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Odyssey of Love: A Memoir of Seeking And Finding
What would you do if your destined love was not your current boyfriend but another man waiting for you overseas? Would you leave your relationship and your job to dive into an international search?
Linda did.
When she doesn’t receive the marriage proposal she’d long been expecting from her partner Hank on her 41st birthday, Linda reluctantly visits Angelica, a psychic. Angelica predicts that Linda will soon be leaving Hank for a romantic and classical music-filled Odyssey in Europe. There, a "Russian icon" will lead to her future husband, a "tall man with glasses."
Skeptical at first, but eager to explore her Eastern European roots and reignite her passion for music, Linda moves to Hungary, the land of her idol, pianist-composer Franz Liszt. In Budapest, she reinvents herself as an English teacher and joins a chorus. Soon she’s performing at the Liszt Academy of Music and Tel Aviv’s Opera House.
With Angelica’s vision in mind, Linda vows to settle down, not settle for, but is tempted by romantic close calls: Gabi is gorgeous but immature; David in Amsterdam fits Angelica’s description to a T, but his British reserve needs defrosting. Liszt look-alike Ádám has it all, including a wife.
With her teaching and singing gigs ending, Linda flies to Finland for one last trip before moving back to Boston. Is her Odyssey over, or is it just beginning?
Linda did.
When she doesn’t receive the marriage proposal she’d long been expecting from her partner Hank on her 41st birthday, Linda reluctantly visits Angelica, a psychic. Angelica predicts that Linda will soon be leaving Hank for a romantic and classical music-filled Odyssey in Europe. There, a "Russian icon" will lead to her future husband, a "tall man with glasses."
Skeptical at first, but eager to explore her Eastern European roots and reignite her passion for music, Linda moves to Hungary, the land of her idol, pianist-composer Franz Liszt. In Budapest, she reinvents herself as an English teacher and joins a chorus. Soon she’s performing at the Liszt Academy of Music and Tel Aviv’s Opera House.
With Angelica’s vision in mind, Linda vows to settle down, not settle for, but is tempted by romantic close calls: Gabi is gorgeous but immature; David in Amsterdam fits Angelica’s description to a T, but his British reserve needs defrosting. Liszt look-alike Ádám has it all, including a wife.
With her teaching and singing gigs ending, Linda flies to Finland for one last trip before moving back to Boston. Is her Odyssey over, or is it just beginning?
- GenresRomanceTravelNonfiction
280 pages, Paperback
Published June 1, 2021
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June 9, 2022Hello, I’m Linda, the author of Odyssey of Love. Since I am not comfortable rating my own memoir, I will offer some words of introduction instead.
Odyssey is very close to my heart. Its journey began years ago after the sudden death of my beloved father, which happened very soon after the events in the last chapter unfolded. (I don't go into the aftermath of this tragedy because I wanted the book to end on a happy note. The sequel, Triptych, describes that painful time.) After a therapist suggested writing as a way to work through my grief, I began writing vignettes about my dad, and then memorable people and experiences I had encountered as an American expat living in Europe. These stories were later fleshed out into chapters that became sections of the book and evolved into a memoir.
Over the years, Odyssey was my lifebuoy, its familiar, welcoming pages offering comfort during times of family and personal crises. Once again, I’d be transported back to the Európa Café, where I’d sip tea while Heléna offered tips on how to catch a Hungarian man. Or sing Bach’s Magnificat onstage with my chorus mates at the Liszt Music Academy. But most importantly, I could visit a place where my father was still alive and vibrant.
Due to the personal nature of Odyssey and memoir in general, I also struggled with how much to share. I would attend writers' conferences and feel positive and pumped about publishing, only to return home and have second thoughts. The breakthrough came in an unexpected way while I preparing to move my mother into a nursing home. In a notebook I found, she had scribbled a message expressing how much she wanted me to continue with my memoir, something my husband had been encouraging, as well.
When the pandemic struck, I considered that it was time for Odyssey’s maiden voyage. Perhaps readers would find hope and inspiration during times of distress—as I had—or some comic relief in my romantic misadventures, joy in the story’s happy ending. I dusted off the manuscript and had it edited, and with some money inherited from my mother, hired a company to help me self-publish.
While Odyssey is a romance at heart, it is also a love song to Budapest and the colorful characters I met there, the land of my musical idol, Franz Liszt. It is also a tribute to my parents, “the tall man with glasses,” and Mother Mary, my spiritual guide along the way. I also wanted to pay homage to Anne Frank, whose diary inspired me to start journaling at a young age.
Thank you for going on this journey with me. If I have accomplished any of the above, then I am satisfied and grateful.
