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Walking with Elephants
Walking with Elephants will make you laugh, cry, and more importantly...think. Suze Hall is Ms. Bell's Willy Loman. She is an everyday woman, a woman in midlife, an ordinary hard-working mother of three. She entered the workforce after her kids became school age. Not a great career-path choice for success. And this stay-at-home mother for several years, continues these established roles in her household. Basically she began her marriage by running the house and now she continues to do it all after a full day at work.
In Suze Hall, Karen Bell has created a character that is quite believable, relatable, and likable. We root for her, we cry with her, and we have a hearty chuckle at her predicaments. But Suze is more than just a storyline or comic clone creating antics that mimic Lucille Ball. She raises important questions about women's role in modern society and the cost to families by a society that appears indifferent to the plight of working moms.
In the last chapter of the novel, Suze writes an essay suggesting that perhaps life in our western societies would be better if woman were in charge. Matriarchal societies are found in nature, elephants for example. And that's when the reader gets the big reveal as to the title of this novel. The essay goes on to also support the empowerment of women but not women mimicking men, women as nurturers, strong goddess mothers. And thus the cover art is a perfect metaphor for the message in this novel; a goddess cradling the Earth.
Walking with Elephants is a wake-up call to women. A call to mentor each other in the workplace. A call to band together to advance some desperately needed workplace changes. For starters, in other countries maternity leave is at least a year, why not here?
Not only is Suze Hall Karen Bell's every woman. She is you.
In Suze Hall, Karen Bell has created a character that is quite believable, relatable, and likable. We root for her, we cry with her, and we have a hearty chuckle at her predicaments. But Suze is more than just a storyline or comic clone creating antics that mimic Lucille Ball. She raises important questions about women's role in modern society and the cost to families by a society that appears indifferent to the plight of working moms.
In the last chapter of the novel, Suze writes an essay suggesting that perhaps life in our western societies would be better if woman were in charge. Matriarchal societies are found in nature, elephants for example. And that's when the reader gets the big reveal as to the title of this novel. The essay goes on to also support the empowerment of women but not women mimicking men, women as nurturers, strong goddess mothers. And thus the cover art is a perfect metaphor for the message in this novel; a goddess cradling the Earth.
Walking with Elephants is a wake-up call to women. A call to mentor each other in the workplace. A call to band together to advance some desperately needed workplace changes. For starters, in other countries maternity leave is at least a year, why not here?
Not only is Suze Hall Karen Bell's every woman. She is you.
210 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2010
45 people are currently reading
225 people want to read
About the author
Karen S. Bell
8 books195 followersKaren S. Bell continues to be in awe of the magical and wondrous phenomenon called life. As an observer and obvious participant in feminine values and approach to our human challenges, she brings this perspective to her work. Fascinated by the mysteries of the unseen forces that perhaps play a role in guiding our choices, she continues to search for answers in the mundane as well as in the cosmic forces that surround us. She is working on her third novel and lives in Ponte Vedra, Fl. with her husband and their two furry kids.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 18, 2012
"Walking with Elephants" is Karen Bell’s first novel. Karen is not new to writing as she has in the past worked as a theatre critic and celebrity interviewer for a weekly tabloid in Jacksonville, Florida, USA. Karen also holds a Master's Degree in Mass Communication which she obtained from Oklahoma State University.
The cover and title of this particular book does not give anything away in relation to the really good story that can be found inside. The title “Walking with Elephants”, had me really puzzled for quite a while, until towards the end of this story, all is revealed!
Karen herself would describe this book as a light hearted slice-of- life story that highlights some of the serious work and family issues that are facing women today. Although this story is based on a woman’s perspective, as a male I was hooked by both the characters and the story line right from the start.
Without giving too much away, the principal character within this story Suze Hall, has reached a defining moment in both her career and family life. Her husband Bob, decides to go to the warm and sunny land of Australia for a six month research sabbatical, leaving Suze and their three children at home. Suze’s own job in the literary world takes a downward turn once Bob is away and so starts a story that has twists and turns as well as ups and downs. Things also take a 'skip' when Suze’s first love re-appears into her already mixed up world!
Karen Bell has a unique writing style that gets you fully involved in the lives, emotions and turmoil’s of her clearly colourful characters. This book is an easy read which once started can be difficult to put down, as you are left wondering what will actually come next in some places. I was left chuckling to myself a number of times in relation to certain scenes from within this story.
