Cold Sassy Tree

2023 is sure off to an auspicious beginning. Cold Sassy Tree, by Olive Ann Burns, is another book that seems to be greatly loved that I simply liked. Set in 1906 in fictional Georgia, it's the story of a family in the town of  Cold Sassy told from the perspective of the young son, Will Tweedy. 

At the start of the story, Will Tweedy's grandmother has just died. His grandfather has announced he's getting remarried. Will Tweedy's mother and her sister are mortified. In 1906 Georgia, getting married 3 weeks after burying your first wife is scandalous. I guess it would be pretty scandalous today, too. What makes things worse in this case, though, are that Rucker Blakeslee new wife, Love Simpson, is closer in age to his daughters - and a Yankee, to boot!

This is a novel about death, acceptance, family, remarriage, religion, and societal norms. Will Tweedy is privvy to a lot of what goes on within the family making him a good choice as the narrator.

There were many things I didn't enjoy about the book. The story is being told by 22-year old Will Tweedy. Why we need to know this is never clarified. So why tell us? It's like what appears to be the foreshadowing in the novel isn't followed up. Several instances where foreshadowing would have been helpful are introduced abruptly.

Like Sister Carrie, I've enjoyed reading reviews of the novel. And look forward to my book club discussion. That's later this afternoon. I considered waiting until after the discussion to write my review, but I can always add to this later on. Word from other book club members is that they loved the book.