Odyssey is very close to my heart. Its journey began years ago after the sudden death of my beloved father, which happened very soon after the events in the last chapter unfolded. (I don't go into the aftermath of this tragedy because I wanted the book to end on a happy note. The sequel, Triptych, describes that painful time.) After a therapist suggested writing as a way to work through my grief, I began writing vignettes about my dad, and then memorable people and experiences I had encountered as an American expat living in Europe. These stories were later fleshed out into chapters that became sections of the book and evolved into a memoir.
Over the years, Odyssey was my lifebuoy, its familiar, welcoming pages offering comfort during times of family and personal crises. Once again, I’d be transported back to the Európa Café, where I’d sip tea while Heléna offered tips on how to catch a Hungarian man. Or sing Bach’s Magnificat onstage with my chorus mates at the Liszt Music Academy. But most importantly, I could visit a place where my father was still alive and vibrant.
Due to the personal nature of Odyssey and memoir in general, I also struggled with how much to share. I would attend writers' conferences and feel positive and pumped about publishing, only to return home and have second thoughts. The breakthrough came in an unexpected way while I preparing to move my mother into a nursing home. In a notebook I found, she had scribbled a message expressing how much she wanted me to continue with my memoir, something my husband had been encouraging, as well.
When the pandemic struck, I considered that it was time for Odyssey’s maiden voyage. Perhaps readers would find hope and inspiration during times of distress—as I had—or some comic relief in my romantic misadventures, joy in the story’s happy ending. I dusted off the manuscript and had it edited, and with some money inherited from my mother, hired a company to help me self-publish.
While Odyssey is a romance at heart, it is also a love song to Budapest and the colorful characters I met there, the land of my musical idol, Franz Liszt. It is also a tribute to my parents, “the tall man with glasses,” and Mother Mary, my spiritual guide along the way. I also wanted to pay homage to Anne Frank, whose diary inspired me to start journaling at a young age.
Thank you for going on this journey with me. If I have accomplished any of the above, then I am satisfied and grateful.
October 8, 2022
The authors love of music and singing naturally features in this memoir, her idol being Liszt, and was very fortunate to have a birthday surprise tour of his birth place and photos taken there. Yes,
Linda had moved to Hungary, the land of her idol, pianist-composer Franz Liszt, in Budapest.
.... so let's back track abit, on Linda's 41st birthday she sees a psychic, who predicts that Linda will soon be leaving Hank for a romantic and classical music-filled Odyssey in Europe. There, a "Russian icon" will lead to her future husband, a "tall man with glasses."
.... 6 months later she heads to Budpest, enrolled at an ESL teaching course for 3 months. We look onto the Danube and go over the Freedom Bridge. We also look at the type of students she has in her class. Remember the TV show, Mind Your Language? Well it was a bit like that, hugely funny and entertaining. ... still the author was obsessed finding this man that's tall with glasses. Many, many other things happen to Linda which does involve several encounters of different men and also we dont stay in Budpest either, we branch out to different other countries.
I had to keep telling myself that this is a non fiction memoir, as it reads as a Fiction book, it is light, fascinating, easy to read and at times had me in stitches of laughter. I'm giving this 5 stars, this is pure entertainment and will suit non fiction fans, plus music buffs, I'm seeking out all Historical Fiction lovers here, lots of references to buildings far and wide ... and then there is a sweep of romance!! Will Linda find her one true love? Tall man with glasses?
Linda had moved to Hungary, the land of her idol, pianist-composer Franz Liszt, in Budapest.
.... so let's back track abit, on Linda's 41st birthday she sees a psychic, who predicts that Linda will soon be leaving Hank for a romantic and classical music-filled Odyssey in Europe. There, a "Russian icon" will lead to her future husband, a "tall man with glasses."
.... 6 months later she heads to Budpest, enrolled at an ESL teaching course for 3 months. We look onto the Danube and go over the Freedom Bridge. We also look at the type of students she has in her class. Remember the TV show, Mind Your Language? Well it was a bit like that, hugely funny and entertaining. ... still the author was obsessed finding this man that's tall with glasses. Many, many other things happen to Linda which does involve several encounters of different men and also we dont stay in Budpest either, we branch out to different other countries.
I had to keep telling myself that this is a non fiction memoir, as it reads as a Fiction book, it is light, fascinating, easy to read and at times had me in stitches of laughter. I'm giving this 5 stars, this is pure entertainment and will suit non fiction fans, plus music buffs, I'm seeking out all Historical Fiction lovers here, lots of references to buildings far and wide ... and then there is a sweep of romance!! Will Linda find her one true love? Tall man with glasses?
July 16, 2021
First and foremost, thank you Linda, for sharing your love, pain and happiness with us readers!
#OdysseyofLove is a memoir that reminded me to settle down, not settle for! I have been off track so much lately, the heartfelt words from #LindaJamsen woke the right places within me!
Linda after her 41st birthday reluctantly visits a psychic who says she’ll find her love overseas in Eastern Europe, the land where her family is from. She gives the psychic’s words a try and what follows is the journey where she relieves from constraint, reinvents herself and finds love.
