Title: Graceful Bull
Author: Adele Joseph
Publisher: Xlibris
ISBN: 978-1-52454-510-9
Pages: 264
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Reviewed by: Jennifer Weiss
Pacific Book Review
Angelina needs a getaway. She has been under a lot of stress due to work, a job she had to quit due to undesirable behavior, as well as the ending of a relationship with a man she was deeply in love with. She plans to vacation in Paris to refresh and rejuvenate herself: mind, body and soul. During this time she reflects on aspects of her life, thus transporting readers back to her childhood when everything seemed to fit and fall into place. Readers are taken throughout her life as she matures into a career woman revealing all the hardships and turmoil she needed to face in order to become the strong woman she is.
Graceful Bull by Adele Joseph is a story of learning to be strong as a bull rather than crumbling to the ground as paper. A lot of things are happening in this novel, yet it is not overwhelming in the slightest. The opening gives readers a glimpse into the woman that Angelina is today, while the rest of the book details her journey to becoming that woman. The story does contain some topics which many readers might find difficult to read such as rape, but they do add to the depth of the novel as well as the character of Angelina. She is one that is easy to relate to and audiences will find themselves wondering how they would react or handle some of the situations she experienced. Readers are presented with a character which is deeply human, one with flaws to go along with each of her strengths. We watch as she develops into a mature, strong woman through bad decisions, mistakes and what it takes for her to learn those difficult lessons.
Graceful Bull is very well written and filled with descriptions; readers get a clear picture of each of the characters regardless of how minor they may be. The introduction to the novel immerses the readers into the tale making them want to know more about Angelina, Mattheo and Daniele. Adele Joseph uses her words to bring the story to life and encompass the readers with emotions, insight and intrigue to how Angelina will overcome the trials she endures. It’s fascinating to see how each character plays a role in helping her grow into a new woman. This is one of those books which can take a reader by surprise, as it may not be what audiences might expect when reading the blurb. It is so much more.
There have been high hopes for this book and it definitely delivers, and comes highly recommended. Those who enjoy reading anything from mystery to “chick lit” would enjoy this novel. You couldn’t want more from the author or characters in the novel, other than another novel. It is one of those stories which touches readers in different ways depending on the person who is reading it. Graceful Bull is great for women to read, as well as being a learning experience to young adults. I would say parental discretion should be advised when allowing younger readers to pick up the book; since it does have some adult themes within.
