The Book: Charms for the Easy Life, by Kaye Gibbons
The Story: This is a simple story of three generations of women living in the south during World War II. Charlie Kate, the grandma, is a midwife and is this old lady that is dead set in her ways. She wears what she wants, does what she wants and says what she wants to whoever is around to hear it. She’s gutsy and courageous and maybe a little bit crazy. Her daughter, Margaret is quiet and shy but totally brilliant. The story is told from the point of view of Charlie Kate’s granddaughter Sophia. She really looks up to her grandmother and is trying to grow into those big shoes.
What I Thought: I read Ellen Foster by Kaye Gibbons. It was kind of popular for awhile, chosen by Oprah’s book club, yadda yadda… and I didn’t really love it. This one came to me from my mom, so I read it, but honestly I went into it just hoping that it was a quick read. It was a quick read, but it really was so much more than that.
This is character-driven for sure. The plot is pretty light and it really does just kind of hop around. To be honest, I read it a few weeks ago and I can’t exactly remember what the main plot line was…. but oh my word can I remember the characters. Charlie Kate (the grandma) is spunky and wonderful and fun… but also way, way serious. She gives Sophia great advice and talks her through all these big coming-of-age parts of her life.
Just watching the relationships between these women was pretty wonderful. The novel took place during WWII, so there was a lot about rations and just making it from day to day. Charlie Kate is pretty much an old pro at this and really helps her daughter and granddaughter. She teaches them not only to get by but to embrace every little thing. I found myself laughing out loud at several parts and stopping to read parts to my husband. It was that good.
The writing is clean and polished and flows perfectly. I would pick up another book by her without thinking twice.
Conclusion: A fun, sweet little book that is, without a doubt, worth the evening it will take you to read it.