Well this weekend we get to escape our northern climate to visit my parents in Southern California, so that should be a nice warm break. So excited, woohoo, feel like we paid our dues. There’s a bit of snow here on the ground, which makes it seem like we went from summer directly into winter, though leaves are still on the trees or falling to the ground, mixing with the snow, which is confusing. But apparently fall and milder temps are forecasted to make an appearance next week, so hold on to your hat.
Meanwhile the book festival is going on here — sadly I’m going to miss most of it — but I was able to meet Canadian author Esi Edugyan this week, who spoke about her new novel “Washington Black.” She signed a copy for me and I’m stoked to read it. The novel sounds like it begins as a historical, slave narrative and turns into a tale of adventure and scientific exploration. Wow, it’s receiving some high praise and has made the shortlist for both the Man Booker Prize and Canada’s Giller Prize. I can’t help but think it’s going to win the Giller, which will be announced in mid-November. So I hope to read it before then. Meanwhile, I’ll leave you with a few reviews of what I finished lately.
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens / 384 pages / Putnam / 2018
For the most part I enjoyed and admired much of this debut novel about a young abandoned girl (named Kya) surviving on her own in a shack at the edge of the coastal marsh in North Carolina. Her mom skips town, then her siblings trail off and eventually her drunk, abusive dad. To locals, she’s known as the Marsh Girl, for living amid the wild landscape. Much of the story is about her isolation and how it influences her behavior over the decades.
To me, something about the story had a sort of “To Kill a Mockingbird” feel to it — perhaps because it’s set in a rural Southern landscape and is a coming of age tale of a young girl in the 1950s and ’60s that also has a murder mystery and a court case to it. Her lawyer Tom reminded me a bit too of an Atticus /Gregory Peck-like figure in “To Kill a Mockingbird” — as the girl becomes the prime suspect in the death of the town’s star quarterback after he is found deceased in the marsh.
“Where the Crawdads Sing” is an easy, quick read, which follows Kya’s romantic relationships with two boys over the years and her friendship with an African American couple that sells her gas for her little boat and befriends her. The story is often beautiful in its renderings of its coastal marsh setting and Kya’s life. The author, who was previously known for her nature writings about Africa, grew up in Georgia and North Carolina, which obviously runs in her blood, judging from her vivid descriptions of the plant and wildlife in the novel.
Although some parts of the story seemed a bit of a stretch in believability — of a 6-year-old (at the beginning) surviving in the wilds without much food… not going to school etc., I went with it. Though by the very end I sort of thought the story went a bit too far — too nicely tied up or sweet or too much about poor Kya’s aloneness, but still I liked much of the world it created and I fell into its storytelling easily and quickly. All in all, it was a debut that swept me up pretty willingly.
Varina by Charles Frazier / 368 pages / Ecco / 2018
This historical novel pleasantly surprised me in consuming me with its story about the real life of Varina Howell Davis, the First Lady of the Confederacy. Little did I know that her story would be such a tale, especially in the hands of author Charles Frazier, who returns to the subject of the American Civil War some 20 years after writing his prize-winning book “Cold Mountain.” Wow I should have known it would be good.
Apparently in marrying a Mississippi landowner and widower twice her age, Varina Howell thought she would be living a quiet, secure life on a cotton plantation having children. But when her husband Jefferson Davis, a war hero from the Mexico War, ends up pursuing politics, her life takes a much different turn …. eventually putting her in the center of one of the darkest moments in American history when he becomes president of the Confederacy and the nation splits in two. Uh-oh.
The story unfolds as Varina is looking back on her life in 1906 and recounting it in episodes to a freed slave who she once rescued from the streets of Richmond to live with their family. Unlike her husband, Varina had mixed feelings about slavery and the War, and even projected its failure, though looking back, she acknowledges her guilt and complicity, believing that “being on the wrong side of history carries consequences.”
The novel jumps back and forth in time amid her life but what particularly riveted me was Varina’s flight out of Richmond with her six children and a few aides in tow as the South is about to collapse. They escape by railway and then in an ambulance wagon and on horses heading south as fugitives trying to make it to Florida and then escape to Cuba. Danger seems to lurk everywhere as they journey for weeks with a bounty on their heads. They run into a few survivors paranoid after the Union’s scorched-earth tactics and with people resorting to barbarism. It’s a dicey time (slightly reminiscent of Inman’s journey home in “Cold Mountain”) and you know their prospects aren’t going to turn out well from history, but you’ll want to stay tuned to Varina’s life in the aftermath of the war.
It surprised me her strength and longevity and what she ultimately learns over the course of her 80 years — among other things: that the right side of the War won. Varina stood by her husband after he was arrested but also spent little more than half of their 45 year marriage with him. Their marriage was a challenging one, and five of their six children died before Varina passed away in 1906. Oh it was hard and there was a lot to mourn, grieve, and feel guilty about. Late in life, after her husband’s death, she earned her living writing for publications in her adopted hometown of New York City, where she was friends with General Grant’s wife, Julia, and knew such figures as Oscar Wilde and Booker T. Washington.
