Newly widowed and on the threshold of seventy, Lizzie Warton questions the value of her remaining years. Uncharacteristically, she decides for the first time in her life to do what she wants, instead of what everyone expects.Against the wishes of family and friends, she sets out for Africa to work at a Ugandan middle school. When she lands at night in the Entebbe airport, her hosts are not there … not there to meet her. Near panic, she hires a local taxi. The driver drugs her, steals everything, and dumps her limp body in a slum. Waking in the dark, she feels someone tugging off her shoes.
Without money, a passport, clothes, or medications, Lizzie is forced to start over and find a way to survive.
Soon she learns that nothing in Africa is as it appears. The grind of daily life in the third-world is beyond anything Lizzie imagined. Nevertheless, encouraged by budding friendships in surprising places, and against every sensible instinct she’s ever developed, Lizzie’s own personal search for meaning becomes the grand adventure of a lifetime.
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I was joyously surprised with Still Breathing, only the second book I have read by a male author writing women’s fiction. Lizzie, a woman in her late 60s, the main character, kept me reading through the first few chapters as her children made me want to close the book. Trust me everyone stick with it past those chapters because once Lizzie arrives in Africa you will not be able to close this book.
Lizzie becomes a vibrant strong woman coming out of her shell with the help of many secondary characters within the Ugandan village. The delightful personalities E.A. Fournier gave all of these secondary characters in the Ugandan village brought this story to life. Was Lizzie there to save them or were they there to save her? I personally say it was both. Still Breathing is a story that will grab your heart to the core, and not let go even long after Lizzie arrives home.
P.S. make sure you have something to dab your eyes as the tears will be flowing.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from RABT Book Tours. I was under no obligation to write a review, and all options expressed in this review are completely my own.
If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I would. I have it in paperback and the cover is just absolutely stunning, and it’s just the smallest hint of how great the book is going to be.
In Still Breathing we meet Lizzie, who after losing her husband after a long illness, hears the call to go to Africa and help. At 69 years old, it’s a bit scary to think of trekking across continents, but the Pastor who inspired the call to go to Uganda has the perfect job for Lizzie.
A bit naive to the world, she isn’t sure what to expect, especially when she runs into issues before she even lands. Then it seems from the moment she touches down, she is faced with multiple setbacks. But Lizzie is a strong woman, and she keeps moving forward. From her first issue, she meets Dembe, a street boy who is kind and smart. He helps her get to where she needs to be going. We see him all throughout the book and I find myself as attached to him as Lizzie is.
As Lizzie navigates the issues that arise in trying to set up a library for the kids, she handles it all with the gusto of a woman who has lived. While she might not know how things are done locally, she does them her way, and it earns her great respect from the locals. Everyone that meets Lizzie is impressed with her know-how, with her strength and perseverance, with her ability to get things done, and I too, am a big fan of hers, so much so, that I’m not ready to let her go.
Fournier has done a beautiful job in writing Still Breathing, from the characters who are rich in detail to the setting. The reader can picture each location that Lizzie visits, from the school to the market, it’s all described in vivid detail. Lizzie is an inspiration to all of us, in learning to let go, in following your dreams, and in never letting your age stand in your way. Exceptionally well done!
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Still Breathing
Author: E. A. Fournier
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 21
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 10/10
Cover: 10/10
Of the 21 readers:
20 would read another book by this author.
21 thought the cover was good or excellent.
20 felt it was easy to follow.
20 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 12 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 9 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
19 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
20 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
‘I felt empowered by this novel.’ Female reader, aged 56
‘Such a well-crafted story. Africa is well-described and the story is cleverly plotted with a perfect mix of ups and downs for the central character. Although, the ‘downs’ are very down. A gripping novel.’ Male reader, aged 43
‘I think anybody interested in African politics and corruption, but also in the wonderfully positive parts of African culture, will find this very interesting. Also, its an inspiring book; it sort of made me want to go off to Africa and do good.’ Female reader, aged 39
‘A fantastic novel. I was riveted by it from the first page. I loved the premise of an older woman travelling to Uganda to help in a school. Of course, the culture is an eye-opener, both for the hero and for the reader. Worth reading just to get an insight into how it is to live and work there. This author is very promising.’ Female reader, aged 55
To Sum It Up:
‘A thoroughly inspiring novel, gripping from the very first page. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards