The clarity and authenticity in which Wright defines a female voice is particularly impressive. He has done so here with such command and dimension that it will appeal to a broad audience. I don't envy Bil for having to follow such fine successes as his first two novels. But I encourage him to move swiftly as I'm already anxious for his next book.


New Beginnings   June 24, 2004
 5 out of 5 found this review helpful

Bil Wright very skillfully writes with the female voice in his novel, One Foot In Love. He tells the story of Rowtina Washington's transformation after the sudden death of her husband and how she bonds with the ladies in the Leave Him and Live Sisterhood. Each woman in the sisterhood has her own story and demons, which bonded and empowered this diverse group of women.

Rowtina Washington found herself alone after the sudden demise of her husband, Turtle. She had no direction and no focus other than to go to work, church and home. In her loneliness, she experiences nighttime visits from Turtle. He is trying to tell her something, but she can not figure out what it is. Soon after Turtle's death, Rowtina is invited to join a group by Nelda Battey at the hospital where she works. This support group, the Leave Him and Live club becomes an intricate part of Rowtina's life. She shares her secret about Turtle's visit with the women, but they do not know his motives either. There is something about Turtle's visit that indicates it is time for her to move on. Rowtina takes a large step and moves out of Harlem where she was born and raised to the Village, much to her mother's chagrin. In the Village, Rowtina meets Picasso Alegria, a Mexican hairdresser. He recommends she wear her hair naturally and offers to be her hairdresser. Picasso wants more from Rowtina than to be her stylist, Rowtina becomes quite smitten with him and almost consents to a relationship but there are several obstacles that stand in the way.

Wright pens a coming into ones self story. Rowtina makes great changes in her life, astonishing everyone, including herself. For this book to be written by a male author, he does an excellent job of getting into the women's psyche. The other women in the group have their own battles; Lucy in trying to get out of an abusive situation, Nelda`s sexual preference is suspect, Egyptia loves being married and is getting married again and Osceola lost her daughter to cancer. They have their ups and downs and make strides to better their lives. I have not read Wright's first book, Sunday You Learn How To Box, but I plan to pick it up one day. Meanwhile, I highly recommend this book.

(...)


The Ghost of Turtle   June 23, 2004
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

Rowtina Washington is shocked, devastated, saddened and appears to be depressed, at the death of her husband Terrance "Turtle" Washington. Rowtina, an emergency room nurse, and Turtle, a UPS driver, had a close and happy marriage to the point that Turtle was Rowtina's world. Her only associates are her co-workers and her mother. Even with prodding from Turtle, Rowtina never did step outside the marriage to form other bonds. Fate steps in and Rowtina is introduced to two members of the Leave Him and Live Sisterhood. As the name implies, the sisterhood is not made up of a group of women who have lost spouses, but unites women who need a release, a friendly shoulder and an ear. Regardless of the problem, the Leave Him and Live Sisterhood is there to lend a hand, not by counseling but by presence.

The sisterhood consists of the motherly Osceola, the free spirited lesbian Nelda, the physically abused Lucy and the "please marry me" Egyptia. Each woman brings to the group her own eclectic brand of personality and humor challenging Rowtina to let go and live. Added to this mix is Rowtina's domineering mother, Sylvia Mention. The story sets itself apart from others with multifarious characters, the visiting ghost of Turtle and Rowtina's dreams and musings. To further complicate matters, Rowtina moves from Harlem to Greenwich Village, where she meets Picasso Alegria, a local Mexican salon owner, and her entire world is turned upside down. However, the sisterhood is there to instill faith, confidence and encouragement.

ONE FOOT IN LOVE will appeal to the masses because the theme is universal. How do you handle the death of a loved one; how do you relinquish it and move on? The writing is excellent simply because of the characters clever, witty and sarcastic remarks that will make you laugh out loud! How the author, as a man,
was able to grasp the personalities and behaviors of the female characters' and showcase it with credibility, I will never know but I certainly enjoyed it. Bil Wright has penned a very humorous, multidimensional and often times sad account of love lost and friendship found.

Reviewed by Dawn R. Reeves
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers


A gripping novel with a heartfelt story and a deep message   April 14, 2004
 2 out of 2 found this review helpful

"One Foot In Love" is a gripping novel with a heartfelt story and a deep message. Bil Wright has mastered the art of ending one chapter leaving you desperate to read the next. I couldn't put it down until I finished the last page. The characters in the story are real women faced with real problems that are not glossed over. The main character Rowtina loses her husband Turtle, deals with her cold and detached mother, joins a club of supportive but wacky women, and starts a tenuous romance. Bil Wright is not afraid to present a true picture of love, loss and grief. He allows us to ride on the emotional roller coaster of Rowtina's life rather then watching her from afar. The author's sensitivity to the inner life of women is clear as the members of The Leave Him and Live Sisterhood band together, helping one another get beyond their obstacles. As a woman, I was particularly impressed by a male writer's ability to capture the feminine soul. In the end, "One Foot in Love" reminded me that true love transcends death and loss - and inspires us to let go and live.