Mary Relindes Ellis

First-time novelist Mary Relindes Ellis has written autobiographically of a childhood spent in northern Wisconsin beside working-class immigrants and Native Americans, storytellers and scrappers, an "irresponsible and violent alcoholic" father, a damaged brother who served in Vietnam and a river that was home to snapping turtles. She has written about being haunted by the wars that begin at home, about her determination to give voice to the silenced victims of abuse, about her dream of writing a novel that would somehow illuminate this single, powerful truth: "children, like animals, in an effort to survive, instinctively seek from their physical environment and from other beings what their own families cannot provide."
—Chicago Tribune, January 18, 2004, “Seeking escape from a wretched family existence” By Beth Kephart.

Mary Relindes Ellis has written a powerful story that's filled with a heart-wrenching and unforgettable way of life for a Midwestern family and their neighbors. But it was the first person narrative used by the different characters, along with multiple changes in the POV, that floored me. This writer's talent shines through with the ability to capture and constantly hold the reader's attention with this style of writing. It's a difficult task for the most seasoned of writers, but Ellis does this like it's old hat in her debut novel. I never once lost my train of thought with the frequent switching of narrative identity. My favorite character in this book was not necessarily the main character. I enjoyed the neighbor, Ernie Morriseau. He was the epitome of a perfect husband and a wonderful person. Yet, like all of us, Ernie had his flaws too.

Ellis brings about the paranormal just when it fit perfectly into the story. I must admit that I greatly admire this author's talent. I couldn't put the book down because I didn't want to stop reading. I'm looking forward to her future novels. I feel that Ellis has created a new style of writing that will soon become like a trademark for her, immediately recognized by avid readers and fans alike.

Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of THE TURTLE WARRIOR. It's a keeper.
—Susie Rigsby, Mt. Vernon, Indiana

Mary,
This is just a note from a regular person who just read The Turtle Warrior and thought it was one of the most memorable, painful but redemptive novels I've ever read. I've never had personal experience similar that in your writing, but there was a genuine resonance, can't say how or why.

Thanks for enriching the reading world!

Sincerely,
—Jacqueline Ropski

In the background notes to The Turtle Warrior, Mary Relindes Ellis' luminous debut novel, she offers a telling insight: War, she writes, begins at home. Violence has to start somewhere, and that somewhere, unfortunately, is usually among familiar sights and familiar people. The Lucas farm that is the setting of the novel is in an isolated area of northern Wisconsin, where, for generations, people -- mostly working-class German immigrants and members of the Ojibwe tribe -- had learned to get by with very little....
—San Francisco Chronicle, Sunday January 11, 2004, “Rage and regret in small-town Wisconsin” By June Sawyers

On behalf of our book club, I would like to thank you for speaking with us last night. As you heard, we were all very moved by your book. But, on top of that, to have the opportunity to actually discuss it with you, the author, was absolutely thrilling. How fascinating to hear you explain about the writing of the book, about the different readers' reactions to it, about your life, about the process of selling a book, about Northern Wisconsin, about your future plans, and so much more. Through you, we gained insight into this wonderful book. You not only write beautifully, but you speak beautifully. If you do wind up teaching in the future, your students will be fortunate to have you as a professor. I know that we will always consider our discussion with you as a unique and special experience. We look forward to reading your next book some day and to meeting you in person at one of your next book tours.

With great warmth,

Holly Russek

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Debut Novel: The Turtle Warrior—Reviews