Frances and Bernard

“In Frances and Bernard Ms. Bauer attempts to walk a tricky line, giving her characters enough life of their own to seem more than historical glosses, while borrowing from Lowell and O’Connor’s stature so that Bernard and Frances become sufficiently formidable literary figures to carry the show.” —New York Times

“Bauer…writes with authority and gusto about issues of faith. The prose here is exquisite, winding between narrative momentum and lofty introspection. And she employs the epistolary form nimbly, providing an intimate, uncluttered space for her characters to develop. The most unexpected pleasure of this period love story is spending time in the company of people who are engaged in the edifying pursuit of living as Christians—a good reminder that, regardless of the current upheaval in the church, the big questions are still worth asking.” —Washington Post

“Graceful and gem-like…Through Bauer’s sharp, witty, and elegant prose, [Frances and Bernard] become vibrant and original characters…These are not your typical lovebirds, but writers with fierce and fine intellects…We are reminded of the power of correspondence—the flirtation of it, the nervousness, the delicious uncertainty of writing bold things and then waiting days, weeks, or even months for a reply. After finishing this sweet and somber novel, we might sigh and think, ‘It’s a shame we don’t write love letters anymore’—before stopping for a moment to marvel at the subtlety of what Bauer has wrought out of history and a generous imagination, and being thankful that someone still is.” —Boston Globe

“Short but satisfying…Well written, engrossing, and succeeds in making Frances and Bernard’s shared interest in religion believable and their relationship funny, sweet, and sad. A lovely surprise.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Bauer’s account of the ups and downs of Frances and Bernard’s relationship is by turns beautiful and heartbreaking. Her story is enhanced by the superb narration of Angela Brazil and Stephen Thorne…Both narrators excel at bringing forth the joy and pain in the letters…[their] delivery is natural and expressive, taking Bauer’s lovely work and making it a memorable listening experience.”AudioFile —AudioFile

“Gracefully written, Bauer’s fluid prose is at once solemn, tender, and witty as she ponders the cost and duty of art and love.” —Library Journal