By Ann Hood
This easy-to-read novel captured my interest from many perspectives: both of the two characters (Vivien Lowe of Napa, CA, writing in 1922 and Claire of northern Virginia, on the eve of JFK's victory) live in interesting times. Claire admires glamorous Jackie Kennedy, and wrestles over whether to stay in a loveless marriage or leave her husband for a man she loves. The 60s era story cites many familiar products (Aqua Net, spray-on cheese, TWA, the Shirelles, etc) and much of the story is set in Providence. Vivien still grieves over the man she lost in the San Francisco earthquake of 1906. Ann Hood nicely weaves the stories together, although I wish there were a bit more narrative detailing how Vivien and Sebastian ended up in RI. Both women are sympathetic, if not not admirable.
No comments:
Post a Comment