Tag: Family Saga

ECONOGAL > Family Saga

Whistler Book Review

Posted on by Econogal

Heartfelt

Whistler by Ann Patchett is a heartfelt read. The title is derived by a short story within the story of a horse returning to save his mistress from death. Thus, Patchett uses parallelism throughout the novel.

Daphne Fuller reunites with a long-lost stepfather after a lifetime. Eddie Triplett and Daphne share a bond that runs deep. The divorce and her mother’s remarriage to yet another stepfather created distance between mother and oldest child. Because Daphne could not forget her love for Eddie.  Nor did she understand her mom’s needs and fears. After all she was still a child. Whistler gives insight to the story behind the story.

Reunited

Daphne always believed it was her fault Eddie was cast out. After all, she was in the car when it slid off the hillside. But her mom’s fear for her safety was only a minor consideration. Back together again, Eddie reveals the truth behind the separation. Furthermore, he shares his regret. Would he do things differently if given another chance? And could he really ignore his true self?

And what would Daphne change? While she regrets never giving her next stepfather a chance, she is compassionate towards her half-brothers. More importantly, she was there for her biological father when he was going through chemo. Her memories of that are interspersed with the discovery of Eddie’s closeness with the man that came before him.

Parallels abound between Daphne and Eddie. Both are childless. Both have one true love. And both missed the other.

The future also plays a part in the restoration of the relationship between Daphne and Eddie. Will they finish the story of Whistler for publication?

Life’s Journey

The overarching theme of Whistler is the interconnection of life and death, and the decisions made along the path. The importance of family and close friends is part and parcel. Patchett illustrates connectivity through her secondary characters. All are closely intwined with the two leads. For Daphne, Leda is both best friend and sister. Jonathan is Daphne’s devoted husband.

Eddie has his confusing and conflicting yet undeniable ties to his college roommate along with the roommate’s wife of 50 years. Plus, his lost friendship to his ex-wife. Will they make amends? The novel packs surprises and questions about identities and how normal incidents can greatly impact us for the rest of our lives.

Recommendation for Whistler

Whistler contains a range of emotions as the pages turn. The ending allows the reader to imagine how life will continue for all the characters. Yet, the final pages are conclusive. Daphne and her family, including Eddie, weave a place in the reader’s heart.

Finally, the original Whistler earns his story. This is a don’t miss book.

The Recipe Box Book Review

Posted on by Econogal

Multiple recipe boxes on a kitchen counterSam Nelson is the protagonist in The Recipe Box, a novel by Viola Shipman. Shipman is the pen name (and grandmother) of Wade Rouse. The novel includes mouth-watering recipes. The recipes have been passed down to Nelson through the female line.

The novel opens in New York City. Sam Nelson is a pastry chef. However, the story quickly reverts back to her native Michigan. The Recipe Box revolves around a family owned orchard and pie pantry. Sam moved to New York to get away from the family business. And to follow her dreams.

There are many flashbacks in the novel. Each is a glimpse of the work and effort needed to make the business work. Throughout, the women in the family are shown as the backbone of the company. But Sam wanted something else.

However, an unscrupulous boss leads to an abrupt departure from New York for Sam. She is unsure of her future. So the Recipe Box focuses on her decisions. In addition to a career change, Sam faces a change in relationship status. Angelo Morelli, a Jersey boy, follows her to Michigan. He is determined to move things to the next level.

Recipe for Life

Some might see the novel similar to a coming of age book. But the book is a family saga. Sam is at a crossroads in life. She needs to find herself. The recipes and traditions passed down define the family. But do they represent Sam?

I love this book and plan to gift it to one of my daughters. The underlying philosophy holds true regardless of profession. Happiness comes from within. Outside factors may influence you but you are who you are.  The author shares wisdom with regard to self and relationships with others. But most of all, the importance of family is emphasized throughout.

This is a great summer beach book or a winter by the fire read. You will laugh and you will cry. If nothing else, buy the book for the delicious recipes! Furthermore, if you possess your grandmother’s recipe box (or boxes) like I do, pull a recipe out of the box and make it this week. Just like The Recipe Box infers, there is no greater tribute to those before us than to whip something up using a family recipe.