Nitty Gritty
Published by: Dial Press Trade Paperback
Published date: April 30th, 2002
Pages: 320
Genres: Fiction, Chic Lit, American>Southern
In the lush North Carolina foothills, the Moon women have put down roots: matriarch Marvelle Moon, who’s losing her grip on the world after more than eighty years of life; her daughters, Ruth Ann and Cassandra; and Ruth Ann’s nineteen-year-old daughter, Ashley, fresh out of rehab, unmarried, and three months pregnant. Despite Ruth Ann’s best efforts to live a life that’s all her own, her family is coming together around her. Marvelle and Ashley need a place to live and Ruth Ann is unable to turn them away; and her womanizing ex-husband has been coming around again, dredging up the past. Now a flurry of outbursts, emotions, and outrages is shattering Ruth Ann’s separate peace.
For here is Ashley, who has spent nineteen years running furiously away from home, now finding herself on a strange journey with her unraveling grandmother. And here is Cassandra, protected by layers of obesity and loneliness, wondering how to put the magic back in her life. And Marvelle, slowly losing touch with reality, privately contemplating the story of her life and the secret that would change everything for everyone—if they only knew.... By turns fierce and tender, harrowing and heartbreaking, Moon Women resonates with emotional power, holding us captive under its beguiling spell.
For here is Ashley, who has spent nineteen years running furiously away from home, now finding herself on a strange journey with her unraveling grandmother. And here is Cassandra, protected by layers of obesity and loneliness, wondering how to put the magic back in her life. And Marvelle, slowly losing touch with reality, privately contemplating the story of her life and the secret that would change everything for everyone—if they only knew.... By turns fierce and tender, harrowing and heartbreaking, Moon Women resonates with emotional power, holding us captive under its beguiling spell.
Last Saturday I visited the Dallas Library branch downtown for the first time. As I was wondering around the Fiction section I came across this book. The title caught my attention first, although I thought the book was going to be about something else entirely the Wilson-Phillips esque cover art got me.
This is a story of three generations. The location, North Carolina, is a very predominate character
in the story. I honestly don't know if I would have liked it as much as I did if it was set in any other state, the attitude is perfection. Each woman is in a different stage of there lives, giving every age group a chance to connect no matter how old you are. And even if you aren't 80 years old I'm sure you know someone who is or has been affected by dementia and it's always comforting to hear about someone else's experiences with that real or not.
This isn't a perfect family, nor do they try to be, it's refreshing. I am amazed at how perfectly imperfect each character is. The women aren't always right but they are loving and they are honest. This is a great weekend read. Something light but emotionally connecting.
The writing of this story sometimes leaves you lost. There were a few times I had to go back and reread to see if I had missed something. I feel like maybe it was supposed to be assumed by the author but it was too steep of a leap for you to automatically make that connection.
The ending is soft and answers the questions you might be wondering. I almost could take a second book about Cassandra. I think should have had a bit more time in the spotlight with the amount of focus that was given to her at the end. I also think it's a great point of view for women of today. She doesn't have a husband or kids but a place of her own and she's finding her way even if she's 40. I would have liked to have seen her end with someone or something.
All in all, I enjoyed this read. Like I said it's light but you will feel some strings pulled, enough to keep you engaged.
The writing of this story sometimes leaves you lost. There were a few times I had to go back and reread to see if I had missed something. I feel like maybe it was supposed to be assumed by the author but it was too steep of a leap for you to automatically make that connection.
The ending is soft and answers the questions you might be wondering. I almost could take a second book about Cassandra. I think should have had a bit more time in the spotlight with the amount of focus that was given to her at the end. I also think it's a great point of view for women of today. She doesn't have a husband or kids but a place of her own and she's finding her way even if she's 40. I would have liked to have seen her end with someone or something.
All in all, I enjoyed this read. Like I said it's light but you will feel some strings pulled, enough to keep you engaged.
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