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Dona H. (Muskegon, MI)
Poor little rich girl?
Seventy-eight year old Neltje's memoir starts with a miserable childhood rich in privilege but poor in familial attention and love. An excellent writer, she is at her best when conveying her love of the natural world and her mature development as an artist, contributor to her Wyoming community, and mother. Her inherited wealth gave her entry to a very interesting life; however, the book might have held more interest without so many name-dropping anecdotes.
Priscilla M. (Houston, TX)
Money can't buy happiness...
North of Crazy was not an easy read for several reasons. The setting, moving between a plantation and the East coast, sounded almost like something out of the Great Gatsby era, with incredibly wealthy lifestyles and very unhappy people. Neltje was born into a life of privilege as far as money and status as a Doubleday publishing heir were concerned, but had an incredibly unhappy childhood due to alcoholic parents who clearly favored her brother, Nelson. Add sexual abuse by a family friend to the mix and you have all the makings of years of psychiatric counseling. I confess that reading about her early life was
…more very difficult, but once she started standing up for herself I really got into the story. She deserves a lot of credit for creating a meaningful life as a mother, artist, and entrepreneur. The story has meaning, but is related in a somewhat disjointed style. (less)I read this book about the trials and tribulations of a woman born into a moneyed publishing family who endured without the one thing that she needed - maternal love which was to have a profound effect in her life from childhood on. I did enjoy reading this book with all the people and place references that it contained and rejoiced in that she became stronger in spite of her unrequited longing.
Inasmuch as her sense of duty clashes with the deep resentment she feels for her mother's many years of absence, neglect, and drinking, she put it all aside to care for her in her final days.
Kathrin C. (Corona, CA)
North of Crazy
I found this somewhat difficult to get into because of the writing style and the almost excessive relating of minor details in chapters on the author's early childhood. But I'm glad I kept going - it became a fascinating tale of publishing magnate Nelson Doubleday's behind-the-scenes family life with the continuous overshadowing of money and power conflicts and the effects on each family member. And a wonder that Neltje evolved into the fierce independent and creative person she became who forged a completely different lifestyle from that of a society matron that would have been expected (and probably preferred by her family).
My Book Self
Inspiring Memoir
I found Neltje's story incredibly uplifting and inspiring. A woman finding peace and healing through her art and her adopted home of Wyoming. Despite her wealth and name she was not immune to heavy challenges. Possessing a gift of self awareness she was determined to conquer her issues and strive for betterment. Suffering numerous setbacks throughout her life, she finally finds her authentic self and inner peace. An unflappable woman in the worst of times, she manages to claw her way out of sticky predicaments, learning from mistakes and of others underhanded actions. Demonstrating strength, independence while
…more striving to be the best she can be, Neltje is testament anything is possible when you discover who you are and what you want, self validation despite trials and tribulations endured.
Insightfully candid, well written memoir of a fascinating, courageous and complicated woman appealing to my feminist core.
Including photographs of Neltje's art would have been lovely. (less)North of Crazy, the fascinating memoir of Wyoming abstract artist Neltje Doubleday Savage Kings, granddaughter of Frank N. Doubleday and an heiress to the Doubleday fortune, reveals how Neltje achieved her present status as an artist and fulfilled her suppressed but internalized childhood goals for life: a loving family, freedom from her assigned and expected way of life, and self-fulfillment through her chosen form of communication.
Uncomfortable as an accomplished female member of New York publishing-world society, Neltje moved to Wyoming at age 30 and explored various forms of art, as well as running a
…more working ranch, remodeling a historic hotel and managing it as a restaurant, all while raising two children with the love and care which was denied her in a limited and abusive childhood.
Neltje is an intriguing woman who exhibits surprising abilities, strength, integrity and soundness of character, despite the lack of supportive love and exemplary guidance from the adults in her past life. Her story is told without self-pity for the hard-knocks or boastfulness for her successes. More of the emotions and reasons for some of her choices would enhance the readers' perspective. However, the story of this admirable woman comes through strongly despite the somewhat disorganized nature of the text. This book will be of interest to many because of the universal themes: the search for love and family; a woman's fight for recognition in a world of successful men; the desire for personal control of one's own life; and the successful use of a medium which resonates with people to express emotions and feelings. (less)Neltje has lived a colorful and extraordinary life and her generosity is nothing short of inspiring! Her tight, well written prologue grabbed me right from the start. In spite of her privilege, wealth, family name, and connection to New York's high society and literary world, she had many obstacles to overcome. In overcoming them she has found great passion in her art, family, and in the healing wide open spaces of her adopted home of Wyoming.
To improve the readability of this book, I recommend editing out a few of the names and some of the details from the sections on her early years--doing so would not take
…more away from her incredible and brave story.
Pictures of Neltje's art would be a wonderful addition to the book! (less)Neltje very calmly and matter-of-factly writes her memories of her life, and it is a fascinating one! She gives a vivid account of her life growing up, her life as a young adult and young wife and mother, and her later life as an artist. In the background of all this rests the Doubleday fame and fortune.
The book is very interesting. However, because it is written in a "memory recall" fashion it is sometimes rambling, and often out of sequence. Also, the author seems to want to give mention to, and therefore honor to way too many people, thereby leaving the reader to read through many names, without adding any
…more value to the real story of her life.
The book is quite good however, and gives some insight into the world of book publishing, and also the world of art. This memoir paints a picture of a fascinating person! (less)
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