Curl up on the sofa, with a cuppa and this book-- time well spent (The Future Homemakers of America - Laurie Graham)

Member Name: Trishajs

Product:	The Future Homemakers of America - Laurie Graham
Date:	31/10/09 (38 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great writing from cover to cover

Disadvantages: It wasn't the comedy it was made out to be

About to set out on a train journey, I popped into a book shop to pick a light read both for the journey and for bedtime reading while I was away.

I opted for "The Future Homemakers of America" by an author unknown to me - Laurie Graham, because the quotes on the cover told me that it was "laugh out loud funny" ......." a wonderful moving comedy".

Now I read thru the 375 pages and I cannot recall laughing out loud once, I am not even sure I laughed inwardly very often. So if you are looking for a belly laugh from cover to cover, despite it's reviews, I do not think this is the book to buy. But if you are looking for a great story about life, well written with insight and craft- then this is one to put on your reading list.

The story is based around five American wifes, based with their husbands on a Norfolk Airbase during the second world war. Their lives are mainly on the base, their interaction with each other, the only British friend they make is Kath.

Their lives in Norfolk, inevitably come to an end as time passes and they go their separate ways. But how will life continue for the five Americans? their lives have been so similar, their connections so strong, but as they separate, will they remain close?, how will their new lives compare? Will the bond of friendship that had run so deep, remain strong or be worn away by the miles and differing lifestyles that now divide them?

How will getting a glimpse of another life change the life of Kath, will she be living a life that would not have been hers had she not met them?
Will she ever see them again, the USA seemed a million miles away in the fifties.

The chapters in this book are small - 105 in all - so it was very very tempting to just read one more and then maybe just another one.

The author places her characters in the real world and that adds to the interest, that you can place the characters in time, I found an added interest.

This is a story about life, how life happens to people, how life doesn't turn out the way we would envisage. How time passes, when you are not looking.

You meet six young friends, then you come to know the people they share their lives with, including husbands, children, and finally grandchildren.

A great book about life, a very absorbing read.


BONUS
When food or drink items are referred to in the text-there are in some cases recipes added at the end of the chapter- I always wondered what went into Mint julep- now I know.

Summary: Life really does change over time- are you noticing?