"Astronomer's Wife" was published in 1936. It was featured in a collection titled The White Horses of Vienna and Other Stories. The collection established Boyle on the literary scene as a promising talent and was unanimously praised by critics. Readers praised Boyle for the subtle nuances included in her writing.
"Astronomer's Wife" features lighter themes than some of her other works in the collection, such as Death of a Man, which was published in the same year and comments on the growing threat of Naziism. Each story in the collection, however, packs emotional impact and resonance.
Often compared to James Joyce for his use of epiphanies in writing, critics still deemed Boyle's work original enough to leave its mark on the literary world.
The collection was hailed by readers and critics alike. Boyle's subtle use of symbolism and imagery throughout the collection, such as in "Astronomer's Wife", was especially praised. It was said that Boyle's stories demonstrated her capability to move readers with clear, concise, and powerful language.
The story follows the life of Katherine, the wife of an astronomer. Katherine is a strong and independent woman, who is deeply affected by her husband's affairs. Throughout the story, Boyle explores the complexities of Katherine's thoughts and emotions, and how she is influenced by the decisions of those around her.
"Astronomer's Wife" also touches on the themes of loneliness, isolation, and the power of love. As Katherine deals with her husband's infidelity, she is forced to confront her feelings of doubt and self-doubt. Boyle's writing can capture the nuances of the emotions that Katherine is feeling, allowing the reader to relate to Katherine's difficult situation.
Boyle's writing style is also praised for its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia in the reader. Boyle's vivid description of Katherine's childhood home, as well as her relationship with her husband and his mistress, is painted in vivid detail. This evokes feelings of nostalgia in the reader, as they are reminded of their own experiences of love, heartache, and longing.
Boyle's work is also lauded for its ability to capture the beauty of nature and the human condition. Boyle's descriptions of the night sky, and the beauty of the stars, stand out in the collection. This imagery helps to emphasize the core themes of the story and allows readers to connect with the characters and their experiences.
Overall, Boyle's collection, The White Horses of Vienna, is praised for its subtle yet powerful writing. Boyle can capture the complexities of the human condition and evoke powerful emotions in the reader. The collection as a whole is a testament to Boyle's talent and skill and stands as a classic of 20th-century literature.
