Praise for Root, Petal, Thorn
RadioWest (NPR) with Doug Fabrizio
April 2017
When novelist Ella Joy Olsen set out to write her first book, she wanted a topic close to home. And what could be more tangible then the walls surrounding her? Olsen’s first book is an imagined genealogy of her house, exploring the lives of five women who occupied the same space over a century. We’re using Olsen’s work as a jumping off point to talk about how the history of our houses effects the way we live in them today....listen.
April 2017
When novelist Ella Joy Olsen set out to write her first book, she wanted a topic close to home. And what could be more tangible then the walls surrounding her? Olsen’s first book is an imagined genealogy of her house, exploring the lives of five women who occupied the same space over a century. We’re using Olsen’s work as a jumping off point to talk about how the history of our houses effects the way we live in them today....listen.
Historical Novel Society - Editors' Choice
February 2017
The book tackles themes of grief and courage in the face of loss, but does so in a way that leaves the reader uplifted. In addition to the compelling characters, the true strength of the book is its message of connectedness. This captivating novel is a delight from start to finish...read more.
February 2017
The book tackles themes of grief and courage in the face of loss, but does so in a way that leaves the reader uplifted. In addition to the compelling characters, the true strength of the book is its message of connectedness. This captivating novel is a delight from start to finish...read more.
RT Book Reviews – 4.5 Stars Top Pick
“Root, Petal, Thorn is a fascinating novel that centers around the history of a house and those who lived there throughout different time periods: the young woman in the early 1900’s who is torn between her heart and her beliefs, the mother who will stoop to low levels to prevent her son from marching off to World War II, and more. Ella Joy Olsen mixes history and genealogy into a believable novel.”
“Root, Petal, Thorn is a fascinating novel that centers around the history of a house and those who lived there throughout different time periods: the young woman in the early 1900’s who is torn between her heart and her beliefs, the mother who will stoop to low levels to prevent her son from marching off to World War II, and more. Ella Joy Olsen mixes history and genealogy into a believable novel.”
Three Writers Find Literary Inspiration in Utah History
The Salt Lake Tribune July 31,2016
As a literary landscape, Utah often earns attention for our natural environment, rather than our distinctive characters. But three new novels, all set in Utah, draw upon our state's peculiar history while unfolding fresh and interesting stories...read more.
The Salt Lake Tribune July 31,2016
As a literary landscape, Utah often earns attention for our natural environment, rather than our distinctive characters. But three new novels, all set in Utah, draw upon our state's peculiar history while unfolding fresh and interesting stories...read more.
Book Reviews: Utah author's 'Root, Petal, Thorn' explores the lives of 5 women over the course of a century
The Deseret News October 10, 2016
In "Root, Petal, Thorn" by Utah author Ella Joy Olsen, a house on Downington Avenue, on one of the oldest neighborhoods in Salt Lake City, has housed many families over the decades and holds a plethora of memories... read more.
The Deseret News October 10, 2016
In "Root, Petal, Thorn" by Utah author Ella Joy Olsen, a house on Downington Avenue, on one of the oldest neighborhoods in Salt Lake City, has housed many families over the decades and holds a plethora of memories... read more.
Sugarhouse Historic Home Inspires Novel
Good Things Utah Television Segment August 25, 2016
Watch Here.
Good Things Utah Television Segment August 25, 2016
Watch Here.
How to get your Passion Project off the Ground
Studio Five Television Segment September 28, 2016
Watch Here.
Studio Five Television Segment September 28, 2016
Watch Here.
Library Journal
"This debut novel succeeds in uniting five flawed, sympathetic characters through the focal point of one house. Olsen points out that sorrows are part of life, but there's continuity and grounding as well. Recommended for readers who appreciate character-driven novels about the daily lives of women."
"This debut novel succeeds in uniting five flawed, sympathetic characters through the focal point of one house. Olsen points out that sorrows are part of life, but there's continuity and grounding as well. Recommended for readers who appreciate character-driven novels about the daily lives of women."
Blurbs
"Olsen's ambitious debut is full of heart and hope." - Lynda Cohen Loigman, author of The Two-Family House and The Wartime Sisters
“Five women. Five complicated lives. One house where they all live over a period of one hundred years. In this story, the walls talk. Wonderful, compelling saga!” - Cathy Lamb, author of The Language of Sisters
“I loved this book. Wait, backspace, revise: I LOVED THIS BOOK! It can be enjoyed by everyone with a beating heart and a soul.” - Luann Braley, blogger at Kentucky Gal
“Within this captivating debut, we recognize ourselves, our mothers, our sisters, and our daughters in these flawed yet endearing characters. In reading, we are left with a deeper appreciate for our own imperfect lives.” - Sandra Kring, bestselling author of The Book of Bright Ideas and Carry Me Home
“Olsen does a remarkable job re-creating each historical era, from the days before WWI to the present time. Each time period is as vivid and true as her captivating characters. Olsen is an emerging voice to watch for in historical and contemporary women’s fiction.” - Aimie K. Runyan, author Daughters of the Night Sky
“Root, Petal, Thorn is a delicate blend of mystery and history, and ultimately grief, intertwining love and hope for future generations. An excellent offering from a delightful writer.” - Leslie Lindsay, award winning reviewer and author of Speaking of Apraxia
“Five women. Five complicated lives. One house where they all live over a period of one hundred years. In this story, the walls talk. Wonderful, compelling saga!” - Cathy Lamb, author of The Language of Sisters
“I loved this book. Wait, backspace, revise: I LOVED THIS BOOK! It can be enjoyed by everyone with a beating heart and a soul.” - Luann Braley, blogger at Kentucky Gal
“Within this captivating debut, we recognize ourselves, our mothers, our sisters, and our daughters in these flawed yet endearing characters. In reading, we are left with a deeper appreciate for our own imperfect lives.” - Sandra Kring, bestselling author of The Book of Bright Ideas and Carry Me Home
“Olsen does a remarkable job re-creating each historical era, from the days before WWI to the present time. Each time period is as vivid and true as her captivating characters. Olsen is an emerging voice to watch for in historical and contemporary women’s fiction.” - Aimie K. Runyan, author Daughters of the Night Sky
“Root, Petal, Thorn is a delicate blend of mystery and history, and ultimately grief, intertwining love and hope for future generations. An excellent offering from a delightful writer.” - Leslie Lindsay, award winning reviewer and author of Speaking of Apraxia