Daughters of Erietown - Connie Schultz

This was a gentle, reminiscence of the 50's and 60's on the housewives, mothers and daughters who lived, married, loved and raised children in those times.  I loved the characters and the focus on the thoughts and feelings of the women in a small town, middle America time.  I don't like stories that pivot on events that change the course of a person's life that could have been prevented; especially when the event continues to derail lives.  One of the characters says near the end of the story:

"You know what they don't tell you about these big, bad things that happen in your life?  They're like tornadoes that pick you up in one place and drop you off somewhere else.  And there's no turning back, no undoing it.  You aren't who you used to be because the most important people in your life are not who you thought they were.  And they can't help you figure out who you're going to be." 

The philosophy of Ellie, the 50's mother in the story is clear when her daughter asked why she put up with her husband's philandering:

"We want to think there are rules in life.  That as long as we follow them, everything will be all right.  And then God blows up your plans.  Blows them to smithereens.  And you're left picking up the pieces and putting your life back together as best as you can, because it's not about you.  It's about your children, and the life you've built, and not giving everyone a reason to see you as damaged goods for the rest of your life." 

And in the end, with a healthy dose of schmaltz:

"If there's one thing you've taught me, it's that resentment will eat you alive while the people who hurt you do just fine."

A good summer read. 

Published: 2020   Read: August 2020  Genre: Fiction