As a debut novel I think this story is very well told and would give it five stars for the story alone. I am looking forward to reading future books by Karen S Bell, as I am sure that I will not be disappointed! From a financial perspective the Kindle version of this book will not break the bank if you are looking something slightly different from the usual to read!
The cover and title of this particular book does not give anything away in relation to the really good story that can be found inside. The title “Walking with Elephants”, had me really puzzled for quite a while, until towards the end of this story, all is revealed!
Karen herself would describe this book as a light hearted slice-of- life story that highlights some of the serious work and family issues that are facing women today. Although this story is based on a woman’s perspective, as a male I was hooked by both the characters and the story line right from the start.
Without giving too much away, the principal character within this story Suze Hall, has reached a defining moment in both her career and family life. Her husband Bob, decides to go to the warm and sunny land of Australia for a six month research sabbatical, leaving Suze and their three children at home. Suze’s own job in the literary world takes a downward turn once Bob is away and so starts a story that has twists and turns as well as ups and downs. Things also take a 'skip' when Suze’s first love re-appears into her already mixed up world!
Karen Bell has a unique writing style that gets you fully involved in the lives, emotions and turmoil’s of her clearly colourful characters. This book is an easy read which once started can be difficult to put down, as you are left wondering what will actually come next in some places. I was left chuckling to myself a number of times in relation to certain scenes from within this story.
As a debut novel I think this story is very well told and would give it five stars for the story alone. I am looking forward to reading future books by Karen S Bell, as I am sure that I will not be disappointed! From a financial perspective the Kindle version of this book will not break the bank if you are looking something slightly different from the usual to read!
May 28, 2012
This is a highly enjoyable, expertly written and thought-provoking work of contemporary fiction that looks at the reality of the post women’s liberation world. Women wanted the freedom to have a career, but the bottom line is that men can’t have the babies, so what women actually got was the burden of juggling two jobs–one to earn money and the other to bring up the children—often without the satisfaction of doing either job well. Karen Bell raises these kinds of issues in a delightfully entertaining read about a very real and easy to relate to woman.
Suze Hall is in danger of loosing her job, thanks to a reshuffle at work. A work mate who hates Suze as much as Suze hates her has been promoted and is now Suze’s boss. The company has been taken over and the stakes and workload raised. Wanda, the boss, gives Suze a task that is so out of her area of expertise that she is clearly meant to fail in order to give a good reason for Wanda to fire her.
At the same time, Suze’s husband, Bob, is leaving her and the three kids for a six-month sabbatical down under, and her best friend, Marcia, is involved with a new boyfriend, so Suze is alone with the kids. As well as this, David, the gorgeous artist who broke her heart at college has coincidentally popped back into her life and has what she desperately needs to keep her job. Suze is forced to confront old demons—her feelings for David—and new ones—negotiating office politics to avoid being sidelined by her career woman boss who is keen to make Suze feel inadequate and unnecessary.
The issues are serious but the writing is light-hearted. The characters are delightful and very real. Suze goes through a kind of midlife crisis where she questions everything about herself and her relationships. The story raises all her insecurities, ones shared by woman of all ages throughout the western world, and her imagination throws up some romance novel options in her renewed relationship with David. They could lead her on a dangerous path but she’s smart enough to keep her cool.
One of my favourite bits is where Suze bemoans the fact that a woman no longer has the luxury of growing old, fat and respected—a kind of reward for her years of childrearing and the maturity and wisdom that comes from it. This would be a mature mother’s status in a matriarchal society and that’s how the story relates to elephants—not size, matriarchal society.
I recommend Walking with Elephants to every woman and I give it 5 stars and a place on the Awesome Indies listing.
Suze Hall is in danger of loosing her job, thanks to a reshuffle at work. A work mate who hates Suze as much as Suze hates her has been promoted and is now Suze’s boss. The company has been taken over and the stakes and workload raised. Wanda, the boss, gives Suze a task that is so out of her area of expertise that she is clearly meant to fail in order to give a good reason for Wanda to fire her.
At the same time, Suze’s husband, Bob, is leaving her and the three kids for a six-month sabbatical down under, and her best friend, Marcia, is involved with a new boyfriend, so Suze is alone with the kids. As well as this, David, the gorgeous artist who broke her heart at college has coincidentally popped back into her life and has what she desperately needs to keep her job. Suze is forced to confront old demons—her feelings for David—and new ones—negotiating office politics to avoid being sidelined by her career woman boss who is keen to make Suze feel inadequate and unnecessary.
