Reviews

Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flagg

frogglin's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

The last time I read this I was probably about 20, and Evelyn's struggles with being in her 40s seemed a long way off. I definitely related more this time around as I'm about her age.

The jumping timeline can be confusing at times, but overall the past and "present" (late 1980s when the book was written) are clearly defined. The stark contrast of a nursing home compared to the warm community of Whistle Stop works well, and the sprawling cast of characters each bring their own flavour to the story.

It's a story that swings between gentle moments of community and tenderness and heart breaking  horrors of racism and violence. 

It's a shame the movie toned down the deep relationship between Idgie and Ruth, which is simply a marriage that never causes an issue or problem in the town. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Racism and Racial slurs

Moderate: Death and Domestic abuse

Minor: Terminal illness, Murder, Alcoholism, Child death, Grief, and Violence

ilonaiva's review against another edition

emotional funny informative medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

4.25

copper__clouds's review

Racist treatment of black characters, and trivialisation of the true violence + impact of the KKK.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Racism

malsbookmark's review

Started a re-read, but bad timing. Will come back. 

nastygerbil's review

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

marisatn's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

Yikes. Sometimes a favorite book should stay in the past as a treasured memory. I LOOOVED this book in the 90’s and 2000’s. One of my favorites. Just re-read it and wow. It’s so problematic! Racist, colorist, very one dimensional non-white characters….I don’t know how I missed all this as a late teen/ early 20-something, but I surely did. I guess it’s good to know I’ve come a long way in the last 20+ years? Really regretting choosing this one for book club, but it will lend itself to some interesting conversations, I hope. 

rosanna17's review

fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

 I loved the book.  It was a nice escape to (what I feel) every type of living everyone wishes to have.  Simple and surrounded by love and kindness. Definitely recommend if you are looking for a getaway to a small town.

I can't wait to watch the movie again since it has been years.

ntruslow's review

funny lighthearted mysterious relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

lib_23's review

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

chirpy_frog345's review

emotional lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0