Inspired by events in the life of Margaret Mead, this is the story of three anthropologists studying native culture on the Sepik River in the Territory of New Guinea in the 1930's, who become embroiled in a love triangle that ultimately threatens their lives. A riveting tale about passion, obsession and greed. — Amy Palmer
This is a deceptively simple novel. You think it is a loose novelization of the life of Margaret Mead and her loves (her great passion was her work); it is and it is not. This book is mostly from Mead's 3rd husband, Gregory Bateson's point of view and is fictionalized; whole episodes are creatively rendered. The book is truly about the complexity of human sexuality and human nature when it is under the scrutiny of reality; with all its beautiful and messy bits. What is reality when you are in the" field" rather than in a classroom ? "Euphoria" is graphically written story of how life can be bruising and more powerful when you are experiencing it outside the confines of "polite society and "Realty" versus test tube. I think King explores this concept beautifully but also demonstrates the strong and weak points of not only Mead's work but also of Fortune (her 2nd Husband and Bateson's research. The 3 were individual cultural anthropologists who at one time or another were each others research partners and as in this book - worked as a team. The characters are powerfully and truthfully drawn and their individual search for their ideal of "Euphoria". — Maeve Noonan
A stunning novel based on real people, but it transcends biography in dealing with the complex nature of love, sex and ambition. — Louise Jones
“Loosely based on Margaret Mead's time in Papua New Guinea, this engaging, insightful novel features three young anthropologists in the 1930s who studied the remote, primitive Sepik River tribes. Euphoria is about cutting-edge research and revolutionary ideas, but inevitably it is also about the complications within the scholars' relationships when societal norms are stripped away, and love, greed, jealousy, and control are left unfettered. Artfully narrated, alternating between first person and third person as well as journal entries, King's novel offers a unique view into these rich and complicated characters.”
— Katie McDougall, Parnassus Books, Nashville, TN
“Euphoria is a fascinating historical novel based on a complex woman. Science, culture, and nature collide. The beginnings of the study of anthropology were fraught with peril and make it a great jumping off point for discussion.”
— Valerie Koehler, Blue Willow Bookshop, Houston, TX
Praise for EUPHORIA
With Euphoria, Lily King gives us a searing and absolutely mesmerizing glimpse into 1930’s New Guinea, a world as savage and fascinating as Conrad’s Heart of Darkness, where obsessions rise to a feverish pitch, and three dangerously entangled anthropologists will never be the same again. Jaw-droppingly, heart-stoppingly beautiful. I loved this book.”Paula McLain, author of The Paris Wife