The issues are serious but the writing is light-hearted. The characters are delightful and very real. Suze goes through a kind of midlife crisis where she questions everything about herself and her relationships. The story raises all her insecurities, ones shared by woman of all ages throughout the western world, and her imagination throws up some romance novel options in her renewed relationship with David. They could lead her on a dangerous path but she’s smart enough to keep her cool.
One of my favourite bits is where Suze bemoans the fact that a woman no longer has the luxury of growing old, fat and respected—a kind of reward for her years of childrearing and the maturity and wisdom that comes from it. This would be a mature mother’s status in a matriarchal society and that’s how the story relates to elephants—not size, matriarchal society.
I recommend Walking with Elephants to every woman and I give it 5 stars and a place on the Awesome Indies listing.
April 1, 2012
Author: Karen S. Bell
Published By: K.S.B.
Age Recommend: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Raven Rating 5
Blog Review For: GMTA
Review:
"Walking With Elephants" by Karen S. Bell was a very good read for me.
Believe me when I say the name of this Book and Cover will throw you
because I was truly in for a different ride until I read this novel and was Truly Surprised!
I was able to relate to many of the thoughts of Ms. Bell. Many times
women such as Suze Hall who is a middle aged woman are presented with life....husband, children,housework, job(corporate world) and then there are friends... even an ex lover(former flame). Truly Suze was stressed to the Max!
This story was truly a real one in that it really showed just what happens in real life to many of... us women. Many women today are faced with a lots of basic life...work and family issues. How we handle them are sometime very interesting ....as in Suze's case.
I found myself laughing so hard at a lot as I read this novel... for I found it completely honest in more ways than one. How Suze handles everything makes this truly a interesting read. The author really did a wonderful job at showing emotions, making us laugh out loud, to frustrations, to angry and even some sympathy.
Truly being Suze for a day will be a real ride... whether its in the workplace,sex fantasies, or the hard working mom.... you will enjoy this read.
"Walking With Elephants" was truly a good read and I am sure if you are
a working mom now or in the past... you are able relate to Suze and will definitely enjoy this fun read.
Read more: http://www.greatmindsthinkaloud.probo...
Published By: K.S.B.
Age Recommend: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Raven Rating 5
Blog Review For: GMTA
Review:
"Walking With Elephants" by Karen S. Bell was a very good read for me.
Believe me when I say the name of this Book and Cover will throw you
because I was truly in for a different ride until I read this novel and was Truly Surprised!
I was able to relate to many of the thoughts of Ms. Bell. Many times
women such as Suze Hall who is a middle aged woman are presented with life....husband, children,housework, job(corporate world) and then there are friends... even an ex lover(former flame). Truly Suze was stressed to the Max!
This story was truly a real one in that it really showed just what happens in real life to many of... us women. Many women today are faced with a lots of basic life...work and family issues. How we handle them are sometime very interesting ....as in Suze's case.
I found myself laughing so hard at a lot as I read this novel... for I found it completely honest in more ways than one. How Suze handles everything makes this truly a interesting read. The author really did a wonderful job at showing emotions, making us laugh out loud, to frustrations, to angry and even some sympathy.
Truly being Suze for a day will be a real ride... whether its in the workplace,sex fantasies, or the hard working mom.... you will enjoy this read.
"Walking With Elephants" was truly a good read and I am sure if you are
a working mom now or in the past... you are able relate to Suze and will definitely enjoy this fun read.
Read more: http://www.greatmindsthinkaloud.probo...
August 21, 2012
This book was a wonderful read, and I really connected with Suze the main character which I wasn't expecting. Since I'm only 22 I didn't think that I would get so attached to Suze since she's a middle aged woman and I'm the age of her children but she was such an awesome, likable character that I read this book in one sitting.
Just like the summary promises this is a light, easy going novel. I loved the plot of the novel because even though it could be a little fantastical sometimes I think the situations that Karen S. Bell wrote about in the book could easily be happening to a real woman. I actually think that that is what I enjoyed the most about the novel. It was so approachable and it was pretty much a "what you see is what you get" type of novel.
Walking With Elephant was a great bedtime read for me and it was one that I couldn't put down. I found myself laughing out loud so often while I was reading I'm surprised my neighbours didn't complain for all the cackling I did when I read it. I especially enjoyed the situations in which Suze's kids were in certain scenes because the conversations remind me of how my mother talks to me.
