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4.14 AVERAGE
4.14 AVERAGE
I liked it a lot, it was nice to read about a sapphic relationship that took place in the historical south, and didn’t rely on labels as much, it was very much showing not telling. A con, though, was the gratuitous use of the n word by a white author. I know that it was supposed to take place in the south in the 20s-60s, but still is a bit iffy. Overall good, though.
emotional
funny
hopeful
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
It's giving white saviour, not too into it
A cherished read
So many vivid details captured in a story melding several generations and cultures together. I enjoyed the relational chemistry that developed between many characters from entirely different lifestyles and sides of the track.
Experiencing the story through the pages of the book was such a richer experience than seeing the movie. I felt that the movie followed the first half of the book almost verbatim. I was pleasantly surprised by the second half of the book which took a different direction in many way from the movie format.
So many vivid details captured in a story melding several generations and cultures together. I enjoyed the relational chemistry that developed between many characters from entirely different lifestyles and sides of the track.
Experiencing the story through the pages of the book was such a richer experience than seeing the movie. I felt that the movie followed the first half of the book almost verbatim. I was pleasantly surprised by the second half of the book which took a different direction in many way from the movie format.
Discovering this book over 20 years after it was written felt like getting a deep dive into a movie that I've loved since I was ten. The stories, while simple, are captivating. The description of the town and it's residents are so vivid that multiple times I found myself thinking I was reading a memoir and not a piece of fiction. Highly recommend!
emotional
hopeful
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
"You're just a bee charmer, Idgie Threadgoode. That's what you are. A bee charmer."
I can't think of a higher praise to give this novel other than I've read it more times than almost any other novel ever. Idgie is one of my favorite, if not my absolute favorite character of all time. It's so refreshing to read a historic lesbian romance novel where the main conflict isn't oppression from loved ones. (With the exception of Ruth's husband, of course.) I also can't say this for many novels that jump around with time periods, but I equally loved the story of Evelyn Couch, a woman dealing with menopause and a general midlife crisis.
I also just love the Southern FEEL of this novel. If I ever feel nostalgic for that hot Southern summer feeling, I read this book. If I had one slightly negative thing to say about this book, it's that is IS a historic novel set in Alabama, meaning racism is a topic that's discussed and so are the KKK. Certain depictions of black characters, while not nearly as horrifying as some other Southern novels (ie, Gone with the Wind), might put some readers off. (As a white person, it's sometimes hard for me to discern what's racist and what isn't, so I leave this up to the reader.)
I also say this to everybody, but if you are fairly close to Georgia, drive to the cafe. (Yes, it exists!) The fried green tomatoes are the best I've ever had and it's worth the day trip.
I can't think of a higher praise to give this novel other than I've read it more times than almost any other novel ever. Idgie is one of my favorite, if not my absolute favorite character of all time. It's so refreshing to read a historic lesbian romance novel where the main conflict isn't oppression from loved ones. (With the exception of Ruth's husband, of course.) I also can't say this for many novels that jump around with time periods, but I equally loved the story of Evelyn Couch, a woman dealing with menopause and a general midlife crisis.
I also just love the Southern FEEL of this novel. If I ever feel nostalgic for that hot Southern summer feeling, I read this book. If I had one slightly negative thing to say about this book, it's that is IS a historic novel set in Alabama, meaning racism is a topic that's discussed and so are the KKK. Certain depictions of black characters, while not nearly as horrifying as some other Southern novels (ie, Gone with the Wind), might put some readers off. (As a white person, it's sometimes hard for me to discern what's racist and what isn't, so I leave this up to the reader.)
I also say this to everybody, but if you are fairly close to Georgia, drive to the cafe. (Yes, it exists!) The fried green tomatoes are the best I've ever had and it's worth the day trip.
*4.5!
This book was pretty good! I really enjoyed the mystery aspects of it, and the back-and-forth between the past and present. Dual perspective stories are not always done well, but this one is! This book felt very small-towny and homey. It reminded me of a Southern version of books by William Kent Krueger (such as Ordinary Grace). It was pretty well-paced for the most part and provided a good story that kept the pages turning. The characters are unique, talkative, and well-developed with their own perspectives and ideas. I recommend this book if you have a special place in your heart for a small town. <3
This book was pretty good! I really enjoyed the mystery aspects of it, and the back-and-forth between the past and present. Dual perspective stories are not always done well, but this one is! This book felt very small-towny and homey. It reminded me of a Southern version of books by William Kent Krueger (such as Ordinary Grace). It was pretty well-paced for the most part and provided a good story that kept the pages turning. The characters are unique, talkative, and well-developed with their own perspectives and ideas. I recommend this book if you have a special place in your heart for a small town. <3