Varina’s was a tragic and complex life that seemingly came a long ways. Apparently she was quite educated and well read, could read Greek, though she grew up in Mississippi where her husband’s family owned slaves. Many of them seemed like close family to her, but she never in the book absolves herself from the complicity of being on the side of the Southern states during the War.
I found Varina fascinating — flawed but sympathetic too. In the retellings of her life story, the novel reflects on the institution of slavery and her marriage to a man who comes off — as one reviewer put it — as a “delusional egotist whose skewed sense of honor cost countless lives.” It’s a book that’s well done, thoughtful, and in various ways beautifully written. Although it’s not a quick read and shifts around a bit unevenly, I think it’ll be one of my favorites of the year … as it enlightened me and piqued my interest to a great extent. I first listened to the audiobook of it, which is excellent, and then when it expired too soon, I read the novel from the beginning. I guess that’s when you know a book is excellent.
Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn / audiobook / pub date 2006
Yes I finally got to this debut crime novel by the author of “Gone Girl,” which was turned into a eight-part TV miniseries this past July starring Amy Adams and Patricia Clarkson among others. I listened to the novel as an audiobook, which worked well and kept my interest for most of the novel. You probably know the story is about a reporter named Camille Preaker who returns to her small town in Missouri to cover the brutal murders of two young girls. Along the way she must unravel secrets about her own past — and those of her family’s — to get to the bottom of the story and survive her homecoming.
What started out to me as a fairly interesting crime mystery with a flawed protagonist — sort of dissolved into an improbable soupy mess by the very end. I’m not sure I believed all of the whodunit, or that the extra plot twist made much sense to me. It was over the top, but then again that was the craziness of “Gone Girl” too. I watched one episode of the miniseries, but I’m not sure I want to continue to fathom actress Patricia Clarkson as the creepy Mother. After all, she was the nice lady in the 2003 movie “The Station Agent.”
Last but not least, I can report that I saw the movie “A Star Is Born” over the weekend. And for sure, it’s got some entertaining and powerful musical performances in it. Lady Gaga as a singer named Ally puts her voice to the test in impressive fashion, and Bradley Cooper, as an aging musician, is none too shabby either. One could probably lose track of time just looking into his eyes and shaggy face.
Yet despite all that — my husband and I found the script a bit waning or weak and dated: and perhaps the paternalistic story a bit ill-timed. Maybe because of all the hype and critical praise, I was expecting the movie to be Unreal fantastic (movie of the year kind of stuff), and when it was just okay enjoyable, it seemed a bit less. For those who had similar reactions, you might like some of what reporter Libby Hill had to say in her Los Angeles Times article “A Star Is Born Dims in the Shadow of Kavanaugh Confirmation,” which I thought made some good points.
Still “A Star Is Born” is an entertaining movie (though a bit dark too), but maybe just temper your expectations.
That’s all for now. What about you — have you seen this movie or read any of these novels — and if so, what did you think?
Oh, I am so glad that Varina turned out to be so good! I must get to it soon. And I also want to read Washington Black because I loved her first novel so much. How cool that you got to see her at the Festival. I had to laugh at your review of Sharp Objects. We read it in one of my book clubs and did not like it much at all. No miniseries for me.
So I will see A Star is Born but I will wait for the DVD. I believe your analysis and how could a remake ever stand up to Streisand and Kristofferson for an oldster like myself? Ha Ha.
Yeah Judy, it’s okay sticking with the Streisand & Kristofferson version. Sometimes there’s no reason for a remake – as far as I can tell. I think I’m bringing the Alice Network and then Washington Black on my trip to Calif. Should be good stuff. I think you’ll like the Varina book if you like Frazier’s writing.
I’m anxious to read Where the Crawdads Sing but might skip Varina since I didn’t love Cold Mountain. I hope to see A Star is Born just to hear Lady Gaga sing.
Hi Kathy, I think you’d like the Crawdads novel, especially since you live in the Carolinas. And you’ll probably also like A Star Is Born because Lady Gaga can really belt out her songs. I’m glad I saw it.
I’m intrigued by how much you liked Varina. It was a book I haven’t even considered because I seriously disliked Cold Mountain. I’m still reluctant, but your endorsement counts seriously in its favor.
I’m with you on A Star is Born (I thought Lady Gaga was great), and the audio of Sharp Objects. I enjoyed it overall, but it was definitely over the top.
Have fun in sunny So Cal!
Thanks Susie, I’m so excited about going to Calif.! I agree Lady Gaga can really belt out her songs, that part was great. It’s probably okay for you to pass on Varina as my liking it might just be me. I’ve been into historical fiction lately from the 1900s, and I’m sure that’s not everyone’s cup of tea. If you didn’t like Cold Mountain, it is doubtful you’d like this one. Enjoy your week.
Hi Susan – you peaked my interest with Varina – sounds like a great read. Looking forward to seeing A Star is Born. I heard I should bring tissues! Enjoy the California sunshine & warmth.
