Veronica's Nap [Paperback]

Sharon Bially (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 15, 2011

Veronica Berg has everything she needs to achieve her dream of becoming a painter--a charming home studio in Provence, a hardworking husband, and a nanny who watches her two-year-old twins. Yet instead of painting, she spends her days lingering over meaningless chores and secretly indulging in lengthy naps. When Veronica's Moroccan-born,Sephardic husband grows impatient with her aimlessness and challenges her to sell just one painting, Veronica must find a way to break the seductive rut that's overtaken her ambition and her life. Against the backdrop of the impending Iraq war, her quest triggers a surprising and often comical journey that reveals depression's sunny mask and the dark side of privilege and security. With a cast of Sehpardic characters, Veronica's Nap gives a rare look at contemporary Jewish life in France.

Product Details

• Paperback: 244 pages
• Publisher: (Sixoneseven) Books (July 15, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0615475604
• ISBN-13: 978-0615475608
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.6 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,263,448 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Hi, I'm Sharon -- author of Veronica's Nap, publicist, blogger, book reviewer, mom.

By day I'm vice president of a boutique PR firm. On the side I help a select list of authors publicize and market their books. A guest contributor to the award-winning blog Writer Unboxed, I also blog about mom-hood, writing, the work-family juggle and much more at at www.veronicas-nap.com. To get away from the screen I lead seminars for Boston's influential literary arts nonprofit, Grub Street, where I spearheaded the Grub Self-Publishing Network -- an online community for self, independent and alternative publishing news and info.

A hopeless francophile, I lived for twelve years in Paris and Aix-en-Provence. I haven't quite decided whether I'm thrilled or furious that my Franco-Italian husband doesn't understand me when I speak English. While in Paris I put my masters degree from Columbia University's School of in International Affairs to use working at the O.E.C.D. It's been gathering dust ever since!

When not working, blogging, reading, writing my next book (Henna) or ferrying my kids around after school, I take ballet and modern dance classes and daydream about having more time for everything and a pied-à-terre in Paris or Provence.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Enchanting Setting and True-to-Life Characterization June 20, 2011

By Crichardwriter

Format:Paperback

Veronica is a young wife and mother of twins who is fortunate enough to live in Aix-en-Provence, France, and have her own art studio and time to paint. The problem is that she can't seem to find the time to really pursue her goals because she just can't seem to stop taking naps. Veronica is an interesting character because she seems to have the perfect set-up to achieve what she wants, but she keeps getting in her own way. The author did a nice job of setting up the character so that the reader can understand where she is coming from and why she struggles with getting motivated. The plot moves along at a good pace, so the reader will stay engaged while reading the story. The descriptions of Aix-en-Provence are spot on (I have actually been to Aix-en-Provence, and this story brought back good memories because of the vivid details included to bring the setting to life). This story also provides an intimate portrait of a relationship between a French-born Moroccan and an American from New Jersey, and all of the misunderstandings and value clashes that come with it.

Overall, I enjoyed reading "Veronica's Nap", and I would recommend it to anyone looking for an enjoyable, easy read. I think this book would be fun to discuss in a women's book club because there are some different portrayals of women in the book that should spark friendly debates about the roles of women in modern society.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully written coming-of-age story June 18, 2011

By IntrepidYarn

Format:Paperback

Veronica's Nap describes how a young woman, who seemingly has everything, finds herself forced to question the 'South-of-France dream' she lived in and to take responsibility for herself - and to find a solution to her dilemma: how can you combine the imperative to have a career and the desire to care for your kids?
The story is set in France for the most part, in a Sephardic family. The characters are entertaining, colourful and deep, and you want to root for the main characters.

Bially's writing is subtle and always strikes the right chord.

I read this book faster than I intended to - I couldn't let it go!

The ending is one of the best I have read lately. Unexpected and satisfying.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Wake Up Veronica! October 25, 2011

By P. Woodland

Format:Paperback

Veronica is a young woman who was told she had talent as an artist but never really sat down to pursue her art. It was always "when I have time" or "when I have a studio." She is bored in her job and thinks that taking a painting vacation to France will solve her problems. Still uninspired she falls for a French doctor and feels he will solve all her problems. He gives her a studio but she finds herself pregnant with twins. They now need a bigger house but he is not making enough money for what she wants so her parents step in and solve all her problems.

Veronica is a spoiled, entitled brat. Taking a long, long time to understand that the world does not revolve around her and her needs and that money does not come just because she needs it.

Fortunately Ms. Bially has a wonderful way with words because I absolutely hated Veronica. As a character I wanted to shake her and make her realize that life ain't so easy and she really needed to discover what hard work was. Then I realized that it was a talented pen that kept me reading and caused me to be so passionate about a fictional woman.

I can't tell you this is an easy read or even an enjoyable read but it was a worthwhile read. I loved the descriptions of Aix in France and the peaks into the Jewish traditions was very interesting. As for Veronica - she needs a kick in the pants.