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Caren J. Werlinger
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Invisible, as Music Kindle Edition

by Caren J. Werlinger (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 389 ratings
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Henrietta Cochran has spent nearly forty years dealing with the effects of the polio she contracted in 1945. Her braces and crutches restrict her, define her, but they also give her independence. Almost. She hates that she has become increasingly reliant on a series of live-in companions to help her. For some reason, the companions never seem to want to stay very long. So Henrietta retreats further and further into her art, where her physical limitations don’t matter.
Into her life sails Meryn Fleming: out, outspoken, and fiercely political. She’s young, enthusiastically diving into her first job as a history professor at the local college. When she falls, almost literally, into Henrietta’s path, she seems like a godsend.
Little does Henrietta know that this young woman is about to upend her carefully structured existence. Ryn challenges everything, barging right through the walls Henrietta has built to keep others at a distance.
To Ryn, Henrietta is an enigma: prickly and easily insulted at the slightest suggestion that she can’t do things for herself; a brilliant artist capable of producing the most beautiful paintings; and sometimes, when Henrietta doesn’t realize she’s letting her guard down, a tender and sensitive woman.
With Meryn’s youthful optimism pitted against Henrietta’s jaded acceptance of the world as it is, life will never be the same for either of them.
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  1. Print length
    407 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  4. Publication date
    November 15, 2019
  5. File size
    2578 KB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
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Editorial Reviews

Review

Gold Medal Winner: 2020 Readers' Favorite Book Award; Winner: 2021 Rainbow Award Lesbian Historical Fiction; finalist 2020 International Book Awards; finalist 2020 National Indie Excellence Awards; finalist 2020 GCLS Historical Fiction

"Caren, I tried to do a review of Invisible As Music at the end of the story. I couldn't get on, but I need to let you know how much this story meant to me.
I had Polio in 1949. Initially I was paralyzed on my whole right side, from head to toe. I ended up with a full length leg brace, which I wore until I was ten.
I remember the cruelty of kids...and some adults. My childhood was miserable and my teen years were even worse. Not only did I love your story because I could relate to it personally, but because it is so well written, and it's a story about a disabled woman. Your characters are so vivid and detailed." - Renee

There are some books that you read that reach right into you and help you tell your own story, maybe not literally but the emotional truth of what you've been wanting to say for the longest. I feel that way about Invisible, As Music." - Jules, Goodreads reviewer

About the Author

Bestselling author Caren Werlinger published her first award-winning novel, Looking Through Windows, in 2008. Since then, she has published seventeen more novels, winning several more awards, including the 2021 Alice B medal. Influenced by a diverse array of authors, including Rumer Godden, J.R.R. Tolkien, Ursula LeGuin, Marion Zimmer Bradley, Willa Cather and the Brontë sisters, Caren writes literary fiction that features the struggles and joys of characters readers can identify with. Her stories cover a wide range of genres: historical fiction, contemporary drama, and fantasy, including the award-winning Dragonmage Saga, a fantasy trilogy set in ancient Ireland. She has lived in Virginia for thirty years where she practices physical therapy, teaches anatomy, and lives with her wife and their canine fur-children.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07ZXJQ4WX
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Corgyn Publishing, LLC (November 15, 2019)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 15, 2019
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2578 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 407 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 389 ratings

About the author

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Caren J. Werlinger

Caren J. Werlinger

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Bestselling author Caren Werlinger published her first award-winning novel, Looking Through Windows, in 2008. Since then, she has published seventeen more novels, winning several more awards, including the 2021 Alice B medal. Influenced by a diverse array of authors, including Rumer Godden, J.R.R. Tolkien, Ursula LeGuin, Marion Zimmer Bradley, Willa Cather and the Brontë sisters, Caren writes literary fiction that features the struggles and joys of characters readers can identify with. Her stories cover a wide range of genres: historical fiction, contemporary drama, and fantasy, including the award-winning Dragonmage Saga, a fantasy trilogy set in ancient Ireland. She has lived in Virginia for thirty years where she practices physical therapy, teaches anatomy, and lives with her wife and their canine fur-children.

