Lenswoman in Love: a novel of the 1960s & ’70s

Lenswoman in Love is both a nostalgic journey and an evocative exploration of a young woman’s coming-of-age during one of the most turbulent and transformative periods in American history. Kim Gottlieb-Walker blends memoir-like authenticity with the structure of a novel, offering readers a portrait of the 1960s and ’70s that feels at once personal and culturally expansive.

The novel carries several strong thematic threads. First is the theme of art and self-discovery. Maddy’s passion for photography becomes both her refuge and her means of navigating a chaotic world. The opening scene, where she learns to see the world through her father’s camera before his untimely death, sets the stage for photography as not just a career, but a way of life.

Another powerful theme is youthful idealism colliding with harsh realities. The vivid descriptions of the Century City police riot in 1967 capture not only the brutality of authority but also Maddy’s transformation from sheltered teenager into a witness of history. The narrative does not shy away from the contradictions of the era: the exhilaration of free love and creative freedom alongside the disillusionment of political corruption, violence, and personal betrayal.

The book also shines in its exploration of romantic longing and independence. Maddy’s relationship with Jake is both sweeping and frustrating, a slow-burning attraction that is often thwarted by circumstances, misunderstandings, and his own emotional distance. While Jake is undeniably magnetic, I appreciated that Gottlieb-Walker allowed Maddy to grow beyond simply being defined by her feelings for him. The push and pull between love, loss, and self-realization is one of the strongest elements of the novel.

What I enjoyed most was the rich evocation of time and place. The author vividly reconstructs the folk clubs of Berkeley, the counterculture of Haight-Ashbury, the political protests, and even the small details of fashion and music. As someone who lived through much of this era, I recognized the cadence of the times: the mixture of optimism, rebellion, and uncertainty. Gottlieb-Walker’s background as a photographer lends a sharp eye for detail, and many scenes feel like snapshots of a lived history.

I also found the supporting characters memorable, from Maddy’s strong, intuitive mother to her lively college roommate Darlene. These figures help ground the story and prevent it from becoming solely a romance.

What I enjoyed less was the sometimes idealized portrayal of Jake, who occasionally felt more like an archetype than a fully fleshed-out character. While his charisma is undeniable, I sometimes wished the author had given him more vulnerability or contradiction. There were also moments when the dialogue leaned toward exposition, explaining the political climate rather than allowing it to emerge organically.

Readers sensitive to the era’s gender dynamics may find certain attitudes unsettling, though Gottlieb-Walker addresses this directly in her author’s note, reminding us of the cultural shifts and challenges of the time.

Lenswoman in Love is ultimately a heartfelt, immersive novel that captures both the magic and the messiness of youth, art, and love in a rapidly changing world. For readers who experienced the 1960s and ’70s, it will stir recognition and memory; for younger readers, it offers a vibrant window into an era that shaped modern culture. While not without its flaws, it succeeds as both a love story and a chronicle of personal awakening. A vivid and emotionally engaging read, particularly for those drawn to stories of women artists finding their voice amid history’s upheavals.