The Legend of Olivia Cosmos Montevideo

by Constance Warloe

In the tradition of Alice Hoffman, here is a powerful tale of one woman's journey to self-discovery in the Southwest. After her son dies in Vietnam, Olivia leaves her husband and drives aimlessly westward. In Santa Fe, touched by the healing power of the land and a new love, she finally moves from tragedy to rebirth.

316 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Michaela · Rating 3 out of 5]

I struggled with the story for two reasons. The first is a parent dealing with the death of a child is one of the most traumatic and dark things possible. The second is that the first storyline was also intertwined with the second one, which was of a woman maturing and evolving past what had up to the death of her son bern her less than satisfactory circumstances (marriage, job.). So 4 for writing skills but 3 to 3.5 for total. May have to revisit this rating after I've reflected longer on the story.

[Marla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, though I was aware at times of how it was written. It was especially fun given our upcoming trip to New Mexico. I had practically changed the whole itinerary to revolves around Santa Fe. I want us to move out there, too!

[Emily · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well-written book examining the topic of grief, but the premise of a White woman traveling to the Southwest to appropriate without critical reflection Native American mysticism was disturbing.

[Holly Ristau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read the summer of 1995 and this was my response at that time: A woman deals with the death of her son in Vietnam by assuming a new identity. Title taken from a Minnesota mileage sign! An interesting look at grief.

[Prmom]

I picked up due to setting of new mexico. Sad but interesting.