Wisdom

Dr. Heather Neff's second novel, "Wisdom", is an intriguing journey into race relations set in the Caribbean island St. Croix. Neff's characters are a treat, at once elegant and real, created with depth and feeling. Neff explores love, humanity, and truth in her smart and poignant novel. Maia is a strong female character and leads the reader through a period of growth that involves her gay friend Damien, her lover Noah, and her slave ancestor's owners, the Johanssens. It is a rich novel filled with vivid descriptions, moving dialogue, and a touch of mystery. The book is easy to read despite its hard-hitting issues of racism. Definitly a book I recommend, not only to read, but to re-read.

"Wisdom" takes its place among the top ten books that I have read this year. It amazes me that this book has gone virtually undiscovered and unpraised by the literary arena while other less skillfully written, shallow books receive high praise simply because the authors name is one that is "recognized"???"Wisdom" is a beautiful story about the determination of a woman who, in what she believes are her last days, sets out to discover who she really is and who her ancesters were -- to reclaim her family. The book is set in St. Croix and Ms. Neff gives the reader a front row view of the beauty and mystery of the island and its history and culture as the story of Wisdom unfolds. From start to finish this is a story that holds your attention and draws on your emotions. I can easily envision this story as a movie that would receive rave reviews.I applaud Ms. Neff and thank her for the time devoted to writing a literary treasure! I look forward to her next. . .Wisdom is a must read!

Wisdom by Heather Neff is a rich and colorful story about a woman in search ofher past. In Wisdom, we meet Maia Ransom, a visitor to the island of St. Croixwho has adapted to the Crucian lifestyle like a native. Maia is drawn to theisland after years of hearing about the estate Wisdom. Wisdom is the placewhere her ancestors served as slaves and it harbors many secrets about Maia'sfamily and the Johanssens, the landowners of the estate.Heather Neff tells a vibrant story of a woman trying to find her destinythrough her family's history. Maia is a strong and mysterious character whowill capture readers from the first page. Neff makes readers care about herand she lays the ground work for the readers to develop a beautifulrelationship with Maia through writing that is often lyrical and poetic. Theisland of St. Croix is described in such magnificent detail that is sure tomotivate a trip or two among readers. The supporting characters are alsocolorful, full of life, and memorable.Wisdom is a poignant read told by a master storyteller. Heather Neff is anextremely talented writer with a flare for description and building compellingcharacters. Reviewed by Diane Marbury (HonestD).

If you are reading just one book this summer then let it be WISDOM!! I LOVED THIS BOOK! I have a very demanding schedule, and at the end of each day I allowed "Wisdom" to be my spiritual dessert. My literary vacation. I savored every morsel and chapter of this book. It was truly EXCELLENT! It takes place in St. Croix, U.S.V.I., and describes the journey of one woman on a quest to unearth her lost cultural identity. Heather Neff transports the reader through vibrant, descriptive language to the Caribbean. But her story is one that transcends the tiny island that Wisdom is set on, and instead becomes a backdrop for an intricate discussion on the universal longing for identity, finding one's place in the world, and communal connectdeness. The thing I love about all of Neff's works (I read Blackgammon also. EXCELLENT!), is the way she is able to place the reader into the text. She draws you into the story, and you find yourself rooting for some characters, or hating others. Or in Severin's case, Loving and Hating him all at the same time! :) As a native of St. Croix, I find her descriptions are true characterizations of even the smallest details of island life, (the foods, the scents, the language, the diversity of its people) and with painstaking details she constructs a tale well worth the telling and the reading! :) An exciting story! For which I simply say YOU M-U-S-T DEFINITELY CHECK IT OUT!I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK!Signed,A Crucian in Baltimore

It took me just a few pages to dive into this unusually intelligent book, filled with suspense!The novel is very refreshing, full of unexpected twists and turns. It's a stunning blend of history and fiction, emotions and realism. The visual quality reminded me of "Blackgammon", Heather Neff's first and also outstanding novel! While "Blackgammon" made me wander the streets of Europe, "Wisdom" made me want to wake up in the Caribbean again, even if it meant to face the mixed past of this region. It makes you long for that quiet corner, where you can tune out everything around you and step into another world.I can't wait for the next book by Heather Neff!