The Falling Woman: Amazon.co.uk: Pat Murphy: Books

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4 Reviews

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not as good as debut, 5 Dec 2002

By	Mr. R. J. Hole "rick___" (England) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER) (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Falling Woman (Hardcover)

I bought this book because I enjoyed Pat Murphy's first novel so much and her short stories. I have since discovered that this book won the 1987 Nebula Award for best novel. This surprised me a little because it is not actually science fiction: the category on the back cover is Fiction/Fantasy.

The novel is again written in the first person which is unusual in that there are two major characters, mother and daughter. The way she achieves this is by subtitling each chapter with the name of the character.

The story is set in an archaeological site in Yucatan. Elizabeth Butler, the mother, sees 'ghosts' from the past. Some consider her mad and she has in the past been locked up in a madhouse. Her daughter who's going through a bad patch, due to the death of her father and break-up of a relationship goes to stay with her mother who she hasn't really known since about 5 years old. The daughter also starts seeing images of the past. One of the shadows of the past is a priestess who can also see them and talks with the mother. There is a subplot about the daughter and one of the other women on the dig having romantic interests in the local town.

I didn't think this novel was as good as her first, or the short story Rachel in Love. She seems to be trying to say something about relationships between mother and daughter, male and female. This aspect of the novel is unsuccessful as far as I am concerned. The fantasy side works fairly well however.

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I just couldn't put it down for a minute!!!, 16 Feb 2001

By A Customer

Pat Murphy skillfully weaves a tale of a Mother and Daughter brought together by only one thing that they have in common, they can see the past. Elizabeth Butler is a quiet woman who keeps herself to herself, she does not become attached to material possessions, it seems that all she has is what she sees, and this is the past. Her daughter Diane, who she left when she was 4 years old, suddenly becomes a part of her life again after Dianes Father dies of a heart attack. Diane goes to find her Mother in South America, where she is on an archaeological dig. Pat Murphy tells the story of how Elizabeth and Diane save each other from the past, from the images that have haunted Elizabeth for many years, and those images which her daughter has also started to see. This book is one of, if not the best novel I have ever read, such thought and skill has produced a "must read" book. Especially for any archaeolgy enthusiasts!

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3.0 out of 5 stars worth the read, 26 May 2003

By	Elsa Panciroli "elsa" (Inverness, Scotland) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Falling Woman (Paperback)

If you are expecting a work of excellence - you will be dissapointed - but this is not to say that 'Falling Woman' isn't worth reading.

The story is in many ways quite predictable, and the writing style can be seen to be somewhat basic and even crude in places. Having said that, Pat Murphy manages to keep us on at least a few of our toes throughout.
Its an unusual tale that mixes real archeology and meso-american culture, with echoes of past lives and a hint of magick just to strengthen the brew.
Certainly not science fiction - despite its placing there!
The basic storyline deals with a troubled archeologist and her daughter, and how their lives tie into those of the people whose bones are uncovered at a dig in south america.
I'd say it was a womens book predominantly, and of interest to anyone who likes mayan or aztec culture, has an interest in shamanism and past lives, or who just wants to read something with a touch of macick in it.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Supernatural, paranormal mystery
Elizabeth is a troubled woman archeologist. She left behind her husband and daughter to pursue a dream. She also sees the shades of the past. Read more

Published 18 months ago by Mary C

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The Falling Woman (Paperback)

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