Bookmark last night and we all agreed that we LOVED this book by Sue Monk Kidd. (Even our token man loved it.) The author, born in a small town in Georgia, started off life as a nurse but went on to study spirituality, philosophy, mythology and woman stuff. She is a big fan of Thomas Merton and C G Jung, and I think you could find glimpses of all within this book.
Set in the American South in 1964, the year of the Civil Rights Act and intensifying racial unrest, the book is a powerful story of coming-of-age, of the ability of love to transform our lives, and the often unacknowledged longing for the universal faminine divine. Addressing the wounds of loss, betrayal, and the scarcity of love, the author demonstrates the power of women coming together to heal those wounds, to mother each other and themselves, and to create a sanctuary of true family and home.
The book revolves around Lily, a 14 year old, who lives with her harsh father, both mourning the death of her mother when Lily was 4. Lily is led to believe that she was responsible for her death. Lily is raised by Rosaleen, her proud, outspoken African-American nanny and when Rosaleen tries to vote she is attacked and thrown into jail. Lily springs her from jail and they run away together to a small town, the name of which Lily has found in her mother’s possessions. There they are taken in by three black beekeeping sisters who worship the Black Madonna. There Lily makes her passage to wholeness and new life.
The book is funny and sad and empowering and the ending is not what you might expect. We’d love to see the film when it’s made, but weren’t sure if we wanted to read a sequel if the author ever does one.
RevRuth's Rantings 