This book is a love note that would appeal to anyone who is a romancer at heart and a music enthusiast. Its a story of finding comfort while self-searching!
#OdysseyofLove is a memoir that reminded me to settle down, not settle for! I have been off track so much lately, the heartfelt words from #LindaJamsen woke the right places within me!
Linda after her 41st birthday reluctantly visits a psychic who says she’ll find her love overseas in Eastern Europe, the land where her family is from. She gives the psychic’s words a try and what follows is the journey where she relieves from constraint, reinvents herself and finds love.
This book is a love note that would appeal to anyone who is a romancer at heart and a music enthusiast. Its a story of finding comfort while self-searching!
April 16, 2021
This book hooked me on page one—because let's be honest, any narrative based on a true story that begins with a visit to a psychic has my full and undivided attention.
And it didn't disappoint once as the story unfolded. Odyssey of Love is a story of hope, new beginnings, and self-discovery. The friendships are honest and real (with some laugh-out-loud moments), and the author's passion for music is as awe-inspiring as her persistence in seeking her one true love. Throughout the book and long after you've flipped the last page, you can't help but look within and contemplate whether your odyssey has also yet to begin.
And it didn't disappoint once as the story unfolded. Odyssey of Love is a story of hope, new beginnings, and self-discovery. The friendships are honest and real (with some laugh-out-loud moments), and the author's passion for music is as awe-inspiring as her persistence in seeking her one true love. Throughout the book and long after you've flipped the last page, you can't help but look within and contemplate whether your odyssey has also yet to begin.
September 30, 2022
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my digital copy in exchange for an honest review. I requested this book because I love memoirs and I love love and I love travel. Put them all together and you should have a pretty damn good book to read. I was not disappointed at all in my choice to request this memoir, either. :) Honestly, I was pretty much hooked from the get go—because, for me, any true story that begins with a visit to a psychic is my kind of story. I loved the idea of an adventure happening to find true love based on the words of a psychic...it sounds like something I might do, actually. This is basically a story of hope that leads to new beginning and discovering who you are. I loved reading about her new friends,her surroundings, and what she would do to find her true love.
July 22, 2021
Thanks to Net-Galley for providing me with an e-arc in exchange to an honest review.
4.5 stars
well what can I say about this wonderful book
Linda has been waiting for the fateful question from her boyfriend Hank for a long time but when it doesn't arrive on her 41st birthday she decides to visit psychic who predicts that Linda will leave her boyfriend for an odyssey in Europe to find true love there in a tall man with glasses.
Linda decides to change her life and she leaves for Europe where she reinvents herself and becomes an English teacher and participates in a choir.
I liked this book a lot the story is wonderful and it is very well written. One of the most beautiful things is at the end about the author's facts where it is written that Linda Jamsen lives on an island in Helsinki with her husband, the tall man, with glasses
#OdysseyofLove #NetGalley
4.5 stars
well what can I say about this wonderful book
Linda has been waiting for the fateful question from her boyfriend Hank for a long time but when it doesn't arrive on her 41st birthday she decides to visit psychic who predicts that Linda will leave her boyfriend for an odyssey in Europe to find true love there in a tall man with glasses.
Linda decides to change her life and she leaves for Europe where she reinvents herself and becomes an English teacher and participates in a choir.
I liked this book a lot the story is wonderful and it is very well written. One of the most beautiful things is at the end about the author's facts where it is written that Linda Jamsen lives on an island in Helsinki with her husband, the tall man, with glasses
#OdysseyofLove #NetGalley
July 2, 2021
I immediately picked up the book when I saw the colorful cover. When I opened it, I loved seeing the same design within the pages.
If you believe in soulmates and LDR / interracial relationships, this one is for you.
We can learn that the author is a music enthusiast at the beginning of the story. She was unhappy with her previous relationship, so she tried to find another guy (in another continent) who was described by a psychic.
Overall, I'd recommend it to those who like real-life romance. This story gives me hope in pursuing my relationship, and I'm glad I read it.
I'm looking forward to reading the sequel!
*****
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
If you believe in soulmates and LDR / interracial relationships, this one is for you.
We can learn that the author is a music enthusiast at the beginning of the story. She was unhappy with her previous relationship, so she tried to find another guy (in another continent) who was described by a psychic.
Overall, I'd recommend it to those who like real-life romance. This story gives me hope in pursuing my relationship, and I'm glad I read it.
I'm looking forward to reading the sequel!
*****
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 9, 2022
What a delightful, engaging memoir of the author’s search for love, guided by clues from the universe, accompanied by new and old friends and family. Reading Odyssey of Love quickly in the beginning, I found myself deliberately slowing down, because it’s one of those books you want to read forever. I felt like I was hearing the classical masters playing in the background, due to the many fascinating musical moments throughout. I wanted her quest to meet with success as I fell into its spell and inhaled its hope and inspiration.
