THE WHIP is inspired by the true story of a woman, Charlotte “Charley" Parkhurst (1812-1879) who lived most of her extraordinary life as a man.
About Karen
Karen Kondazian is an award-winning actor, author, and producer with a celebrated career in film, television, and theater. She is especially known for portraying the women of Tennessee Williams, earning the Drama Critics Circle Award for "The Rose Tattoo." Her television work includes guest appearances on more than 50 shows. Kondazian is also a lifetime member of The Actors Studio. Her novel "The Whip" has received multiple honors, including awards for best historical fiction.
PRAISE for THE WHIP
Kondazian has written a novel about the old West that feels authentic in almost every sweaty detail…. Her background as an actress helps her to convincingly render Charlotte’s transformation.…An engaging and authentic depiction the California Gold Rush era.
—Kirkus Review
… in her fictional book “The Whip…” [Kondazian] humanizes a larger-than-life woman, who concealed her gender, embraced one of the most dangerous professions of the west and became the first woman to vote in the US. If you like stories about individuals who choose to chart their own destinies this is the book for you.
—California State Library
A gripping page-turner explores themes of self-identity, forgiveness, and survival, and captivates the reader from multiple perspectives.
—Advocate.com The Whip: Straddling Gender Roles in the Wild West Review by Nick Pachelli
The desire for vengeance knows no gender. The Whip is an old western novel inspired by the story of Charlotte 'Charley' Parkhurst', a woman living as man in the old west.. Kondazian brings forth a narrative flare to the story, making for a fun read that should prove all too difficult to put down…
—Midwest Book Review
You won't know what The Whip means until you read this fascinating book. It's a piece of the Old West, a part of America's past, told with amazing authenticity.
—Thomas Fleming, New York Times best-selling author of Conquerors of the Sky
Like a nugget of gold pulled from the riffles… The Whip. . . maybe a book for the times. . . . We can all use a little cowboy wisdom about now and Charley Parkhurst may just be the gal to bring it. . . . a thrilling and soul-searching read…
—Art Kusnetz, San Francisco Books and Travel Magazine
Karen Kondazian, the Actress
Kondazian completed her education at the University of Vienna and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts before beginning her acting career in New York. Her award-winning stage performances include "The Rose Tattoo," which earned her the 1978 Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Actress, "Sweet Bird of Youth" (with Ed Harris), Vieux Carré" (with Ray Stricklyn), and her portrayal of Maria Callas in "Master Class," for which she received an Ovation Award nomination. Her stage success led to an extensive television and film career, including a recurring starring role on CBS’s "Shannon," as well as appearances in "James Dean" (with James Franco), "Yes, Giorgio" (with Luciano Pavarotti), and "Showdown at OK Corral."
A World Traveler, Karen’s adventures
have taken her around the world…
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