Yannick Murphy has reminded me about the true power of language. She has structured her book, a fictionalized account of the legendary historical figure Mata Hari, as a series of events in separate times in Mata Hari's life. Part of the time describes Mata Hari's marriage, her relationships with her children, and later her life as a dancer and relationships with other men. The other sections of the novel are set in the jail cell in which Mata Hari is held after being accused of spying.I don't typically enjoy anything that could be classified as historical fiction, but I couldn't put this book down. Murphy brought Mata Hari to life: her concerns, her love for her children, her reasons for making decisions. Murphy's ability to make a figure so legendary into a woman I felt I could sit down with and really talk to is astounding.
Yannick Murphy is another writer I have not heard of prior to finding this book, but she has three other novels, a book of short stories, and several short stories published in other magazines and journals. Yet another author I've found this year that I can't wait to read more of!
For more information:
Yannick Murphy's website
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