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A review by frogglin
Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flagg
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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? It's complicated
4.0
The last time I read this I was probably about 20, and Evelyn's struggles with being in her 40s seemed a long way off. I definitely related more this time around as I'm about her age.
The jumping timeline can be confusing at times, but overall the past and "present" (late 1980s when the book was written) are clearly defined. The stark contrast of a nursing home compared to the warm community of Whistle Stop works well, and the sprawling cast of characters each bring their own flavour to the story.
It's a story that swings between gentle moments of community and tenderness and heart breaking horrors of racism and violence.
It's a shame the movie toned down the deep relationship between Idgie and Ruth, which is simply a marriage that never causes an issue or problem in the town.
The jumping timeline can be confusing at times, but overall the past and "present" (late 1980s when the book was written) are clearly defined. The stark contrast of a nursing home compared to the warm community of Whistle Stop works well, and the sprawling cast of characters each bring their own flavour to the story.
It's a story that swings between gentle moments of community and tenderness and heart breaking horrors of racism and violence.
It's a shame the movie toned down the deep relationship between Idgie and Ruth, which is simply a marriage that never causes an issue or problem in the town.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs and Racism
Moderate: Death and Domestic abuse
Minor: Alcoholism, Child death, Terminal illness, Violence, Grief, and Murder