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callienicole's review against another edition
4.0
3.5/5 stars.
This book is the story of a boy named Will, and his coming of age in a Southern town at the turn of the 20th century. It opens with his grandmother dying and his grandfather getting married again three weeks later to one of his store employees - and all the motives behind that event on both sides. The story is narrated by Will, and I listened to the audio of this book, which I thought really brought it alive! I don't think I would have enjoyed it as much in another format.
Language: Uses of the Lord's name in vain, some minor cussing. One of the characters uses the "N" word.
Religion: Let's just say that I wouldn't say Will's grandfather had sound theology, and there were a lot of theological monologues in this book. Some I could agree with, but some were mixed with bad theology or ideas that weren't biblical, so just be aware.
Sexual Content: Discussion of how Mr. Blakesly's new wife is really just a wife-in-name-only that keeps house for him and sleeps in the next room. Some scenes with passionate kissing that is described by Will. Will has a crush on and lusts after his grandfather's new wife when she is just a "housekeeper" in his mind. Some descriptions of Will eyeing women relative's breasts when their shirts gapped or they were getting ready to nurse a baby (maybe that is really how teenage boys think, I don't know, I didn't care to read about it though). Will kisses a girl rather intensely. Some descriptions of Will peeking in on husband and wife lounging together and seeing his grandfather's hand in certain, ahem, areas. We find out one character has a past involving rape, and she tells of what happened to her. That is lot when I type it all out, but it didn't seem excessive while I was listening, maybe because of the way it was described from a young teenage boy's inexperienced point of view. Still, some of it got to be a bit much.
Other: One of the characters commits suicide. Most of the characters also have racist attitudes that are probably fairly accurate for what it was like in the south at the turn of the century - those attitudes aren't really addressed because overall it isn't what this book is about. So just be aware.
My Thoughts: Despite some of the problems addressed above, overall, the audio of this book was really interesting to listen to. The narrator did a great job! It's described as a coming of age novel, and it did have that feel, but I think the story was really more about the grandfather and his new wife than it was about Will. It didn't feel like Will grew too much throughout the story, just learned more about his grandfather and family as he observed them in this book. Some of it I could have done without, but it was an entertaining story! I am kind of sad about the end, but it was sort of happy too.
This book is the story of a boy named Will, and his coming of age in a Southern town at the turn of the 20th century. It opens with his grandmother dying and his grandfather getting married again three weeks later to one of his store employees - and all the motives behind that event on both sides. The story is narrated by Will, and I listened to the audio of this book, which I thought really brought it alive! I don't think I would have enjoyed it as much in another format.
Language: Uses of the Lord's name in vain, some minor cussing. One of the characters uses the "N" word.
Religion: Let's just say that I wouldn't say Will's grandfather had sound theology, and there were a lot of theological monologues in this book. Some I could agree with, but some were mixed with bad theology or ideas that weren't biblical, so just be aware.
Sexual Content: Discussion of how Mr. Blakesly's new wife is really just a wife-in-name-only that keeps house for him and sleeps in the next room. Some scenes with passionate kissing that is described by Will. Will has a crush on and lusts after his grandfather's new wife when she is just a "housekeeper" in his mind. Some descriptions of Will eyeing women relative's breasts when their shirts gapped or they were getting ready to nurse a baby (maybe that is really how teenage boys think, I don't know, I didn't care to read about it though). Will kisses a girl rather intensely. Some descriptions of Will peeking in on husband and wife lounging together and seeing his grandfather's hand in certain, ahem, areas. We find out one character has a past involving rape, and she tells of what happened to her. That is lot when I type it all out, but it didn't seem excessive while I was listening, maybe because of the way it was described from a young teenage boy's inexperienced point of view. Still, some of it got to be a bit much.
Other: One of the characters commits suicide. Most of the characters also have racist attitudes that are probably fairly accurate for what it was like in the south at the turn of the century - those attitudes aren't really addressed because overall it isn't what this book is about. So just be aware.
