Though Zorrie appears to float through life, adjusting her course with a purposeful stroke or gentle kick, this novel explores strong undercurrents at play. She was orphaned by the diphtheria epidemic, cut loose by a stingy aunt, worked in a factory painting clock faces, and then returned to rural Indiana pulled by the sheer force of "home." Family and community intertwine to populate Zorrie's world. Her joys and sorrows are shared along with pickles and hot dishes.
While a fascinating portrait of rural America in the mid-20th century, it is the understated elegance—a gracefulness, really—of the writing that makes me want to start reading again from the beginning.
"When Harold noted that there was some nice curl of light to the afternoon air and suggested the two of them take a turn, Zorrie carefully folded her napkin and stood."
I started flagging other passages to share and quickly realized that I would be quoting most of the book! Do yourself a favor, and carve out time to savor this reflective novel.
As she looks back over her life, Zorrie reflects on her place in the world. She focuses on the everyday remembrances, a field trip with a special teacher cut short by a downpour; nights out with girlfriends after a day at the factory, faces painted with radium; and card games with neighbors in the evenings discussing classic literature.
Though Zorrie appears to float through life, adjusting her course with a purposeful stroke or gentle kick, this novel explores the strong undercurrents at play. She was orphaned by the diphtheria epidemic, cut loose by a stingy aunt, worked in a factory painting clock faces, and then returned to rural Indiana pulled by the sheer force of "home." Family and community intertwine to populate Zorrie's world. Her joys and sorrows are shared along with pickles and hot dishes.
While a fascinating portrait of rural America in the mid-1900s, it is the understated elegance -- a gracefulness, really -- of the writing that makes me want to start reading again at the beginning.
"When Harold noted that there was some nice curl of light to the afternoon air and suggested the two of them take a turn, Zorrie carefully folded her napkin and stood."
I started flagging other passages to share and quickly realized that I would be quoting most of the book! Do yourself a favor, and carve out time to savor this reflective novel.
Liza Bernard is a voracious reader who enjoys both printed volumes and audiobooks. Formerly co-owner of the Norwich Bookstore, she maintains her connections with readers and writers as the Programming and Marketing Librarian at the Norman Williams Public Library in Woodstock, Vermont.