As you read this memoir, you will be struck by Linda’s courage, common sense, and compassion. She handles her quest with faith and an open mind, blooming where she is planted, thriving from the lessons she shares with the people she meets and the treasures she finds. She tackles deep topics with reverence and we weave a tapestry of our new knowledge of Europe and its history through her travels and activities and commentary.
Her wonderful ability to write dynamic scenes with descriptive details keeps the reader sitting in those same plazas, sipping the tea, hearing the concerts, and weighing the life risks right along with her. The characters she meets and learns from are painted with such fine prose strokes that we feel we see them close up and know them, too. I am so glad there is another book in the works!
As you read this memoir, you will be struck by Linda’s courage, common sense, and compassion. She handles her quest with faith and an open mind, blooming where she is planted, thriving from the lessons she shares with the people she meets and the treasures she finds. She tackles deep topics with reverence and we weave a tapestry of our new knowledge of Europe and its history through her travels and activities and commentary.
Her wonderful ability to write dynamic scenes with descriptive details keeps the reader sitting in those same plazas, sipping the tea, hearing the concerts, and weighing the life risks right along with her. The characters she meets and learns from are painted with such fine prose strokes that we feel we see them close up and know them, too. I am so glad there is another book in the works!
June 6, 2021
Facing up to the fact that her relationship with long-time boyfriend, Hank, is going nowhere, Linda Jamsen leaves her native US for Eastern Europe. Spurred on by the words of a psychic in whom she only half believes, she moves to Budapest in search of a tall man with glasses and a Russian icon. Her search takes more than a year and along the way she rekindles her love of Liszt and of singing; has some 'near misses' with the wrong tall men; establishes a diverse group of friends; and immerses herself in experiences and cultures very different from her own. And throughout the journey, her faith, and particularly her devotion to Mother Mary, shines through.
Linda's style is easy to read and generous in its descriptions. The setting, the food, the cigarette smoke: all come alive so strongly. This is a book for anyone interested in travelling, in finding new places and new people; or the romantic at heart. I enjoyed it on many different levels and would highly recommend it.
Linda's style is easy to read and generous in its descriptions. The setting, the food, the cigarette smoke: all come alive so strongly. This is a book for anyone interested in travelling, in finding new places and new people; or the romantic at heart. I enjoyed it on many different levels and would highly recommend it.
May 31, 2021
When I saw this was described as a travel memoir I knew it was going to be an enjoyable read. And I was right!
The tone was conversational, the descriptions made me feel like I was standing beside the author as events unfolded, and there were times I found myself laughing out loud at some of the authors experiences. In many ways I felt the book read like a romantic comedy set in wonderfully exotic locations – Hungary, Israel, the Netherlands, Finland, and on a Greek Island. A fun escapist read that I would definitely recommend!
The tone was conversational, the descriptions made me feel like I was standing beside the author as events unfolded, and there were times I found myself laughing out loud at some of the authors experiences. In many ways I felt the book read like a romantic comedy set in wonderfully exotic locations – Hungary, Israel, the Netherlands, Finland, and on a Greek Island. A fun escapist read that I would definitely recommend!
June 1, 2021
From the moment I began reading this memoir, I couldn't put it down. It was a wonderful story full of adventure and romance and as a musician, I especially loved her music references. I created my own playlist to listen to as I read her book which enhanced my reading experience and made me feel as if I was with her on her journey to love!
June 3, 2021
The title suggests a love story, which it also is, but this book is so much more! I loved the author’s travel and other cultural adventures. The writer is a keen observer with a wry sense of humour, so sometimes her memoir had me laugh out loud. A very enjoyable read. Almost makes you want to up and leave and rediscover yourself in a foreign country!
October 29, 2021
Odyssey of Love: A Memoir of Seeking and Finding by Linda Jämsén has been compared to Eat, Pray, Love. I get it. There are parallels — both women went around the world to find themselves. But I’m hoping that in the not so distant future Odyssey of Love is the book that another memoir will be compared to. It is just that amazing.
To quickly summarize the story. Linda is happy enough with her job but her personal life is much less fulfilling. Her longterm boyfriend has no interest in marriage although she thought he would propose on her birthday. Instead, her big gift came from her parents in the form of a check that they want the couple to use as the downpayment on a home. When a fortune teller explains that happiness lies in Europe where a Russian religious icon will lead Linda to the man of her dreams (tall, handsome, wearing glasses), Linda makes plans and the adventure begins. Her parent’s check paves the way for her to travels to and live in Hungary. She travels to Greece on vacation with a friend. While in Europe she is also researching her family tree and makes a brief, fateful stop in Helsinki, Finland on the way to Tallinn, Estonia.
