I've never read Fannie Flagg's work before, although I did see the movie "Fried Green Tomatoes" years ago. Although Flagg's work is popular, I really wasn't sure I wanted to read anything she wrote. Frankly, I found parts of the movie somewhat disturbing. But I thought I'd give her a chance recently, and I am glad I did.
I had many preconceived notions about what I could expect from the novel, most of which were incorrect. I thought the locale would be southern small town, and the tone warm and folksy. While the story opens with a flashback to a small (Missouri) town, which is decidedly folksy (hilariously so, I might add), much of the action takes place in the more modern, fast paced New York media world.
The protagonist is a young woman working her way up the cutthroat ladder of television news. As she begins to experience more success, she also is under much more stress, which takes its toll on her mental and physical health. At the same time, she is haunted by the traumas and mysteries of her past, which unfold in a series of flashbacks. Her only family, back in the small town of her childhood, wish to smother her with the unconditional love and support she seems unwilling to accept, but she finally finds herself needing to lean on them. As the secrets of her past are revealed her life changes in ways she cannot foresee.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were genuine, the plot compelling, and the settings richly detailed. The story was believable and full of unexpected twists, and resolved happily. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Flagg's work, and will try to be more careful not to prejudge in the future!
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