Critical Praise
"An impressive novel. . . . "An impressive novel. . . . CLARA'S HEART is notable precisely because of the risks Joseph Olshan has taken that do succeed, not the least of which is its sensistive and often comical treatment of the unique love between a precocious American boy and a wise, if tormented Jamaican woman."
"Olshan’s achievement is to have created a separate and entirely believable world, carefully, comically and humanely drawn. It is held together by much tension and contains many excellent and recognizable scenes and embarrassments. . . A fine debut."
"Joseph Olshan skillfully juxtaposes two very different cultures, the financially successful but emotionally deficient Harts, the products or victims of a modern ago, and the relatively poor in money, but rich in warmth and spirit, Jamaicans."
"An exceptionally fine study of love and growing pains."
"Intelligently conceived and psychologically convincing. . . [Olshan is] someone to read and watch."
"In CLARA'S HEART lies a depth of feeling that is rarely told so well."
"Terrific. Joseph Olshan is clearly enormously talented. He has an almost extra-sensory understanding of the characters he writes about, and he writes magnificently well. He is funny, too."
"Clara is a triumphant creation, with all her provocative richness and scariness. The gently perceptive novel about coming of age in suburbia maintains a high level of narration in unfolding a relationship that is as delicious as it is fleeting. After the book is closed its fragrant intensity lingers."
"With its intricate characterization, a plot that weaves together two very different cultures, and a narrative enriched by fresh, often poignant dialogue, this is an extraordinary first novel. The intensity of their friendship, and the dark secret of her past that Clara is determined to hide from David, creates an emotional chaos that is skillfully portrayed and finally resolved in this wonderful novel."
"Joseph Olshan has achieved the rare distinction of crafting a brand new plot."
"In language that is devastatingly accurate in tone and intensity, Joseph Olshan has painted a complex portrait on an unusual couple meeting under unusual circumstances and very often clashing, as their cultures clash, but emerging triumphant in an ending that will satisfy even the most hard-boiled reader. Olshan is a remarkably gifted writer whose novel will be lovingly remembered."
"A fresh and involving novel. Joseph Olshan has remarkable empathy with his characters, and he writes some scathingly funny and perceptive scenes. As I read this novel I kept thinking, ‘this is a story I have never read before, but I believe these people totally.’"
"I was constantly moved, both to laughter and to tears, by this extraordinarily sensitive love story of two mismatched people."
"A rich and compelling work, an extraordinary first novel by a writer that gives voice to a generation many of us prayed would never speak. Clara’s Heart glitters with an honestly and with a story to tell."
"A remarkable writer."
is notable precisely because of the risks Joseph Olshan has taken that do succeed, not the least of which is its sensistive and often comical treatment of the unique love between a precocious American boy and a wise, if tormented Jamaican woman."
"Olshan’s achievement is to have created a separate and entirely believable world, carefully, comically and humanely drawn. It is held together by much tension and contains many excellent and recognizable scenes and embarrassments. . . A fine debut."
"Joseph Olshan skillfully juxtaposes two very different cultures, the financially successful but emotionally deficient Harts, the products or victims of a modern ago, and the relatively poor in money, but rich in warmth and spirit, Jamaicans."
"An exceptionally fine study of love and growing pains."
"Intelligently conceived and psychologically convincing. . . [Olshan is] someone to read and watch."
"In CLARA'S HEART lies a depth of feeling that is rarely told so well."
"Terrific. Joseph Olshan is clearly enormously talented. He has an almost extra-sensory understanding of the characters he writes about, and he writes magnificently well. He is funny, too."
"Clara is a triumphant creation, with all her provocative richness and scariness. The gently perceptive novel about coming of age in suburbia maintains a high level of narration in unfolding a relationship that is as delicious as it is fleeting. After the book is closed its fragrant intensity lingers."
"With its intricate characterization, a plot that weaves together two very different cultures, and a narrative enriched by fresh, often poignant dialogue, this is an extraordinary first novel. The intensity of their friendship, and the dark secret of her past that Clara is determined to hide from David, creates an emotional chaos that is skillfully portrayed and finally resolved in this wonderful novel."
"Joseph Olshan has achieved the rare distinction of crafting a brand new plot."
"In language that is devastatingly accurate in tone and intensity, Joseph Olshan has painted a complex portrait on an unusual couple meeting under unusual circumstances and very often clashing, as their cultures clash, but emerging triumphant in an ending that will satisfy even the most hard-boiled reader. Olshan is a remarkably gifted writer whose novel will be lovingly remembered."
"A fresh and involving novel. Joseph Olshan has remarkable empathy with his characters, and he writes some scathingly funny and perceptive scenes. As I read this novel I kept thinking, ‘this is a story I have never read before, but I believe these people totally.’"
"I was constantly moved, both to laughter and to tears, by this extraordinarily sensitive love story of two mismatched people."
"A rich and compelling work, an extraordinary first novel by a writer that gives voice to a generation many of us prayed would never speak. Clara’s Heart glitters with an honestly and with a story to tell."
"A remarkable writer."
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