My initial attraction to this book was the musical theme. Linda is a musician and lands a place in a chorus that travels all the way to Tel Aviv to perform. I love music, including the classical music that Linda loves, but I know next to nothing about it. If you had asked me who wrote Hungarian Rhapsody, my answer would have been a vacant stare. Now I know it was Franz Liszt. I spent a lot of time listening to Liszt while reading this book.
The fact that Linda’s journey may have been European but didn’t center on London, Paris, or Berlin, also appealed to me. I was eager to learn more about Eastern Europe from the perspective of someone who chose to live there. Linda describes the setting and the people, pulling you into the world she found and loved.
Although she had previously never taught, Linda paved the way for her extended European stay by training as an English-as-a-Second-Language teacher. This plot line also appealed to me because my father’s second career was teaching. Linda held a variety of teaching positions, each one taking her into a different experience and a new story for her eager readers.
Linda’s story is so rich and full that it will pull in a wide variety of readers. There’s romance and travel, music and family history and so much more. Open the cover and you are likely to find a thread that draws you in. That is clearly Linda’s gift.
To quickly summarize the story. Linda is happy enough with her job but her personal life is much less fulfilling. Her longterm boyfriend has no interest in marriage although she thought he would propose on her birthday. Instead, her big gift came from her parents in the form of a check that they want the couple to use as the downpayment on a home. When a fortune teller explains that happiness lies in Europe where a Russian religious icon will lead Linda to the man of her dreams (tall, handsome, wearing glasses), Linda makes plans and the adventure begins. Her parent’s check paves the way for her to travels to and live in Hungary. She travels to Greece on vacation with a friend. While in Europe she is also researching her family tree and makes a brief, fateful stop in Helsinki, Finland on the way to Tallinn, Estonia.
My initial attraction to this book was the musical theme. Linda is a musician and lands a place in a chorus that travels all the way to Tel Aviv to perform. I love music, including the classical music that Linda loves, but I know next to nothing about it. If you had asked me who wrote Hungarian Rhapsody, my answer would have been a vacant stare. Now I know it was Franz Liszt. I spent a lot of time listening to Liszt while reading this book.
The fact that Linda’s journey may have been European but didn’t center on London, Paris, or Berlin, also appealed to me. I was eager to learn more about Eastern Europe from the perspective of someone who chose to live there. Linda describes the setting and the people, pulling you into the world she found and loved.
Although she had previously never taught, Linda paved the way for her extended European stay by training as an English-as-a-Second-Language teacher. This plot line also appealed to me because my father’s second career was teaching. Linda held a variety of teaching positions, each one taking her into a different experience and a new story for her eager readers.
Linda’s story is so rich and full that it will pull in a wide variety of readers. There’s romance and travel, music and family history and so much more. Open the cover and you are likely to find a thread that draws you in. That is clearly Linda’s gift.
June 30, 2021
I couldn’t wait to jump into reading this book, and when I decided one morning that I’d gift myself with a couple chapters and then get to work ... well, I never ended up working that day because I couldn’t put the book down!
Linda’s writing style is brilliant and completely engaging ... there were times when I laughed out loud, and times when my heart was deeply touched, and every kind of enjoyment in between. (Hungarian men are quite a breed ... lol!) I adored all her vivid descriptions and engaging dialogue ... and the “cast of characters” were each so quirky and endearing.
Perhaps what moved me most, though, were the mystical parts of her story. Not every memoirist would share such personal and intimate details of magical moments, but I’m so glad Linda did. It made this already charming book so rich and profound, and I relished every encounter that sparkled with spiritual elements.
I want to say, too, that knowing Linda would eventually find the love of her life didn’t at all take away from the other sweet relationships she shared with such interesting suitors ... I was curious how each would pan out, and how she would eventually find the “tall man with glasses”!
This is a leap-of-faith love story for the ages that will touch your heart, crack you up, and be SO worth the journey toward finding her soul mate near the end. Yes, I was left wanting more, but delighted to see in the back of the book that a sequel would be forthcoming!
This is a book I’ll definitely enjoy reading all over again on a cozy day with cups of tea. Linda is not only a gifted writer, but she feels like a dear friend who invited me into her soul, a gift I’m all the richer for.
Linda’s writing style is brilliant and completely engaging ... there were times when I laughed out loud, and times when my heart was deeply touched, and every kind of enjoyment in between. (Hungarian men are quite a breed ... lol!) I adored all her vivid descriptions and engaging dialogue ... and the “cast of characters” were each so quirky and endearing.
Perhaps what moved me most, though, were the mystical parts of her story. Not every memoirist would share such personal and intimate details of magical moments, but I’m so glad Linda did. It made this already charming book so rich and profound, and I relished every encounter that sparkled with spiritual elements.
I want to say, too, that knowing Linda would eventually find the love of her life didn’t at all take away from the other sweet relationships she shared with such interesting suitors ... I was curious how each would pan out, and how she would eventually find the “tall man with glasses”!
