With My Back to the World

by Sally Cooper

In an ambitious, yet intimate novel set in Taos, New Mexico, and Hamilton, Ontario, Sally Cooper explores unexpected motherhood, creativity, race, love and faith. With My Back to the World tells the stories of three women: Rudie, who is editing a documentary in Hamilton in 2010; historical artist Agnes Martin, who decides in 1974 after seven years’ exile in New Mexico to begin painting again; and Ellen, a black woman burying her husband in 1870 on an Ontario homestead. Each of these women is waiting for the arrival of an unexpected child and their interconnected stories explore how society’s, and our own, ideas of what it means to be a woman, a mother and an artist change over time. Evocative and introspective, With My Back to the World tells the complicated stories of how different women find faith in themselves in extraordinary circumstances.

376 pages, Paperback

Published June 25, 2019

About the author

My novel WITH MY BACK TO THE WORLD, available now.
!

Reviews

[Nikki Stafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely beautiful story about three women in three different time periods whose lives intersect in interesting ways. As we experience one day in the lives of each of these women, the story unfolds into a beautiful exploration of motherhood, human connections, and what we need to live and survive emotionally. I loved this book.

[Krista Foss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cooper's third novel is a gorgeously written, nuanced exploration of motherhood and art-making, coupled with the emotionally and ethically fraught terrain of international adoption. Wise and riveting.

[Sukie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sally's portrayal of pivotal times in the lives of three women separated by distance and time was one of those books that led me to ponder how and why people make the choices they do, and their society's influence on their choices.

I had a hard time getting through the first 20 or so pages, until I realized that it was the character who was annoying me, not the writing. Although I could empathize with Rudy's dilemma and her feeling overwhelmed, and eventually felt I had some understanding of the dismal choices she often made, I still would not invite her over for a cup of tea (my acid test of whether I like a character or author). It was difficult for me to identify any significant strength of Rudy's character.

The other two characters made some questionable choices, too, but my response was more along the lines of, "Hey, don't we all?" than it was for poor Rudy. I enjoyed Sally's characterization, her gradual unveiling of the women and their circumstances, and the slow increase of tension.

I'd consider reading more by this author.

[Syd]

While taking me into the lives of three women in three different decades, Sally took me into an expanded awareness of the different ways our womanly spirit calls for expression. She intertwines the stories of the women, reminding me of my own connection with womanly legacy.

Once i was invested in each woman, i could not put the book down. Thank you Sally