Though Sarah’s tragic backstory consumes much of the novel’s first half, her journey takes off once she departs to study, first in a Parisian art school, and later through an art scholarship competition in Australia—where she falls deeply in love with fellow art student Hans Schuman. As Sarah changes, so, too, does the world around her: her father dies from complications of pneumonia, her relationship with Hans is haunted by old lovers, and a guided trip to Tanzania, meant to spark her creative juices, alters her in more ways than one. Purtee steers clear of the often-messy emotions that come with young adulthood, focusing instead on Sarah’s evolution as an artist—and the realities of female artists in the 1990s, trying to succeed in a classically male-dominated profession.
Purtee skillfully embeds strong female artists who inspire young Sarah into a narrative that shines most when describing the artistic process: intricate details, the elation of watching animal dynamics on safari, and the energetic explorations Sarah and friends make under the tutelage of Kenneth Patrick stand out—as does the underlying theme of Sarah as a phoenix, rising from the ashes of her tragic childhood. A side plot about political kidnappings slightly distracts, but Purtee rallies with a sweet conclusion that will give fans hope of future adventures with Sarah.
Takeaway: Friendship, love, and art intertwine in this sweet YA story.
Comparable Titles: Sandhya Menon’s From Twinkle, with Love, Kayla Cagan’s Piper Perish.
Production grades
Cover: B+
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A-
Finding Sarah is a fabulous mix of intrigue, adventure, travel, mystery, and romance. This unforgettable and powerful YA novel is well-written. In it, a young artist experiences tragedy, sexual awakening, friendship, love, and heartbreak and learns to forgive and offer second chances. It is the kind of book that breaks your heart and then mends it, and you will finish it with a smile and a long, satisfied sigh.
The characters are believable, relatable, skilled, empathic, and well-developed. Nina Purtee's book teaches the reader that it is possible to go into the future inspired by the past and not be burdened by it. I recommend it to anyone who loves to paint and enjoys coming-of-age stories, romances, and books with fierce female protagonists.
Finding Sarah follows the journey of Sarah, a young woman who navigates the complexities of her life after the traumatic loss of her mother and subsequent abandonment by her father. The novel paints an intimate portrait of Sarah’s inner turmoil, her artistic evolution, and her personal relationships as she grows from a shy, uncertain girl into a woman ready to embrace her talents and dreams. Set against the backdrop of Sarah’s passion for painting and her love for animals, the story weaves in themes of resilience, grief, and finding one’s place in the world.
What struck me immediately about Finding Sarah was how vividly Sarah’s emotional journey is portrayed. Her struggle with grief and abandonment felt so real and relatable. From the early chapters, we see her turning to art as a way to process her pain, especially after her mother’s tragic death. The scene where she shares her first painting with her grandmother felt particularly poignant, as it not only reveals Sarah’s growing talent but also shows the quiet way she and her grandmother bonded over their shared grief. Author Nina Purtee does a beautiful job of giving these moments emotional weight without over-explaining.
The plot itself is strong, and Sarah’s growth from the shy girl hiding behind her art to the confident artist ready to take on the world kept me invested throughout. One of my favorite parts of the book was the detailed depiction of Sarah’s artistic process. There is this wonderful scene where she becomes inspired by a book on falconry, visualizing the majestic flight of falcons and translating it onto canvas. This moment highlights her creativity and her ability to draw meaning from unexpected sources, which I found inspiring. The way Purtee ties in the idea of the phoenix symbolizing Sarah’s rebirth and growth was a clever touch that added a layer of symbolism to the story.
I’d recommend Finding Sarah to anyone who enjoys women’s fiction with strong emotional depth and a focus on personal growth. It’s a story for anyone who has ever felt lost or unsure of their place in the world but found solace in their passions.
Purtee shares her gift and craft of writing for young women, and there seems to be a strong element of inspiration or timeless message that underpins the plot of this story. By all rights, Sarah could have thrown in the towel given her tragic past. But she doesn't, and this is a beacon to young women who have that spark to recover and reclaim from the darkest of times.
Besides self-exploration, romance, and adventure, you have a character with heart. Purtee is a natural storyteller, with the ability to transport readers into realms of imagination and possibility. Sarah is a character you can identify with; one you can admire and root for. The first-person point of view brings a personal feel to the narrative. But besides character-building, this author has an immense talent for conveying mood, setting, and growth. You feel that you are right there in the same exciting locations with Sarah.
It's nice to see conservation as one of Sarah's passions. This is a character with a cause, with a conscience. I think readers will come to adore and respect her for who she is, and readers will be entertained and informed by her exploits. The author has really brought a fictional character to life for me by creating her as multi-dimensional. One thing that always stands out in a very good character who finds herself, is the opportunity for readers and fans to connect with her on their own journey of finding themselves.
Purtee brings a fresh, meaningful take to the adventure romance genre, and sprinkles in heartwarming moments and a sense of humor. If you are looking for that perfect blend of travel, romance, suspense, and purpose, "Finding Sarah: A Phoenix to Behold" by Nina Purtee, is a must-read.