This is a leap-of-faith love story for the ages that will touch your heart, crack you up, and be SO worth the journey toward finding her soul mate near the end. Yes, I was left wanting more, but delighted to see in the back of the book that a sequel would be forthcoming!
This is a book I’ll definitely enjoy reading all over again on a cozy day with cups of tea. Linda is not only a gifted writer, but she feels like a dear friend who invited me into her soul, a gift I’m all the richer for.
August 23, 2021
At the age of 41, Linda left her boyfriend and life behind, on a journey to Europe. Her story starts with a search for connection and love, and travels through Hungary, Austria, Estonia, and Finland, looking for that Mr. Right. The Mr. Right the psychic told her she would find. From the beautiful descriptions of the characters and city vibe of Hungary, to the music and love of music - Hungarian Franz Liszt - you feel you are traveling along with her, meeting the locals and experiencing both the beauty and reality of Europe. Her view was not only of a single expat mingling with other expats, but of a person fully experiencing the locals, the culture, and daily life.
This book as part memoir and part travelogue, is a wonderful book for those of us over 40, loving history, music, and architecture, and wandering cafes in cities across Europe, looking to the next phase of our lives and wanting to "settle down, not settle for."
The book was so very detailed all along the journey, so I wanted more details about the man in glasses. But, the book ended without as much detail as the rest of the book. I have a feeling that is because there is going to be another book, and I am looking forward to the sequel.
In the end, this Is a nice light read, rich with imagery and experiences for 40-somethings hoping to find fulfillment, love, and adventure.
+++++
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book as part memoir and part travelogue, is a wonderful book for those of us over 40, loving history, music, and architecture, and wandering cafes in cities across Europe, looking to the next phase of our lives and wanting to "settle down, not settle for."
The book was so very detailed all along the journey, so I wanted more details about the man in glasses. But, the book ended without as much detail as the rest of the book. I have a feeling that is because there is going to be another book, and I am looking forward to the sequel.
In the end, this Is a nice light read, rich with imagery and experiences for 40-somethings hoping to find fulfillment, love, and adventure.
+++++
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 10, 2021
How many of us would take a chance to search for love and one's true self and start all over in another country? That's the story that Linda Jämsén shares with us in Odyssey of Love: A Memoir of Seeking and Finding. It all starts with a psychic who tells her that the man she'll marry is a tall man with glasses and will be revealed to her by a Russian icon.
Linda's search for love and self will take her from the US to Budapest, Amsterdam and a few other places. Along the way, she meets men who aren't quite the soulmate she's searching for but who leave a mark on her life as she opens herself to love and to music.
The story is enthralling and pulls you in with its wonderful descriptions and Linda's relatable story. As an expat myself, I could understand her desire to find herself and love elsewhere and the story carried me along from start to finish.
So does she find her tall man with glasses? I won't spoil it for you - you'll have to read Odyssey of Love to find out. But what I will say is that I found this to be a very satisfying memoir and I loved following the author's journey to rediscovering love and herself.
Highly recommended, especially if you're wondering if you should leave your comfort zone and try life and love in another culture.
Linda's search for love and self will take her from the US to Budapest, Amsterdam and a few other places. Along the way, she meets men who aren't quite the soulmate she's searching for but who leave a mark on her life as she opens herself to love and to music.
The story is enthralling and pulls you in with its wonderful descriptions and Linda's relatable story. As an expat myself, I could understand her desire to find herself and love elsewhere and the story carried me along from start to finish.
So does she find her tall man with glasses? I won't spoil it for you - you'll have to read Odyssey of Love to find out. But what I will say is that I found this to be a very satisfying memoir and I loved following the author's journey to rediscovering love and herself.
Highly recommended, especially if you're wondering if you should leave your comfort zone and try life and love in another culture.
August 15, 2021
As a fellow author of a travel memoir, I'm always keen to read about other people's adventures overseas and how writers convey them on the pages.
Linda's book had me turning the last page with a big smile on my face. It pulled at the heart strings and I felt a real fondness for Linda and all that she had been through, so much so, I was willing her to find what her heart desired.
Initially, I did find the book a little hard to get into, possibly given her love for classical music was the overarching theme, and it's not something I am quite as passionate about. However, as the story went on, I felt more and more connected with Linda's journey, and while the music references were a strong running theme throughout, I came to enjoy them, especially the education I had about renowned composer Franz Liszt.
The writing was undeniably beautiful. Linda's descriptions of the countries she lived in (Hungary) and visited (Israel, The Netherlands, Finland) and the colourful people she met along the way, captured them perfectly and had me immersed in her odyssey every step of the way. At the end of the book, I felt I wanted to know more, so I was pleased to see there is another book coming. Well done Linda and thank you for the ARC.
Linda's book had me turning the last page with a big smile on my face. It pulled at the heart strings and I felt a real fondness for Linda and all that she had been through, so much so, I was willing her to find what her heart desired.
