Lee Smith (1) (1944–)

Having read and enjoyed two other books by Lee Smith, Fair and Tender Ladies almost seemed like a sure thing with the high reviewer ratings on Goodreads.

I thought the writing and historical aspects of rural living in Appalachia was well crafted. Even though the characters were fictional, I am guessing there was more truth to the story than not. The story was told from the perspective of Ivy Rowe in the form of letters to friends and family. I enjoyed the epistolary format. The errors in grammar and spelling that were purposely inserted into the letters (which improved as Ivy became older) did not bother me.

This was a dark story though, with late 19th century and early 20th century rural living portrayed in it's grittiest form. There were a few rays of sunshine in the book, when Ivy actually felt momentary joy or soaked in the beauty of nature, which Lee Smith also depicts well. I think I didn't completely connect with this story, as for the most part Ivy comes across as incredibly selfish and "contrary," even as she ages. Ivy was described as being beautiful, which either brought her grief or gave her opportunities, which she usually passed up for various odd reasons. Overall, Ivy wasn't especially likable and most of the letters she wrote were a form of therapy for her, versus being a form of information or entertainment for the recipient. I did feel sympathy for Ivy's situation and her longing for a better life or wondering what might of been. Having said that, I also kept waiting for Ivy to grow up and stop letting her emotions (or every handsome man that looked her way) quickly lure her into making incredibly poor decisions.

The plethora of societal issues inserted into the story, including infidelity, poverty, incest, criminal activity, hidden LBGTQ lifestyles and hypocrisy in religion, just became overwhelming. Most of the characters were portrayed as neurotic or "simple," which is how Ivy sometimes described family or friends in her letters. Not meaning the author should have ignored these issues, but maybe dialed back the constant drama a little. Perhaps this just wasn't the right time for me to soak in and fully appreciate the author's message, especially with the ongoing pandemic and the frustration those of us with critical thinking skills, are continuing to experience with certain members of our society.

This is a story many readers of historical fiction would probably appreciate, though I had mixed feelings about it and difficulty deciding on a rating. Out of fairness to the author, I settled on 3.5 stars and round it up to 4.… (more)

’ve been wanting to read this ever since I first heard about it several years ago, and thanks to receiving a copy from Anita Endrezze as a gift this Christmas (or was it for my birthday?) - anyway I know it was in December – I wasted no time.

Fifteen essays that take us from Lee Smith’s childhood in the Appalachian mountain town of Grundy, Virginia through her college years in Roanoke, Virginia, and conclude in North Carolina with the book’s publication in 2016. This is a memoir that is also a coming-of-age story and a discourse on writing.

In addition to the memories of her childhood and growing up years, I found her thoughts about writing and imagination were perceptive treasures that any good writer would value. Just like Edora Welty’s commentary in One Writer’s Beginnings, this book contains thoughtful observations and honest reflections on the craft of writing. For instance, she takes a mentor’s advice to “Get your head out of them clouds, honey. Pay attention.” And Lee writes: “I’ve been trying to pay attention ever since, realizing that writing is not about fame, or even publication. It is not about exalted language, abstract themes, or the escapades of glamourous people. It is about our own real world and our own real lives and understanding what happens to us day by day, it is about playing with children and listening to old people.”

Yes, this is a memoir about growing up in the Appalachian Mountains – but more than that it is a collection of brilliant observations and amazing insights about writing. This is the book for you if you want to enjoy personal and succinctly written essays chronicling the development and growth of a writer.… (more)