Overall this was an immensley enjoyable read and one that helped get me out of my mini reading funk. The realistic portrayal of a middle aged woman's life was written wonderfully done. I would recommend this book to everyone who loves chick lit. This is a quick read that it would work well as a weekend read up at the cottage or one that you could read in the backyard.
*I recieved a free copy of this book in exchange for my free and honest review. I was not compensated in any way for my review and all thoughts and opinions are mine.
Just like the summary promises this is a light, easy going novel. I loved the plot of the novel because even though it could be a little fantastical sometimes I think the situations that Karen S. Bell wrote about in the book could easily be happening to a real woman. I actually think that that is what I enjoyed the most about the novel. It was so approachable and it was pretty much a "what you see is what you get" type of novel.
Walking With Elephant was a great bedtime read for me and it was one that I couldn't put down. I found myself laughing out loud so often while I was reading I'm surprised my neighbours didn't complain for all the cackling I did when I read it. I especially enjoyed the situations in which Suze's kids were in certain scenes because the conversations remind me of how my mother talks to me.
Overall this was an immensley enjoyable read and one that helped get me out of my mini reading funk. The realistic portrayal of a middle aged woman's life was written wonderfully done. I would recommend this book to everyone who loves chick lit. This is a quick read that it would work well as a weekend read up at the cottage or one that you could read in the backyard.
*I recieved a free copy of this book in exchange for my free and honest review. I was not compensated in any way for my review and all thoughts and opinions are mine.
February 12, 2013
Suze Hall, the heroine of Karen Bell’s debut novel, Walking With Elephants, certainly has a lot to contend with. Three kids, one precarious career, and to top it all a husband who has decided to up sticks and enjoy a six month research sabbatical in Australia. It’s not surprising she is reflecting on those glorious college days she shared with her best friend, Marcia – and the not so glorious realities with which she is now burdened.
To anyone who loves romance fiction the ingredients may seem familiar, but if you delve deeper there is a real pathos to the themes explored here. What does a woman hope for when her husband is busy searching for his own personal happiness, when her only reliable – and single – friend is passionately ensconced in a new relationship? What should she pursue? The comfort of the familiar, even if it is not exactly the romance of the century? Or a chance at true happiness, the kind of passionate love she knew and enjoyed in her youth, and which she had assumed was gone forever? Karen Bell tackles these questions with a light touch and a great deal of wit. But there’s also a story of suppressed anger (at Suze’s husband), frustration (with her job), and a general sense of fear at what the future may hold, whether or not she takes the plunge and pursues her heart, that many female readers in particular will recognise and appreciate. Passion or comfort? It’s a choice we all must make eventually.
An enjoyable tale of self-discovery that disguises deeper issues, Walking With Elephants will keep you entertained right up until Bell’s climactic heartfelt call-to-arms, where you will finally discover what that enigmatic title means!
Review by Jamie Simpson on behalf of BestChickLit.com
To anyone who loves romance fiction the ingredients may seem familiar, but if you delve deeper there is a real pathos to the themes explored here. What does a woman hope for when her husband is busy searching for his own personal happiness, when her only reliable – and single – friend is passionately ensconced in a new relationship? What should she pursue? The comfort of the familiar, even if it is not exactly the romance of the century? Or a chance at true happiness, the kind of passionate love she knew and enjoyed in her youth, and which she had assumed was gone forever? Karen Bell tackles these questions with a light touch and a great deal of wit. But there’s also a story of suppressed anger (at Suze’s husband), frustration (with her job), and a general sense of fear at what the future may hold, whether or not she takes the plunge and pursues her heart, that many female readers in particular will recognise and appreciate. Passion or comfort? It’s a choice we all must make eventually.
An enjoyable tale of self-discovery that disguises deeper issues, Walking With Elephants will keep you entertained right up until Bell’s climactic heartfelt call-to-arms, where you will finally discover what that enigmatic title means!
Review by Jamie Simpson on behalf of BestChickLit.com
June 9, 2012
I received a copy of Walking with Elephants through a Librarything giveaway. It made a great vacation read. The book is written through the perspective of a working mother who it trying to juggle family and work and to try to keep a sense of herself intact. It was very easy to relate to the main character and to feel her stress as she manages. I know that I shouldn't judge a book by its cover, and so I read it anyways... If I had seen the book on the shelf in a store, I may have passed it by and would have missed out.
April 4, 2012
I loved this book and definitely connected with the main character Suze Hall. A woman who juggles family, career, husband is the modern woman. Many of us have been there and will identify with Suze Hall.