Check out her blog: http://cjwerlinger.wordpress.com

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 out of 5
389 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Judith Rodda
5.0 out of 5 stars Not enough accolades.
Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2022
Verified Purchase
Seriously, we readers pride ourselves on having a rather large vocabulary by virtue of our reading many books. There are just not enough words to describe Caren Werlinger's ability to write such beautiful books. What ever well she draws these characters and emotions from has to be a very deep well, indeed. Her characters tug at your heartstrings. They leave lasting impressions that are hard to forget. Not that you would want to. Her characters are always people you want to know or wish you could be. This book is no exception. I loved Hank and Ryn. They are so beautiful together. Their story so touching. All the other characters fill in the spaces without being overbearing. I have said it many times, no one will ever be disappointed reading any of Karen's books.
One person found this helpful
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Ps58
5.0 out of 5 stars The people that cross our path often touch us with the invisible spirit that sings the song of our heart.
Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2021
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Meryn has all the spark of youthful energy so idealistic as she start her first year as a Professer at St. Aloysius College in Bluemont. Henrietta has lived there all her life. Survived polio at a time when many did not, left her guarded walls that little she uses to control her world. These two women meet in the moment of their need. The journey they take is beautiful if not magical. Caren Werlinger asks the reader to see past what the world says love is and see with the heart. The warm moments these women share as they open their lives to each other is magic. A past is healed by a very present living. I loved the very strong group of women who build each other up. In sharp contrast are the snarking, mean spirit of the "good people" whose lack of caring destroys much. The cast of characters were real and raw but brought such love to the story. There is sadness when cruelty touches one to young to overcome but it is handled truthfully. I love this beautiful age gap story that shows love truely conquers the heart.
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Karen Worden
5.0 out of 5 stars “Funny how much space ghosts can occupy.”
Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2024
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Thank you Caren Werlinger for this must-read piece of literature. So many layers and depth and so much heart, fill the pages. Caren, I feel you as you reach into my heart. I feel the grief and pain but also even more powerful strength in perseverance. “Many things in life aren’t fair. But we must push on.” As a woman in the workplace, I often felt the pressure to not merely keep up to the dance set by men, but dance backwards in high heels. As stated by Ginger Rodgers when asked about dancing with Fred Astaire. But as a lesbian in the workplace who refused to hide, that pressure to outshine, work longer and harder, doubled the speed of the dance. 💃 The merit, intelligence, and contribution by women has been hidden throughout history. Cheers to those women and cheers to us who pick up the baton and keep up the good fight. Cheers to you Caren, with all my heart.
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Laura
4.0 out of 5 stars Hits a lot of the right notes!
Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2019
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As a wheelchair user I was happy to see this novel and enjoyed reading it. I very much appreciated how the author addressed so many issues that were not just prevalent in the ‘80s but some still today regarding sexuality and disability. So much of it hit the nail on the head and was refreshing to read. Without spoilers, I will only say I wish she had taken that final leap, but my imagination tells me the characters eventually did so themselves, in their own time. Thank you for writing this lovely story!
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dj
5.0 out of 5 stars Love changes everything.
Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2024
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This book has pulled my heart strings and yet filled me with joy. The setting brought back memories of my parents who were born and raised in that area. This is the first time I've ever seen or heard about Cortland in a work of fiction. Thank you for touching me with this story of hope and love. You never know how much an upbeat person can change your day, and your life. Love freely given will always come back to you.
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GTeller
5.0 out of 5 stars A Miracle of a Story
Reviewed in the United States on November 20, 2019
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Meryn "Ryn" Fleming, twenty three years of age and a professor of History at St. Aloysius College, a small school in "the middle-of-nowhere", New York.
Henrietta Cochran, fifty three, an artist of renown in the college town where Ryn teaches. Henrietta was stricken with polio when she was a teenager.

The story takes place in the 1980s when being accepted for being LGBTQ was in its infancy.

Henrietta needs a live-in companion, someone to help her with meals and cleaning in her home. Ryn needs a place to live. Ideal!

There is nothing not to love about this book. Nothing. Everything about it is flawless. The story rolls out smoothly. The peripheral characters were all perfect, too.

I got into the story right away and although I didn't want to put it down, I also didn't want it to end, so I read a page or two, stopped and did something else and then came back to it.

During the 1940s Henrietta met Una when both girls were teenagers. Their love blossomed, but back in those days, their love was so taboo that they kept it hidden. This was during the time when polio ran rampant in the country. Both girls contracted it after swimming in a lake. The girls were separated because of their illness, but what happened to Una?

And what will happen to Henrietta, who starts to have feelings for Ryn, who is thirty years her junior, healthy, young and vital? How can this possibly work? To say this is merely an age-gap story is to not do it justice. This is a sensitive, loving look at two women who clearly see the obstacles and make decisions for themselves.