Viv
Hi V, thanks for checking in. How is your fall? Nice on the beach? We’re excited for a week in California, thank the heavens! I think you’ll like A Star Is Born as the music parts are quite good. Say hi to Lola. 🙂
Varina sounds fascinating. I had never heard of Varina Howell Davis before but it sounds like her life is worth knowing about. I would probably want to read some nonfiction about her before I read this book.
Have a great trip!
Thanks Brian, I didn’t know about Varina Davis before this either, but apparently she finished Jefferson Davis’s autobiography and had quite a life. I think there are a couple nonfiction books about her. Being on the wrong side of history is quite a fascinating angle of this novel. It made me interested in the Civil War again. Enjoy your week.
I’m not particularly excited about any of those books… strange! Hope you enjoy your time in California.. seems early for snow, but we have it in the forecast next week.
It’s okay JoAnn to pass on these, not for everyone. I’ve recently been getting into historical fiction about the 1900s (first the Custers, now the Davises); both books opened those eras for me. I’m hoping by next week our snow here might be gone. I hope your fall there hangs on for longer!
You haven’t paid your ill-weather dues, Susan; it’s not winter yet. Have a fun trip to So Cal, and may it be a sunny and warm one.
I bought Varina a few months back, but then Warlight and The Overstory made waves and chose those to read instead. I also bought A Shout in the Ruins by Kevin Powers, which I started to read and was liking it just fine, but put it aside to read something else. Varina and A Shout… are pending now, and I desperately want to read Washington Black, particularly after all the rave reviews and the Amazon’s Editor’s Pick that it got. So many books have been good this year…Two bloggers I follow, you are the third now, have loved Where the Crawdads Sing. The vivid nature sure intrigues me.
I didn’t read Gone Girl, or anything by Gillian Flynn, but seeing the amazing cast for the miniseries I wanted to watch it. You saying that its plot twists are over-the-top gives me pause. I’ve read intriguing reviews of A Sar is Born. One seems to agree with your impression that the script is not that strong, but Lady Gaga sure can sing! I feel like going to the cinema to write in real-time about the shiny, new releases coming our way, but I still have so many movies from this year to watch. And I already have three strong movies (not superhero ones) from this year’s crop as favorites. I’ll be writing about them soon.
Have a good trip. 🙂
Wow, I wrote an article! I hope you don’t mind. 😮 😉
I always like your comments Carmen, thanks. I don’t know if you’ll like the Gillian Flynn miniseries or not. It’s sort of grim or brutal, the book is a bit. We only watched one of the TV episodes and not sure we need to see more, despite the good cast. Interesting to hear you bought Varina / some parts of it are more accessible than other parts, but I enjoyed the history of it, which I hadn’t known much about before.
And I look forward to seeing your upcoming movie reviews.
Excellent review of Varina—it’s on my list for November. I loved Cold Mountain, and it sounds like Charles Fraser mines some of the material again for Varina. I think the subject is fascinating—a southern wife of a rebel politician is an interesting perspective.
Hey thanks Jane. Nice to find someone who also liked Cold Mountain. It’s been a long time ago since I read that — but I sort of thought I liked Varina better. I’ll be interested to hear if you liked it once you get to it. I was fascinated to know the history behind it.
Now I want to read the books you’ve reviewed and see the movie. Gosh. I need more hours of the day. Snow? So soon?
Hi Anne, thanks. We had a big snow in early October but thankfully it warmed up again — and things have melted. Great to have fall back!
I really liked Crawdads — but I know what you mean about some parts of the plot. I just went with it. I haven’t gotten to the Frazier yet, but LOVED the book Cold Mountain (the movie was fine, but the book was so much better). I had mixed feelings about the earlier A Star Is Born movies, so haven’t rushed out to see the new one.
Hi Beth : thanks for stopping by! Yeah I just went with the Crawdads story b/c I was enjoying it. If you liked Cold Mountain, then I think you’ll like Varina. They are similar in some aspects. I can understand what you feel about A Star Is Born — same-ish script 4 times so that part felt a bit weak to me but worth the musical performances perhaps.
I did see A Star is Born and I really enjoyed it, but I can see how others might feel lukewarm. I was swept away in the emotions of it all, and the performances. And the music! Especially the energy of the first half. Maybe I also just needed an excuse to cry in public, LOL. Seemed like everyone else in the theater did too. But I did think that her turn towards the “pop” with the dancers and insipid lyrics was kind of odd.
Hi Laila, Glad you left your thoughts on A Star Is Born. Yeah I agree I liked the “folk” beginning part of her music, then her character went totally pop which I agree was sort of odd. The first half of the movie was less of a downer than the second half. Still I enjoyed it well enough for the performances. Glad you liked it.
I just finished Crawdads… and thought it was very good (no review yet), glad you enjoyed it as well.
Hi Diane, Glad you liked Crawdads too. Good to hear I’m not in left field about it. The story swept me along and the reading was easy. I’ll look to see what you say about it.
Both of us though of To Kill a Mockingbird when we read Where Crawdads Sing. That must mean it is true. Thanks for this and for visiting my blog.