I found this book to be thought-provoking, witty, entertaining and a damn good read. A must for any working mother trying to do it all!
The title doesn't do this book justice. Forget about it. Maybe it could rather be called Madonna Moderna!
I found this book to be thought-provoking, witty, entertaining and a damn good read. A must for any working mother trying to do it all!
The title doesn't do this book justice. Forget about it. Maybe it could rather be called Madonna Moderna!
August 8, 2012
The book was okay- I hate reading a book and finding grammatical errors. It was almost too juvenile in nature and made me wonder how realistic would someone in his 50s be saying something to the effect of "True that". On the positive side, I am glad that the main character, Suze made the right choice. You can fantasize all you want but nothing can take the place of selfless, devoted love of a spouse and your children.
June 3, 2012
Every woman I know has had not this exact experience but the same kind of experience and felt that freezing moment of panic when your world not only gets turned upside down but squashed. Funny story , well written with some laugh out loud moments. Has a dash of Erma Bombeck and a pinch of Gloria Steinem. A very nice way to spend an afternoon in the sun.
August 12, 2012
This book was so well written, and gripped you from the first page. The characters were three dimensional and real. Karen Bell has a real knack for dialogue. Can't wait for her next book to come out! I highly recommend this for anyone looking for a great read.
July 28, 2012
Suz struggles with juggling three children, her husband and her career. A must for a working mom trying to do it all.
winter-in-pandemonium
November 25, 2013Read the sample on Amazon. Ugh, first person present POV. Also, the writing isn't very good. Not a book for me.
April 27, 2012
I liked the story but was disappointed with the ending.
June 9, 2012
a entertaining light read for ladies who need a little I am woman book every now and then. enjoyed
January 30, 2025
Walking With Elephant is the story of Suze Hall. She is a working mother trying to have a real career, not just make some extra cash for the family. We travel through a few short months with her, and deal with all the trials she must endure. These all come from her husband, kids, boss, and ex-lover.
Suze must deal with 3 kids, while her husband goes to Australia for 6 months. Her ex-boyfriend from college shows up back in her life after 20 years. And her new boss is someone she hates, who also hates her. Everything seems to be going wrong all at once.
I must say I was delightfully surprised by this book. The title doesn't say much about the actual story underneath. It seems like it's just going to be the telling a homemaker turned career woman. But Karen S. Bell puts just enough humor into the story to make it enjoyable but not silly.
I would recommend this book to everyone. It is a nice change of pace.
Suze must deal with 3 kids, while her husband goes to Australia for 6 months. Her ex-boyfriend from college shows up back in her life after 20 years. And her new boss is someone she hates, who also hates her. Everything seems to be going wrong all at once.
I must say I was delightfully surprised by this book. The title doesn't say much about the actual story underneath. It seems like it's just going to be the telling a homemaker turned career woman. But Karen S. Bell puts just enough humor into the story to make it enjoyable but not silly.
I would recommend this book to everyone. It is a nice change of pace.
January 13, 2026
I genuinely enjoyed reading this book. It felt grounded, emotionally engaging, and surprisingly relatable. The pacing kept me curious, and the character moments stuck with me even after I finished.
January 13, 2026
This book surprised me in a good way. It has layers, humor, and a quiet charm that makes it stand out. Easily one of the more enjoyable books I’ve read lately.
January 1, 2016
I started reading this book, made it halfway, and ended up with the flu. I was out of commission for several days, but was able to finish once my brain had recovered from the flu. (Oh, yes, my brain. It took me a couple of days to feel up to reading much of anything after I was physically doing better.) Why am I telling you this? Well, because I am afraid it’ll affect my review in that the first half and second half of the book are somewhat disjointed in my head. It’s not the book’s fault, but the flu‘s fault! Fortunately, I did make some short notes, so hopefully that’ll make the difference in this review.
In short, there’s good, there’s bad, and there’s ugly. I think I’ll work backward – from ugly to good. Ending on a positive note is always good, right? The ugly: this was horribly, horribly edited. For some reason, quotes were the worst. More specifically, quotation marks often were MIA. There were other things wrong, but the quotes were the most frustrating and the most distracting. I found myself going back over several passages because I couldn’t tell at first (sometimes not even at second) if someone was talking still or not. These kinds of errors are just inexcusable in a finished product.
