Summer Reading-Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe

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So I'm sure many of you have heard of the movie Fried Green Tomatoes. It came out in 1991 and starred Kathy Bates, Mary Stuart Masterson, Jessica Tandy, and Mary Louise Parker. 

Fried Green Tomatoes movie review (1992) | Roger Ebert

I have not seen this movie, but I remember when it came out. I remember thinking it looked interesting. I mean, who doesn't like a good girl's night movie?

Flash forward to the present and I found out a few months ago that it was based on a book by Fannie Flagg. I also found out that I had inadvertently picked up another book by this same author. I wrote about my thoughts on the The All Girls Filling Station Last Reunion a while back. I wasn't overly crazy about that book, and sadly I feel the same about this one. Here's a link to that post: https://themotleyreader.blogspot.com/2020/06/summer-reading-all-girl-filling.html

Ms. Flagg is a good writer. I can tell that much from the two books I've read. She is very capable of telling a good story. Her characters are likable. Her stories are fun and entertaining while also being full of truth and realism. 

However, as good as the story was, and as interesting as the characters were, I just don't believe it is enough for me personally. Both books are told in alternating time periods. Both books have a variety of characters. Both books tell compelling stories. None of these are anything particular bother me.

BUT one of the things I felt difficult for me to understand is that the author repeatedly gives information to the reader that is withheld from the characters. As much as I appreciate being given this information and being able to find closure with the unanswered questions, it boggles my mind why the characters are not allowed to know this information. For example, in Fried Green Tomatoes, the past story line centers around many situations that leave questions, specially a murder. In the present story line the main character Evelyn is being told stories of the past by Mrs. Threadgoode, including this mysterious murder. But Mrs. Threadgood doesn't know what happened either and poor Evelyn is left hanging. Yet, there is a full chapter where the author tells the reader exactly what happened. The reader is given full closure on the incident but the main character is not. Why? This also happened in the All Girls Filling Station.

Also, the book has many, many characters in the story line of the past. So much so that I had a hard time keeping track of them. Often I found myself wondering what these different characters had to do with the main story of the Whistle Stop Cafe. I was hoping they would all come together in some way at the end, but it never did. 

The last point I will say was disappointed is the ending. You all know how important endings are to me. This one fell flat, literally. I was so abrupt and unconnected to what I had read in the previous chapter I thought maybe I accidentally skipped a few pages.

Now, I understand after reading two books by this author that this is her style, it is what writers would call her "voice." And that is fine. But for me, it is frustrating and does not make for an enjoyable reading experience. I told you before I have high expectations when I read books and I stand by it. I have now given this author two chances. That is my limit. As good a writer she is, she is just not for me. 

So, overall, this book was just of for me. I will not be reading anymore books by this author. 

If you have seen the movie and liked it, I will always recommend reading the book because I believe you should have the full experience that the author intended. 

If you have not read the book but are curious and don't have issues with the points I brought up, then I would say go ahead and get yourself a copy. I don't ever want to discourage someone from reading a book based on my opinion. Just because a book isn't for me, doesn't mean it would suit someone else.

My summer reading pile is down to two books. I've added a few along the way so I think I will be transitioning into my fall reading a little sooner than planned. Isn't that always the way of it? There are always more books to add to the pile.

Till next time, Happy Reading!

Josey


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