I do enjoy reading Eudora Welty and Ponder Heart is her at an almost silly best. The characters can only exist in that southern town; even the PeacockI do enjoy reading Eudora Welty and Ponder Heart is her at an almost silly best. The characters can only exist in that southern town; even the Peacock family are strange in a completely different way and obviously from “away”. This is a book to be read not learned about second hand. How else can you understand Uncle Daniel’s trial, Edna Earle and the Beulah Hotel, the judge who might not be a lawyer, who went to the asylum and why, and on and on. Edna Earle is a Ponder (though not THE Ponder) and a wonderful narrator, especially since she knows everything and everyone in the area, including secrets and gossip.
You should pick up a copy of this short read and enjoy it’s sly but often outrageous humor and the sad/happy citizens of Clay, Mississippi....more
I don't read many westerns. In fact, my most recent have been the series written by Robert Parker. This book shows a more warts and all picture than PI don't read many westerns. In fact, my most recent have been the series written by Robert Parker. This book shows a more warts and all picture than Parker did. There are no heroes, only apparent grades of villains and victims. The Sisters brothers are renowned in their time and territory. Just say their name and folks will cower. But the brothers are not alike in their approach to their life and this book tells a story of everyday violence, thoughtful musings on a way out, hopes for love and a new life, plans for more casual and not so casual killing. Everything is mixed up in an existential stew for brother Eli. Brother Charlie is in no such stew.
The story flows well, is written well and continually brings in interesting pictures and characters of the time--the California gold rush. The time was rough, unformed and brutal and so were many of the people. Civilization had not yet caught up with them all.
Recommended--and not just for those who read westerns. I'd say for anyone who is not Western-averse....more
It was suggested that I read this prior to reading Connie Willis' To Say Nothing of the Dog. This is an amusing read. Some sections evoke out-loud chuIt was suggested that I read this prior to reading Connie Willis' To Say Nothing of the Dog. This is an amusing read. Some sections evoke out-loud chuckles even over 100 years after the original writing. This comedy of 3 men and a dog taking a river trip on the "sacred Thames", so-called, has lasted quite well. There are a few sections that seemed to labor but far more that hit their marks well. Now I will move on to Willis' book....more
This is a fun read, the story of an accidental spy. Mr Wormold (love that name) sells vacuum cleaners in Havana, not very successfully, until one day This is a fun read, the story of an accidental spy. Mr Wormold (love that name) sells vacuum cleaners in Havana, not very successfully, until one day he is recruited by a British agent to work for his country while living in that no longer romantic foreign outpost. To be a secret agent! Well--the story takes off from there with a cast of slightly crazy characters: Wormold's religiously manipulative daughter Milly, Captain Segura the head of the local police who has mastered torture, locals of varying nationalities, and multiple members of the spy community. (It is with considered purpose I do not use the term intelligence to describe that community.)
This is a great read that is timeless in it's message and story. Enjoy.
Edited this morning to reflect my decision that this is a 5 star book....more
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