Read October 2021 - Zoom Reading Circle
This was our second novel under the theme of 'Southern Fiction' and while it was quite enjoyable, it also had a male character who caused so much pain and sorrow... that recurring theme in this book and also Call Your Daughter Home made for a heavy month of reading in some ways. However, this book also had strong female characters that you just couldn't help but root for. The premise of the story is the arrival of a houseguest, Layla Beck, into the home of 12 year old Willa Romeyn and her family. Layla is the spoiled daughter of a US Senator who has come to the small West Virginia mill town of Macedonia as part of the New Deal Federal Writer's Project to record the history of the town. Her arrival, and quest for a story, stirs up many secrets in the Romeyn family and the community of Macedonia. The author, Annie Barrows, was also co-author with her aunt of the book The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, which I loved!
Quotes from the book...
Why, I can be more ladylike than anyone, as long as I can keep myself from saying the first thing that pops into my mind.
To be clever in a town like Macedonia is something of a social hazard.
I've learned that history is the autobiography of the historian, that ignoring the past is the act of a fool, and that loyalty does not mean falling into line, but stepping out of it for the people you love.
It was forgiveness, but it sounded like good-bye, too.
The Truth About 1938 - from Annie Barrows website
This book definitely made me want to know more about the WPA and Federal Writer's Project.
Soul of a People: Writing America's Story
In case you are interested, here is a link to The American Guide Series by the WPA Federal Writer's Project. You can search alphabetically for all cities and states.
I also found this New York Times opinion article fascinating - making the case for a new WPA Federal Writer's Project today.
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