There are books like this that, when you've finished it, you don't believe you'll be able to find the next book to read that will measure up. I really loved this book!
12 people found this helpful
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Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful book
Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2024
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If you don't cry when you read this book, you have no heart. A wonderfully human love story.
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Top reviews from other countries

Deli-Twotone
5.0 out of 5 stars A touching and beautiful love story
Reviewed in Canada on March 30, 2021
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First of all, this book is exceptionally well written. the prose is thoughtful and engaging, and the author masterfully paints a vivid picture that is refined with every chapter. The characters have depth and they evolve through the story. The main characters are terrific and believable in their strength and frailty. My heart was put through the wringer which I suppose is okay. And by golly, bringing back the '80s, in all their sordid glory. Have we made any progress from those dark ages ? I highly recommend this book, it is a true Love Story.
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Ka
5.0 out of 5 stars The emergence of a great love
Reviewed in Germany on November 21, 2020
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Invisible as Music is the beautiful, skillfully told story of an unlikely love between a lively young history professor in her early twenties and a reclusive artist 30 years her senior that develops over the course of the novel through very realistic stages of doubt and angst, and ends up lasting over as much of a lifetime as there is left for the two main characters to share.

Set in the mid nineteen-eighties during the campaign leading up to Reagan's second presidential term, with the protagonists actively campaigning for his democratic opponents, this constitutes a topical link to the time at which this book was published, shortly before the 2020 US presidential elections.

The novel covers a comprehensive and mature look at life and love, and the conscious effort it takes to build a lasting relationship, for which I enjoyed reading it very much and can recommend it without reservation.
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The Reading Room
5.0 out of 5 stars Lesbian fiction at its very best
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 25, 2020
Verified Purchase
A beautiful story exploring the many facets of love – 5 Stars

When Professor Meryn (Ryn) Fleming takes-up the role of companion to artist, Henrietta Cochran, the business-like arrangement turns into something far more personal...

The story charts just over a year in the lives of Henrietta and Ryn. As their relationship begins to shift, neither is initially prepared to accept the way it is evolving. For Henrietta, admitting her feelings towards Ryn leaves her desperately conflicted. Nearly thirty years Ryn’s senior, and reliant on prosthetics to support her weakened muscles, one part of Henrietta wants to push Ryn away in an attempt to free her, but another dreads the thought of losing Ryn from her life. For Ryn, the realisation that she loves Henrietta comes slowly. At first, she’s unsure if Henrietta’s feelings mirror her own, and then when it becomes clear they do, Ryn is left confused and hurt when Henrietta tries to pull-away. Gradually, and with the support of new friends, both women find the courage to overcome their fears and embrace the love they share.

This is such an emotive story. Some of the scenes are crushingly sad, but there are many others that blossom with hope and positivity. Even in its darkest moments, there is always the hint that no matter who we are, or the circumstances we find ourselves in, it’s within our power to create a brighter future. In that sense, I found this to be an incredibly life-affirming book.
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SandiJ
5.0 out of 5 stars Truly beautiful
Reviewed in Australia on June 16, 2023
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When I first started this book I wasn't sure about it. I thought it might be a little boring. Silly me! Instead, it is a gentle, emotional and raw love story that boldly tackles difficult life issues in a respectful, thoughful way.
Set in the 1980's, it tells the story of Henrietta, an artist in her fifties who is terribly lonely. Not that she'd recognise that loneliness or even admit it if she did. Polio has left her with physical limitations and emotional scars that compel her to keep everyone at a distance. As a result, she is stuck in her own world, oblivious to others and the issues that they may be dealing with. She is somewhat ascerbic towards people including her past carers and is finding it difficult to find another.
Enter Ryn, who ends up being her live-in companion/carer. Ryn examplifies life itself!
She is energetic, open, intelligent and brave. Without realising it, Ryn chips away at Henrietta's stone facade to see the person underneath. As their relationship turns into friendship, and Henrietta's world opens up, she begins to realise how she has limited herself and acknowledges how much better life is with Ryn in it. If you are looking for heavy romance or steamy sex then this is not the book for you. It is definitely a slow burn that develops into the most gentle chaste love I have ever seen.

Warning, there will be tears while reading this.

I do have to admit that Ryn was my favorite, in fact, I think I am a little infaturated with her!

Caren Werlinger does it again!! She is by far one of my favorite authors, her talent is truly limitless.

Happy reading!!
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JewLzxx
5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely fabulous
Reviewed in Canada on March 19, 2021
Verified Purchase
This is a wonderful read with characters I’ve fallen in love with. The story is so vivid and I couldn’t put it down
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