#honeysuckleseason

Two timelines and intersecting stories:

In 1941 we begin with Sadie, running from the sheriff of her small, Virginia town, fearful for her life. Forced to abandon the baby she hardly was prepared to birth, she is trying to escape not only the sheriff, but her doomed past.

In 2020, we meet Libby, newly divorced after having survived three miscarriages, she is trying to rebuild her life in the small town where she grew up. She feels just a bit of promise when she is invited to photograph a wedding at the beautiful garden estate she visited annually as a young girl with her late mother. So begins her new connection with this estate and with Elaine, its owner.

This is a moving, sometime painful work of historical fiction, that is simply written and yet engaging. We are drawn in to these sympathetic characters, as both Sadie and Libby have experienced their own versions of trauma. We are also drawn in by our curiosity about how these stories are intertwined. While we might have been kept waiting longer to learn this, in my opinion, there are still surprises that are revealed up until the very end.

One topic addressed here is that of eugenics, the practice of surgically blocking the reproductive capacity of those who are deemed “less than” by whatever group holds power. This reprehensible practice was allowed, even encouraged in many areas of our country – and likely continues in other parts of the world today. It is utterly staggering to conceive of the hubris of those who feel they are empowered to deny others’ freedoms, that they should be allowed to literally play God. It is also not unimaginable in our current, divided, and hate-filled moment that those in power might believe they are entitled to this.

On the more positive side, we are given the gift of meeting strong women characters, such as that of Olivia. Olivia has survived The Blitz in London and has come to the US as a newly married woman. She defies social norms and befriends Sadie, showing her kindnesses and generosity that shock Sadie, who is used to being treated with scorn because of her poverty and lack of education. They develop a truly beautiful friendship that lasts for decades, despite the pressure surrounding them to be apart.

Overall, while the writing is plain, the story a bit predictable, it is still a worthwhile and enjoyable read, in my opinion.