. I expect nothing less from a Nigerian in spirit and body."
—Toyin Falola, author of Counting the Tiger’s Teeth
“Elaine Neil Orr’s latest novel is a powerful story of transformation and redemption, guided by the sure, steady hand of an author at the height of her power. Dancing Woman is a fierce reminder of the dangers of unearthing long buried passions, while simultaneously whispering a call to do just that. A thoroughly captivating read.”
— Rachel M. Harper, author of The Other Mother and This Side of Providence
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781958888339 |
| PRICE | $28.95 (USD) |
| PAGES | 350 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
reviewer 0, Media/Journalist
Isabel is an intriguing protagonist who is struggling with her identity. I related to her right away, and I think other readers will too. There is a certain universality to her hopes and dreams that makes us understand and root for her.
As always, Orr's writing is lovely and evocative. She does a wonderful job of immersing the reader in the scene, and her knowledge of the place and time period add authenticity to the narrative.
I very much enjoyed Isabel's journey. DANCING WOMAN offers a multi-layered and rewarding reading experience. Highly recommended for fans of literary fiction.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-galley; all opinions in my review are 100% my own.
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