"Brimming with vivid description, deeply rooted in time and place, and with a fascinating cast of complicated, enigmatic characters, Dancing Woman is ultimately a story of longing--for a sense of self, community, redemption, and healing--and a profound exploration of the transformative power of art in its many forms."--Charles Frazier, Cold Mountain and The Trackers
"1960s Nigeria is in turmoil, and so is Elaine Neil Orr's thoughtful, unique protagonist: transplanted American bride Isabel Hammond, whose struggles to find her purpose and identity launch this fascinating tale. Dancing Woman is a provocative, lyrical, moving exploration of a dynamic young woman's journey from crisis to growth in a challenging time and place, and well worth readers' valuable time."--Therese Fowler, It All Comes Down to This and Z"Utterly intriguing...Who knew sex and drumming are intertwined? Elaine will take you on that journey...Amidst suspense, betrayal, and confusion, Elaine Neil Orr brings Nigeria in the 1960s to you, giving you a dose of history, language, culture, music, and art. I expect nothing less from a Nigerian in spirit and body."--Toyin Falola, author of Counting the Tiger's Teeth
Praise for A Different Sun: "Lush, evocative, breathtaking in its descriptions, and deeply spiritual in its themes of love, forgiveness, and transformation, this extraordinary novel shines with light and depth. Reminiscent of Barbara Kingsolver's magnum opus, The Poisonwood Bible, with elements of Joseph Conrad and Louise Erdrich, Orr's stunning debut is starkly beautiful and true to life."--STARRED Review, Library Journal