3.5 Stars
This is the second book by the author known for her 2008 novel, The Help. The Calamity Club is a dual perspective novel set in Oxford, Mississippi, in 1933.
Meg Lefleur, ll years old, has lived in an orphanage for two years but refuses to believe her mother deliberately abandoned her. Garnett Pittman, the orphanage director, hates the smart and sassy Meg and makes her life truly miserable: denying her an education and abusing her both physically and psychologically.
Birdie Calhoun, 24, comes to Oxford to visit her sister Frances who has married a banker. Birdie’s mother and grandmother fear losing their house because they haven’t been able to pay their taxes, so Birdie is sent to ask for money from Frances. While Birdie waits for Frances to ask for the money from her husband Rory, Birdie volunteers at the orphanage. There she meets and befriends Meg. Then, just as Meg is adopted, her mother Charlie arrives looking for her daughter and she begs Birdie to help her find Meg.
At 650+ pages, this is a big book with a long and windy plot. In some ways, it almost feels like two books; Charlie’s arrival takes events into an entirely different direction than expected. Her audacious and dangerous scheme to reclaim her life and her daughter is unlikely and unconvincing. That Charlie, Birdie and the others involved are able to avoid reprisals for so long stretches credulity. And though there are quite a few dramatic developments, the pace slackens at times. Is the on again – off again romantic subplot really necessary? Then the ending feels rushed. Everything is tied together but in a loose fashion. Given the earlier attention to details, the ending is quite a contrast. I would have preferred a more focused narrative.
There is certainly a cast of colourful characters, especially after Charlie arrives on the scene. I liked Birdie who is a kind and compassionate young woman. I did find her rather naive, though the time period and her rather sheltered life do perhaps explain her innocence. Meg steals the show for me. Intelligent and inquisitive, she is precocious. Her resilience in the face of her mistreatment from Garnett and others is admirable. Though young, she is less innocent than Birdie because her life experiences have opened her eyes to people’s cruelties and hypocrisies.
Garnett is a totally despicable character with no redeeming qualities. Her absolute villainy makes her unrealistic. Early in the novel, the connection between Garnett and Meg is signposted when she describes being rescued by Welty. When Birdie becomes aware of the connection, a possible solution to finding Meg and stopping Garnett’s interference in the girl’s life is obvious. No one has the courage to confront Welty or Garnett? Instead there’s a convoluted and wild plan that is just too far-fetched.
The book touches on a number of topics: homosexuality, prostitution, forced sterilization of women, adultery, prohibition, poverty, alcoholism, sexism and racism. Because the novel is set during the Great Depression, there is emphasis on the difficult choices faced by people.
The book is entertaining. Some scenes are hilarious, almost slapstick, especially in how Charlie and Birdie try to hide the nature of their enterprise. Meg’s comments can also be funny. There are heartbreaking scenes, particularly when Meg’s mistreatment is described. There is tension, mostly regarding Meg’s fate. I kept wondering exactly what would be best for Meg. Other scenes are heartwarming; the power of female friendship is definitely emphasized. My one wish is that the book were shortened with some judicious revision and editing.
Note: I received an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley.
No comments:
Post a Comment