The bad is more story issues, not so much on the grammar. I felt like there were just too many dream sequences in this book. While it can be an effective tool, I thought the dream sequence was overused here. Another complaint is that I would have liked to have seen more of David. Not the David in Suze’s memory or dreams, but David as a character. David now. If he and Suze are working on a project together, shouldn’t there be more interaction? I thought he was just too absent from the narrative. Also, some things I felt were rushed. There were scenes in which Suze went to lunch with a friend, but rather than us getting to be there with them, we get a quick summary of what happened. It was pretty common for scenes that could have been good to be summarized and left behind all too quickly. I think the book would have been much more interesting. And finally, there was way too much repetition.
And now for the good. Despite the issues I had with the narrative, I did enjoy Suze’s story. I could feel for her – especially with her issues with her husband taking off for six months in Australia. She handled it much more gracefully than I would have – at least when she’s actually talking to her husband. But, leaving her and the three kids seems to overstate the issue – her oldest is in college. Her other two are teenagers. While, yes, it’s still hard (especially with working full time, too) at least he didn’t do it while they were in diapers. Trust me, it could have been worse. But, still, I did enjoy the book. I didn’t find too many “fall-down laughing” moments, but it did make me smile and chuckle a bit here and there. Plus, there were some really good quotes throughout the book.
In short, there’s good, there’s bad, and there’s ugly. I think I’ll work backward – from ugly to good. Ending on a positive note is always good, right? The ugly: this was horribly, horribly edited. For some reason, quotes were the worst. More specifically, quotation marks often were MIA. There were other things wrong, but the quotes were the most frustrating and the most distracting. I found myself going back over several passages because I couldn’t tell at first (sometimes not even at second) if someone was talking still or not. These kinds of errors are just inexcusable in a finished product.
The bad is more story issues, not so much on the grammar. I felt like there were just too many dream sequences in this book. While it can be an effective tool, I thought the dream sequence was overused here. Another complaint is that I would have liked to have seen more of David. Not the David in Suze’s memory or dreams, but David as a character. David now. If he and Suze are working on a project together, shouldn’t there be more interaction? I thought he was just too absent from the narrative. Also, some things I felt were rushed. There were scenes in which Suze went to lunch with a friend, but rather than us getting to be there with them, we get a quick summary of what happened. It was pretty common for scenes that could have been good to be summarized and left behind all too quickly. I think the book would have been much more interesting. And finally, there was way too much repetition.
And now for the good. Despite the issues I had with the narrative, I did enjoy Suze’s story. I could feel for her – especially with her issues with her husband taking off for six months in Australia. She handled it much more gracefully than I would have – at least when she’s actually talking to her husband. But, leaving her and the three kids seems to overstate the issue – her oldest is in college. Her other two are teenagers. While, yes, it’s still hard (especially with working full time, too) at least he didn’t do it while they were in diapers. Trust me, it could have been worse. But, still, I did enjoy the book. I didn’t find too many “fall-down laughing” moments, but it did make me smile and chuckle a bit here and there. Plus, there were some really good quotes throughout the book.
November 16, 2017
My dream review written by me:
Walking with Elephants made me laugh, cry, and more importantly...think. Suze Hall is Ms. Bell’s Willy Loman. She is an everyday woman, a woman in midlife, an ordinary hard-working mother of three. She entered the workforce after her kids became school age. Not a great career-path choice for success. And this stay-at-home mother for several years, continues these established roles in her household. Basically she began her marriage by running the house and now she continues to do it all after a full day at work.
Ms. Bell cleverly removes Suze’s husband from the scene early in the novel, so that Suze can face her challenges alone, and there are many. She is thrust into the role of a single mother when her professor husband informs her that he is leaving the family for six months by taking a research sabbatical in Sidney Australia. This happens just when her sleepy boutique publishing company has been bought by a conglomerate and her arch enemy is promoted to be her boss. By coincidence her first lover who is an renowned artist, and who broke her heart as a young girl, pops back in her life and can help her with her new task to acquire books on the subject of art. Through Suze’s thought processes we are privy to her feelings, her observations, and her humor in the face of adversity. Will she give in to the stirrings of her old passion? Will she prevail with the intrigue at work?
In Suze Hall, Karen Bell has created a character that is quite believable, relatable, and likable. We root for her, we cry with her, and we have a hearty chuckle at her predicaments. But Suze is more than just a storyline. She raises important questions about women’s role in modern society and the cost to families by a society that appears indifferent to the plight of working moms. In the last chapter of the novel, Suze writes an essay suggesting that perhaps life in our western societies would be better if woman were in charge. Matriarchal societies are found in nature, elephants for example. And that’s when the reader gets the big reveal as to the title of this novel. The essay goes on to also support the empowerment of women but not women mimicking men, women as nurturers, strong goddess mothers. And thus the cover art is a perfect metaphor for the message in this novel; a goddess cradling the Earth.
