When Olivia Larkin’s husband of over two decades disappeared one day, it brought back painful memories from her past. Carl Larkin was a well-respected physics professor, not prone to leaving out of the blue. Olivia worried until she saw a vague note Carl left that said he’d call her on Monday. Her emotion then changed to a different kind of concern.
Olivia reflects on her young adulthood. In college, she fell in love and married Noah. They were separated by tragedy and Olivia has yet confront her feelings. She eventually married Carl, had a family and dove into her new life to distract from her old life.
The Windmill rotates between Olivia’s and Carl’s points of view. Scenes with extended family add depth to the plot. Everyone has a difficult past, or so the theme implies. Events force the characters to deal with their old feelings so they can move forward in life.
Author Stephanie Gertler presents some honest emotions for her cast. She spends more time on Olivia’s perspective, so it’s more difficult to sympathize with Carl. His story is equally as interesting and would have benefited from further exploration.
The Windmill is bound to be a sentimental favorite. Hopeless romantics will appreciate the similarities between this novel and the work of Nicholas Sparks. The ending is swift but satisfactory. If you liked The Puzzle Bark Tree and Drifting, you’ll love The Windmill.
