Reviews

Ann Petry only published 3 novels and a set of short stories and they are all classics. Country Place is set in a small shoreline community in Connecticut at the close of World War II. Johnny Roane has returned home from fighting, looking forward to seeing his wife and seeing if the town has changed. As soon as he arrives, he realizes that the town has not been frozen in time while he has been gone. And maybe his wife, Glory has not been sitting home waiting for his to come back Ann Petry writes her characters so well, that even though they are types, they feel realistic and not like caricatures. Her themes of class and money are featured, less so racial issues. Looking forward to discussing with a book group and them becoming a Petry completist.

lulureads365's review

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4.0

This novel! I feel like this was a precursor to American Soap Operas! Ohhh the drama! Set in a small town in CT, the story picks up when Johnny returns home from WW2, only to find his wife Gloria has not been faithful to him. We are introduced to a lot of the towns people with my favorite being Weasel. He’s the town gossip and doesn’t mind spreading the news!

The novel was beautifully written and was quite different from her first novel The Street. Another thing that surprised me was that Ann Petry (being black) gave us a predominantly white cast of characters in this book. I really enjoyed this book and I think it would be great as a book club selection.

passionyoungwrites's review

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adventurous funny mysterious relaxing fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I’m such a short read, there is plenty happening. Gloria Roane has her eyes on another man. Johnnie really doesn’t want to stay in Lennox. Mrs. Gramby (wealthiest woman in town) is getting older but still realizing that her son married the wrong woman. The Weasel, the taxi driver, knows everybody’s business. Lil Gramby - Mearn Gramby’s wife and Gloria’s mother has secrets and her eyes on her husband’s family fortune. Ed Barnell, the gas station man, has a reputation of having multiple women. And then there’s Mr. Fraiser the drugstore owner and also the narrator of this story.

🌲

This story depicts every angle of American life. From Marriage to divorce, cheating spouses, relocation, and even lies and deception. The craziest thing is that people often will do whatever they need to in order to protect their reputation. That even includes being silent about situations that bother them the most.

The saddest thing is that in little country towns, the availability of partners is slim, and there really aren’t any secrets because someone is always watching. Here in Lennox, Connecticut that person would be The Weasel.