Walking with Elephants is a wake-up call to women. A call to mentor each other in the workplace. A call to band together to advance some desperately needed workplace changes. For starters, in other countries maternity leave is at least a year, why not here?
Not only is Suze Hall Karen Bell’s every woman. She is you.
A must read.
Walking with Elephants made me laugh, cry, and more importantly...think. Suze Hall is Ms. Bell’s Willy Loman. She is an everyday woman, a woman in midlife, an ordinary hard-working mother of three. She entered the workforce after her kids became school age. Not a great career-path choice for success. And this stay-at-home mother for several years, continues these established roles in her household. Basically she began her marriage by running the house and now she continues to do it all after a full day at work.
Ms. Bell cleverly removes Suze’s husband from the scene early in the novel, so that Suze can face her challenges alone, and there are many. She is thrust into the role of a single mother when her professor husband informs her that he is leaving the family for six months by taking a research sabbatical in Sidney Australia. This happens just when her sleepy boutique publishing company has been bought by a conglomerate and her arch enemy is promoted to be her boss. By coincidence her first lover who is an renowned artist, and who broke her heart as a young girl, pops back in her life and can help her with her new task to acquire books on the subject of art. Through Suze’s thought processes we are privy to her feelings, her observations, and her humor in the face of adversity. Will she give in to the stirrings of her old passion? Will she prevail with the intrigue at work?
In Suze Hall, Karen Bell has created a character that is quite believable, relatable, and likable. We root for her, we cry with her, and we have a hearty chuckle at her predicaments. But Suze is more than just a storyline. She raises important questions about women’s role in modern society and the cost to families by a society that appears indifferent to the plight of working moms. In the last chapter of the novel, Suze writes an essay suggesting that perhaps life in our western societies would be better if woman were in charge. Matriarchal societies are found in nature, elephants for example. And that’s when the reader gets the big reveal as to the title of this novel. The essay goes on to also support the empowerment of women but not women mimicking men, women as nurturers, strong goddess mothers. And thus the cover art is a perfect metaphor for the message in this novel; a goddess cradling the Earth.
Walking with Elephants is a wake-up call to women. A call to mentor each other in the workplace. A call to band together to advance some desperately needed workplace changes. For starters, in other countries maternity leave is at least a year, why not here?
Not only is Suze Hall Karen Bell’s every woman. She is you.
A must read.
March 20, 2012
I won this book from a member giveaway on Librarything in exchange for an honest review.
Walking with Elephants is a story of Suze Hall who is a working mother who struggles with balancing her job (which she hates) with being a full time mother and supporter of her husband (who she is currently very angry with). The rest involves a hilarious best friend and a long lost lover who comes back into the picture in a grand way.
There's a lot to like about this little book. I admire the protagonist, Suze, a lot. She does a lot. She is talented in a lot of ways that aren't being utilized in her current position. I understand that she wants more out of life. I like that she comes out of her shell and starts making important decisions. I loved Marcia, her best friend. I loved her gay friend Elliot even more. And I had great satisfaction in the grand standoff in the end.
There are issues with this book too, however. There are things I DON'T get about Suze. I understand how frustrated she is with her husband. I get it, I do. But does she ever TALK to him about it? She doesn't communicate with him at all. There is no soul searching about her own part in her rage. We only get very rare glimpses of her husband's strengths; and actually, for most of the book, I was wondering why she married him in the first place. I loved the story of how they met. I loved his letter. But that was about the only things we saw. I thought it was very unfairly biased towards David, since we get to know him a lot better than Bob. I also thought that the essay at the end was too heavy handed and skimmed through it very quickly. Finally, Bell really enjoys the exclamation point, which doesn't translate very well in prose, unless it's within quotation marks.
Overall, this book is very readable and many times enjoyable, but it lacks finesse that would make it a really good book.
Walking with Elephants is a story of Suze Hall who is a working mother who struggles with balancing her job (which she hates) with being a full time mother and supporter of her husband (who she is currently very angry with). The rest involves a hilarious best friend and a long lost lover who comes back into the picture in a grand way.
There's a lot to like about this little book. I admire the protagonist, Suze, a lot. She does a lot. She is talented in a lot of ways that aren't being utilized in her current position. I understand that she wants more out of life. I like that she comes out of her shell and starts making important decisions. I loved Marcia, her best friend. I loved her gay friend Elliot even more. And I had great satisfaction in the grand standoff in the end.
