| 8 Apr – The author Kibler is American, lives in Texas with her family. She has a B.A in English and Journalism and an MA in library science. This is her bestselling debut novel which has been translated into fifteen languages. The leader read us several reviews of the book. These were all very complimentary. We agreed that the book is an excellent debut novel, well written and very easy to read. Several reviewers, and most of us, said we would like to read her second novel “Home for Erring”.“Calling me Home” is a moving account of love and friendship across the racial divide in the south of America. Two stories run side by side in the book. In one story, set in the past when the South is still segregated, Isobel talks about her early life. As her life story unfolds, we learn about her relationship with Robert. Isobel’s family are wealthy and have several black servants. Robert is son to one of them. There is a lot of tension in the story as we are made aware of what could happen to Robert if their relationship is discovered. In the other story, set in the present, we have the touching story of a friendship between Isobel, an elderly white woman, and Dorrie her hairdresser who is black. We follow events as Dorrie drives Isobel across America to attend a funeral. Although much has changed over time, racism is still in evidence. We discussed the early stages of the relationship between Isobel and Robert. We thought it began because Isobel liked talking to him, he was the only person who let her be herself. With him she didn’t have to conform to her Mother’s stereotyped ideals. Robert was initially very wary of getting involved because he knew the dangers he faced if they were found out. As the relationship developed, they were equally committed to it. It was a true love match. We were agreed that Isobel’s mother was despicable. Her early life was pretty dreadful but that didn’t excuse her behaviour towards her daughter. Isobel’s father was a nice man but far too weak to stand up to his wife. We thought he was partly to blame for how his awful sons had turned out. He did redeem himself somewhat by making sure Isobel and Robert’s baby survived and supporting her financially. The account of Dorrie and Isobel’s friendship was quite moving. In the end Isobel regarded Dorrie as a daughter. Isobel’s wise advice helped Dorrie overcome her lack of trust in men, and it seemed she would finally accept that Teague was a good man. There was some clever plotting in the book. The identity of the person who was to be buried was a surprise to many of us. The final scene was also a surprise. Although there were pointers, we didn’t all realise that Isobel had died. All in all, good book both to read and discuss. |