Initially, I did find the book a little hard to get into, possibly given her love for classical music was the overarching theme, and it's not something I am quite as passionate about. However, as the story went on, I felt more and more connected with Linda's journey, and while the music references were a strong running theme throughout, I came to enjoy them, especially the education I had about renowned composer Franz Liszt.
The writing was undeniably beautiful. Linda's descriptions of the countries she lived in (Hungary) and visited (Israel, The Netherlands, Finland) and the colourful people she met along the way, captured them perfectly and had me immersed in her odyssey every step of the way. At the end of the book, I felt I wanted to know more, so I was pleased to see there is another book coming. Well done Linda and thank you for the ARC.
October 11, 2021
(Please note: I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review.)
My Review:
Linda Jämsén’s memoir pulled me in through a number of avenues:
~ as a teacher, who at one time was an ESL teacher and who travelled to the NWT to teach, far from home
~as an older woman who sought love and finally found her match
~as a lover of music
~as someone drawn to Mary, mother of Jesus
I have never been to Eastern Europe and Linda described the countries she visited and lived in so well, especially Budapest. Learning a bit of the Hungarian culture and language was an added bonus.
As she described places she visited and music she played, I found myself looking up cathedrals and towns and even playing music by Liszt. I definitely would love to visit many of these places.
Her writing style was so personal – I felt like we were sharing a pot of tea and she was sharing her life story. So many emotions filled the pages – from sadness, to hope, to embarrassment to love. It was so easy to visualize her adventures. The advice she received, “to settle down, not settle for” was so wise. And Linda followed that advice several times.
I highly recommend Linda’s memoir. It drew me in from the beginning and I was rooting for her to find her soul mate.
My Review:
Linda Jämsén’s memoir pulled me in through a number of avenues:
~ as a teacher, who at one time was an ESL teacher and who travelled to the NWT to teach, far from home
~as an older woman who sought love and finally found her match
~as a lover of music
~as someone drawn to Mary, mother of Jesus
I have never been to Eastern Europe and Linda described the countries she visited and lived in so well, especially Budapest. Learning a bit of the Hungarian culture and language was an added bonus.
As she described places she visited and music she played, I found myself looking up cathedrals and towns and even playing music by Liszt. I definitely would love to visit many of these places.
Her writing style was so personal – I felt like we were sharing a pot of tea and she was sharing her life story. So many emotions filled the pages – from sadness, to hope, to embarrassment to love. It was so easy to visualize her adventures. The advice she received, “to settle down, not settle for” was so wise. And Linda followed that advice several times.
I highly recommend Linda’s memoir. It drew me in from the beginning and I was rooting for her to find her soul mate.
September 27, 2021
From the first words of this book, I felt privileged to be privy to the on-stage, pre-show preparations as the orchestra and vocalists waited to perform. The threat of a terrorist attack was ever-present, and you could feel the tension, but life had to go on. The author then takes readers back to where her adventure began. An American woman in her forties, with a love life that wasn’t working out the way she hoped, goes to see a psychic who lived in a ‘faded triple-decker with peeling gray shingles needing a sprinkling of fairy dust’. When the psychic suggested that the author would soon be living in Eastern Europe, she scoffed at the idea, but was soon living out the prediction. Told in the intimate first person, Ms Jamsen takes readers along on her travels, and into her life, to experience the joys and difficulties of life and love. The book is beautifully written, with full descriptions of people, places and events that make the reader feel part of the story.
April 28, 2021
Music and words - both have the power to break your heart or heal your heart. Both can lure you into a peaceful night's slumber, or an energetic romp in the hay! Or, as in the case of our author, both can send you on a quest for love halfway around the world! "Odyssey of Love" is the intimate, heartwarming true story of one woman's journey to find "the one" to share her future. Linda recounts her adventures with candor and humor, and there is no shortage of laughter or surprises. The genuine affection and appreciation she felt towards her new acquaintances shines throughout her story, and gifts us all with the feeling that we too have met all these new friends. Using her love of music as the underlying score, Linda effortlessly glides us up and down the scale from one adventure to the next. Like any favorite song, it's over way too soon. But the joyous feeling remains long after.
Read
May 11, 2021I really enjoyed Linda's odyssey in search of real love and 'happily ever after'.
I admired her determination to keep looking for her soul mate and not giving up until she could tick everything on her list. I do not believe in predictions, I'd rather believe in self fulfilling prophecies, in being in the right place at the right time.
Her experience in Budapest was worthwhile and formative, it helped her make up her mind what qualities were important in a life partner, never to compromise and be patient. She almost ran out of time looking for the One, but she really enjoyed and re-discovered herself.
An idea that I fully agreed with was that you could love a culture and still be aware of its exponents' shortcomings, especially if you are an outsider with fresh eyes.
I admired her determination to keep looking for her soul mate and not giving up until she could tick everything on her list. I do not believe in predictions, I'd rather believe in self fulfilling prophecies, in being in the right place at the right time.
