Imagine this: you're a young child (around six or seven), you've just gotten a really cool new hat and toy that you can't wait to show your dad who's coming home late that night because he has to go visit his father who might be dying. The next morning you wake up to find out that Daddy isn't coming home again... ever... because he died in a car accident the night before.
That's the premise of this story, and it was set in the early 1900's. Written in absolutely beautiful prose, James Agee has skillfully crafted a story that truly will last through the ages. He focuses so much on the emotions and human interactions during this awful trying time, that you notice very few discrepencies between this time period and the one the novel is set in. Sure there are a few people who still are using horses as transportation and the clothes are a little different, but in the big picture, this story is about any family who loses their father at a young age.
Reading the story I didn't know what was more heartrending, the portions told from the child's point of view or the mom's point of view. I can't imagine losing my father and never really knowing him as I grew up, but I also can't imagine losing my husband at the age of 36. Agee tells such a convincing story that your heart breaks for either person.
One of the most beautiful parts of the book is the mother's faith. Maybe it's just because I believe so strongly in a God and an afterlife, I could relate to her. She was absolutely trusting in God and even when everyone around her was losing their faith, she kept on believing and praying. And I have to say, it takes a lot of courage to tell your children that their Daddy is gone up to Heaven because God needed him. How do you tell that to them and expect them to continue to believe in God?
It's a quick read, so if you're looking for a good book definitely pick this up.
No comments:
Post a Comment