My Thoughts: Despite some of the problems addressed above, overall, the audio of this book was really interesting to listen to. The narrator did a great job! It's described as a coming of age novel, and it did have that feel, but I think the story was really more about the grandfather and his new wife than it was about Will. It didn't feel like Will grew too much throughout the story, just learned more about his grandfather and family as he observed them in this book. Some of it I could have done without, but it was an entertaining story! I am kind of sad about the end, but it was sort of happy too.
geminireader's review against another edition
emotional
funny
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I am left nearly speechless from this novel. It was difficult to power through the slow start; there was a lot of exposition that was necessary but felt very “I have to say all this and get it out of the way before the actual story begins”. Once the plot picked up, however, I was fully immersed in this world and story. One of those reads that feels so classic. My only word of warning is that this book does delve into dark topics and rather suddenly. The reviews, the description, and the first 2/3rds of the plot have a more light-hearted feel, and the dark comes nearly out of nowhere. It’s very jarring and while not random or without reason, you can feel pretty blindsided. Just be prepared. Also, this book is from a privileged white boy’s perspective in the 1800s South. While an accurate portrayal of the time without being overly gruesome, there is blatant and uncomfortable racism, sexism, and classism.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Racism, Racial slurs, and Rape
Moderate: Incest
Minor: Animal death, Animal cruelty, and Child death
kikiersten's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
thetrashchan's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
foundfiber's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
book_concierge's review against another edition
4.0
Digital Audiobook performed by Grover Gardner
Thirteen-year-old Will Tweedy narrates Burns’ historical novel which takes place in the small Georgia town of Cold Sassy Tree circa 1906. It starts when his grandfather, E Rucker Blakeslee elopes with Miss Love Simpson. It’s a scandal, given that Blakeslee’s wife was buried just three weeks prior, that Miss Simpson is only half Blakeslee’s age, and even worse, Love is a Yankee!
Oh ,what a treat this novel is! The characters are richly drawn, and cover the gamut of personalities. I was completely engaged in the story from beginning to end, laughing aloud several times as I watched the residents engage in gossip and speculation. Change is a constant theme … from the personal relationships to the introduction of automobiles, the citizens of Cold Sassy Tree manage to adjust, sometimes with grace and other times with more than a little consternation.
Will is a wonderful observer with the curiosity of a young boy, especially when it comes to relationships between male and female adults. I loved the pranks he played and the tall tales he wove. And was touched by the tenderness of his first love.
Grover Gardner does a marvelous job performing the audio. He has a lot of characters to interpret and does a great job of Will Tweedy and Grandpa Blakeslee. He even does an acceptable rendition of the female voices.
Thirteen-year-old Will Tweedy narrates Burns’ historical novel which takes place in the small Georgia town of Cold Sassy Tree circa 1906. It starts when his grandfather, E Rucker Blakeslee elopes with Miss Love Simpson. It’s a scandal, given that Blakeslee’s wife was buried just three weeks prior, that Miss Simpson is only half Blakeslee’s age, and even worse, Love is a Yankee!
Oh ,what a treat this novel is! The characters are richly drawn, and cover the gamut of personalities. I was completely engaged in the story from beginning to end, laughing aloud several times as I watched the residents engage in gossip and speculation. Change is a constant theme … from the personal relationships to the introduction of automobiles, the citizens of Cold Sassy Tree manage to adjust, sometimes with grace and other times with more than a little consternation.
Will is a wonderful observer with the curiosity of a young boy, especially when it comes to relationships between male and female adults. I loved the pranks he played and the tall tales he wove. And was touched by the tenderness of his first love.
Grover Gardner does a marvelous job performing the audio. He has a lot of characters to interpret and does a great job of Will Tweedy and Grandpa Blakeslee. He even does an acceptable rendition of the female voices.
mbelle97's review against another edition
I read this book in high school and hated it, but since that was 12 or so years ago I decided to give it another shot. And I still didn't like it. Plus I was reading some reviews on this app and came across massive unmarked spoilers about major plot events. So I have no motivation to continue
kennadiane's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
casspro's review against another edition
4.0
This one threw me for a little loop. I was fully anticipating a quaint little novel about a sleepy Southern town, something that would be humorous and light-hearted. And while it has its moments, this is not fully light-hearted novel. Olive Ann Burns does a great job of creating the tension that occurs when you live in a small town and everyone knows, and expects to know, your business. There are a lot of heavy issues hiding inside the pages: suicide, rape, incest, death, adultery, classism, racism, sexism...the list goes on. There are multiple characters that I hated at the beginning and loved at the end, and there are those that you love at the beginning and hate by the last few pages. There are some charming moments and heartbreaking ones. I don't typically go for the classic Southern novels, but this one has some great perks that make it worth while.
alidottie's review against another edition
4.0
I am soooo glad I FINALLY read this! Thank you Rachel for picking it for book group. It is a great early 20th century southern story. It has all the elements of life you usually read in these type books: family, tragedy, comedy, death. I highly recommend this as a must read sometime in your life.