Her experience in Budapest was worthwhile and formative, it helped her make up her mind what qualities were important in a life partner, never to compromise and be patient. She almost ran out of time looking for the One, but she really enjoyed and re-discovered herself.
An idea that I fully agreed with was that you could love a culture and still be aware of its exponents' shortcomings, especially if you are an outsider with fresh eyes.
Read
April 21, 2021Adventurous readers have so much to look forward to in this book. With the opening lines of Overture: Night at the Opera House the excitement of music and travel and love are woven together. From one country to the next, the author takes the willing on a journey toward love. Although we know there is a happy outcome to the story, the suspense of where her heart will take her keeps the reader interested and enchanted. Descriptions of foreign cites and people, peppered with exotic languages and traditions make this a book in which every reader can find a treasure. No spoiler here, you can tell by the subtitle that she does find Love.
April 23, 2021
As an unabashed romantic, I was taken with this book from the first page, if not the title. The author’s willingness to abandon all that is near and dear to her at age 40+ and move sight unseen to an Eastern European country in search of true love is intriguing in its own right; her love of music and travel and her obvious delight in meeting and embracing people of cultures other than her own imbue this story with a never-ending sense of joie de vivre. Even in the days and months in which her odyssey bears no fruit, the author retains her sense of humor and wonder and relishes the many adventures and experiences along the way. It is a real treat to be taken along on her courageous journey.
April 24, 2021
A gripping book of an enigmatic journey which intrigues the reader from the start. Full of life and character, the writer shares us her riveting search across places and people. The resulting narrative is a beguiling mix of cultural encounters and clashes, strange people, comic incidents, a number of deeply humane or otherwise memorable characters, and with a dash of mystique. Not to forget heavy doses of music, wisdom, inspiration, and – best of all – comic scenes and captivating hilariousness. I absolutely loved the easyflowing skillful language, the wit and the humor. The book is extremely well written and the storyline engaging.
May 1, 2021
Here is a book that takes you to the heart of Hungary and makes you feel like you are right there, with gorgeous descriptions of the architecture and character descriptions that are offbeat and pleasingly specific---you realize, for instance, that underneath the handsome exterior of one of the characters is a guy who lives at home, and the contradiction therein is intriguing. The description of the emotions the protagonist has is as vivid as the description of Budapest. You feel the protagonist's kindness right on the first page, and you root for her to find what she is looking for, and you cheer when she finds it.
June 23, 2021
Being a traveler and adventurer myself I was drawn to Linda's book Odyssey of Love and it did not disappoint. Memoir's are not my general go to for reading but I was pleasantly surprised it read like a romantic adventurer across Europe and was so enjoyable I had a hard time putting it down. Her descriptions of the countries, the people, and the events made you feel like you were right there. I also like that in spite of her religious beliefs she also could seek the thoughts of a trusted fortune teller. Being that travel is limited right now I truly enjoyed being an armchair traveler with her on her Odyssey and look forward to her next book.
May 12, 2021
This book flows, like the music that weaves through it, taking the reader through heart break to heart warming and humorous situations. The descriptions can make you almost taste the tea and savor the sites as her Odyssey touches Hungary, Greece, Holland, and Israel before reaching "home." On one level, this is a wonderfully happy serendipitous story that brightens a challenging time in our world. It also resonates as a tribute to family and faith, as well as to fortune-telling, Liszt, and a tall man with glasses.
June 9, 2021
Despite the dedication which is the ultimate "spoiler", this tale of "seeking and finding" pulls you in and pulls you along. It is about the journey just as much as the destination. Part travelogue, part memoire, part romance novel, Odyssey of Love is written in prose that sparkles like a Chopin Fantasie. Reading it, one is struck by how life can unfold when one is simply open to possibilities. A more naive heroine may have fallen into any number of holes along the way but Linda keeps her eye on the elusive prize. And it seems so right and so Kismet when it ultimately happens.
July 27, 2021
Odyssey of Love made me want to grab my passport, travel to Eastern Europe, and search for the tall man with glasses. Well, maybe not look for that guy. My husband wouldn’t approve. But I gladly joined the author in her quest to explore her roots, deepen her love for music, and search for romance. I enjoyed taking this journey. Her bumpy road to romance was a fun romp and she played it out right until the end. The author’s vivid descriptions placed me in her world, and I saw the sights through her eyes. Not a simple task for a writer. Great job, Linda.
December 16, 2021
In this day and age of Covid-19, we need books to spirit us away and remind us of the expansiveness of travel and excitement of experiencing different cultures. Linda Jamsen’s memoir, Odyssey of Love, does that and more. Her lyrical prose weaves a true tale filled with the appreciation of music, history, friendship, spirituality, faith and love. Dust off your literary passport and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime. You won’t be sorry!
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