The Romantic A Novel [Paperback]

When she is nine-years-old, Louise Kirk's mother disappears, leaving a note that reads only--and incorrectly-- Louise knows how to work the washing machine. It is not long before a strange couple and their adopted son, Abel, move in across the street. Louise quickly grows close with the exotic Mrs. Richter, but saves her stronger, more lasting affections for Mrs. Richter's intelligent son. From this childhood friendship evolves a love that will bind Louise and Abel forever, and though Abel moves away and Louise matures into adulthood, her attachment grows dangerously, fiercely fixed.

[A] heartbreaking and compassionate novel...Gowdy is a miraculous writer. The pages ofThe Romanticbrim over with so much real life they practically breathe. Chicago Tribune

Few writers are able to meld the serious and the comic to such poignant effect...a brilliant evocation. The Boston Globe

[A] masterful narration that moves seamlessly back and forth in time...clear-eyed. Los Angeles Times

I had to admire Gowdy's elegant structure.... Louise's descriptions of her feelings for Abel are carefully constructed and, at times, flat-out beautiful.... [Gowdy] has found a perfect vehicle for her peculiar talents. The New York Times Book Review

Barbara Gowdyis the author of five previous books, includingThe White Bone. Her fiction has been published in more than twenty countries. She lives in Toronto, Ontario.

Discussion Questions
1. How is the notion of the title of the novel explored in the book? What is Louise's idea of romantic
love? Would you describe her love for Abel as obsessive? unconditional? ill-fated? Refer to Chapter
14, p. 103, where she declares her love and her loneliness inextricable. How would you categorize the
other variations of love in the book -- Troy's for Louise, Mr. Kirk and Mrs. Carver?
2. Discuss the ways in which Louise is affected by thelC(