There are issues with this book too, however. There are things I DON'T get about Suze. I understand how frustrated she is with her husband. I get it, I do. But does she ever TALK to him about it? She doesn't communicate with him at all. There is no soul searching about her own part in her rage. We only get very rare glimpses of her husband's strengths; and actually, for most of the book, I was wondering why she married him in the first place. I loved the story of how they met. I loved his letter. But that was about the only things we saw. I thought it was very unfairly biased towards David, since we get to know him a lot better than Bob. I also thought that the essay at the end was too heavy handed and skimmed through it very quickly. Finally, Bell really enjoys the exclamation point, which doesn't translate very well in prose, unless it's within quotation marks.
Overall, this book is very readable and many times enjoyable, but it lacks finesse that would make it a really good book.
February 6, 2011
Walking with Elephants is a novel that really spoke to me. Suze Hall is a middle aged woman that has hit a crisis in her life. Her three children are all in school, with the eldest in college. Her husband, Bob, is a college professor. Suze herself is back in the workplace as an editor after being out of the game for years as a stay-at-home mother. Suze finds herself stressed out to the max. Her nemesis at work, Wanda, has just been promoted to be her boss. Suze is still expected to have dinner on the table and to perform all of her stay-at-home Mom duties, although she is now a full time worker. Bob has decided to take a six-month sabbatical in Australia without asking Suze, and Suze’s college sweetheart, David, has suddenly made reappearance in her life. Will Suze be able to navigate life as a modern day woman and be able to pull it all together?
For my complete detailed review, please check out my blog at: http://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2011/...
For my complete detailed review, please check out my blog at: http://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2011/...
March 19, 2011
They say to never judge a book by it's cover. Had I done that, I would have passed this one up. The title is not really catchy either and it's not til the end that you can really "get" it.
This book is very every hard-working mom, wife, sister, and friend. Suze just can't catch a break out in the corporate work world but Bob won't let her stay home. He's a doctor...that is, has a PhD in Education and teaches at a local college. He gets a great idea to go on sabbatical to Australia for six months. Does he go? Yes, and that's when Suze's life falls apart. Not only does a former flame reappear in her (AND she has to work with him), the evil Wanda gets a promotion and becomes her boss and her best friend Marcia is in L-O-V-E (i.e. no longer available for girlfriend time!) Whatever will Suze do?
Thank you to ,a href="http://www.tlcbooktours.com">TLC Book Tours for providing this book to review.
This book is very every hard-working mom, wife, sister, and friend. Suze just can't catch a break out in the corporate work world but Bob won't let her stay home. He's a doctor...that is, has a PhD in Education and teaches at a local college. He gets a great idea to go on sabbatical to Australia for six months. Does he go? Yes, and that's when Suze's life falls apart. Not only does a former flame reappear in her (AND she has to work with him), the evil Wanda gets a promotion and becomes her boss and her best friend Marcia is in L-O-V-E (i.e. no longer available for girlfriend time!) Whatever will Suze do?
Thank you to ,a href="http://www.tlcbooktours.com">TLC Book Tours for providing this book to review.
August 6, 2012
I really don't like giving authors only 2 or 3 stars, as I once read a comment from an author at a 2 star rating and she was really hurt by it. However, unless a book keeps me gripped in a "can't put it down fashion" I feel I can only really rate it 2 or 3. In this case, the book wasn't bad at all,but I found the main character waffled on too much in her own imagination, had too many dreams and thought a lot about what she would say instead of actually saying it. I was bored at times and happy when the book ended so I could move on to another one. On whole, as I said, its not a bad book - light reading, but not one I would read again in another few years time, as I do with a lot of books that I really enjoy.
August 4, 2012
I'm glad I choose to take a look at Walking with Elephants because the story was a light-hearted look at the reality of being a woman in the modern world. I loved how the main character felt so real. This well written tome is a must-read for women in today's world. I loved the main character, Suze, deals with her daily stress. The story is a delightful slice of family reality with a wonderful dash of humor. Everyone with a lousy paying and political office can appreciate her struggles. If you want something entertaining, but relatable pick up a copy of this book today!
August 6, 2025
Awesome Indies Book Awards is pleased to include WALKING WITH ELEPHANTS by KAREN S. BELL in the library of Awesome Indies'
Seal of Excellence
recipients.
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