Queen of the Owls
A chance meeting with a charismatic photographer will forever change Elizabeth's life.
Until she met Richard, Elizabeth's relationship with Georgia O'Keeffe and her little-known Hawaii paintings was purely academic. Now, it feels personal. When Richard reawakens an awareness in Elizabeth that's haunted her since she was a child—the truth that cerebral knowledge will never be enough—Elizabeth takes a step she never imagined, and her life begins to unravel.
Elizabeth must ask herself: How much will she risk to be truly seen and known?
"Probst plumbs the depths of Elizabeth's desperation with a delicacy that underlines the brutal truths her protagonist must face ... A thought-provoking, introspective examination of self and sexuality."
"Readers will root for Elizabeth—and wince in amusement at her pratfalls—as she strikes out in improbable new directions … An entertaining, psychologically rich story of a sometimes giddy, sometimes painful awakening."
Kirkus Reviews
"A beautiful contemporary novel full of timeless themes, elegantly portraying one woman's courage to passionately follow the inspiration of Georgia O'Keeffe and brave the risk of coming into her own."
Claire Fullerton, author of MOURNING DOVE
"This is a stunner about the true cost of creativity, and about what it means to be really seen. Gorgeously written and so, so smart (and how can you resist any novel that has Georgia O'Keeffe in it?), Probst's novel is a work of art in itself."
Caroline Leavitt, bestselling author of PICTURES OF YOU, IS THIS TOMORROW and CRUEL BEAUTIFUL WORLD.
"QUEEN OF THE OWLS is a powerful novel about a woman's relation to her body, diving into contemporary controversies about privacy and consent. A "must-read" for fans of Georgia O'Keeffe and any woman who struggles to find her true self hidden under the roles of sister, mother, wife, and colleague."
Barbara Claypole White, bestselling author of THE PERFECT SON and THE PROMISE BETWEEN US
"Barbara Linn Probst captures the art of being a woman beautifully. QUEEN OF THE OWLS is a powerful and liberating novel of self-discovery using Georgia O'Keeffe's life, art and relationships as a guide."
Ann Garvin, bestselling author of I LIKE YOU JUST FINE WHEN YOU'RE NOT AROUND.
"Barbara Linn Probst's well-written and engaging debut asks a question every woman can relate to: what would you risk to be truly seen and understood? Elizabeth's journey takes no shortcuts as she grapples with her roles as wife, sister and mother. The lush descriptions of O'Keeffe's work and life enhance the story, and help frame the enduring feminist issues at its center."
Sonja Yoerg, bestselling author of TRUE PLACES
"Obsession, naivety, seduction, desire, self-deception, love, and courage—all emotions subtly and powerfully revealed in this story of Elizabeth, mother, wife and intellectual, as she follows her idol, artist Georgia O'Keeffe, along a path to herself. A thought-provoking novel that readers will want to savor and share."
Jenni Ogden, author of Nautilus Gold-award-winning A DROP IN THE OCEAN
"A gifted storyteller, Barbara Linn Probst writes with precision, empathy, intelligence, and a deep understanding of the psychology of a woman's search for self."
Sandra Scofield, National Book Award finalist and author of THE LAST DRAFT
"A wonderful book that every woman needs to read!"
Kathy L. Murphy, Founder and CEO of the PULPWOOD QUEENS, a network of 780 book clubs across the U.S. and beyond
Praise for Queen of the Owls
A debut novel too good to ignore!
One of the best new fiction books to read during the quarantine!
One of the 20 most anticipated books of 2020!
Zibby Owens interviews Barbara on her Instagram Live TV show
The Journal News features Barbara in a special Sunday story
I went to see O'Keeffe's paintings in person—including Jimson Weed, worth $44.4 million, the highest price ever paid for a painting by a female artist...
Some Launch Highlights
Go to Barbara's YouTube channel to watch the recordings!