Recently, I read The Elegant Out, written by Elizabeth Bartasius. Told in the first-person point-of-view, this work of fiction feels more like a memoir.
The main character, Elizabeth, is struggling. Stuck in a dead-end job, Elizabeth is a domestic abuse survivor. Even though Elizabeth has a new love, Gabe, a man who deeply cherishes her, and a son Jack, around whom her world revolves, her ex-husband’s abusive words still echo in her head. And that long-ago vitriol has affected her self-worth and self-identity.
In an attempt to silence those slurs, Elizabeth dreams of becoming a writer; she also wants to have another child. Although her friend is certain that Elizabeth would make an exceptional author and encourages her to write, Elizabeth is conflicted. What if she cannot cut it as a writer? As to the subject of babies, Gabe is committed to being Jack’s father, but he does not want a baby of his own. Frustrated with Gabe’s refusal, Elizabeth begins blogging, putting to words her feelings, sharing her inner struggles, and ultimately figuring out what she really wants in life.
Full of angst, apprehension, hunger, and hope, The Elegant Out gives readers a first-hand insight into a woman looking to define herself and discover her voice. Only by learning to balance her expectations and silence self-doubt can she finally accept that writing is her passion and her calling.
“If, when you wake up in the morning, you can think of nothing but writing, then you are a writer.” ~Rainer Maria Rilke, Letters to a Young Poet
I received a complimentary copy of this book from She Writes Press publishers through Goodreads. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
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