My neighbor Sandy Petersen mentioned at book club that she had read this, and I expressed an interest in it. The next thing I knew, she brought it over. It's a signed copy by Ann Patchett herself, which Sandy got on her recent trip to Nashville. So of course I've had to be very careful with it!
I didn't intend to read it right away, but after perusing the first few sentences, I was hooked. I really like Patchett's gentle style, and very engaging milieu. It definitely called to me and I was so curious about how the story would unfold.
Daphne Fuller unexpectedly meets her former stepfather on a museum trip with her husband. Eddie Triplett left her life when she was nine years old, but their bond was strong. She feels such love and admiration from him, that she wants to reconnect and they forge another strong bond. The story is full of reminiscing, and unfinished stories. I wanted to know how they would all unfold. The dialogue is witty and smile-inducing as well as poignant. Eddie is a delightful person who seems to light up the lives of everyone around him. Daphne is still his favorite person, and his love for her gives her new energy and purpose.
Daphne's relationship with her sister is one that I also enjoyed, as they shared such intimacy and comfortable closeness. As they navigate their relationship with their mother, it's an interesting story too. There is pain, and disappointment, but there is also beautiful forgiveness and acceptance. I just enjoyed and savored the entire story.
It was also revealing that when secrets are kept, fractured families result... Failure to accept reality and to live less than honestly has definite tradeoffs. These were interesting to think about...
