Cold Sassy Tree

 

What a terrific book this is! I heard it read on NPR years ago and soon read it again. And now another re-read.

Set in rural Georgia in 1906 and told by young Will Tweedy, it begins with the death of his saintly grandmother and his forthright grandfather's announcement, just three weeks after the funeral, that he plans to marry the attractive young milliner who works in his store. 

The small town of Cold Sassy has much to say about this, as do Grandpa's two daughters. And young Will is the chief witness to all the family uproar caused by this unorthodox union.

This is a delightful dive into the workings of Southern culture and human nature, told with great perception, a good dose of humor, and a lot of wisdom.

My maternal grandparents were of this era, and though they were from Alabama, not Georgia, reading this book was like spending time with family.

There is a sequel (Leaving Cold Sassy) I'm about to begin. I've enjoyed my time with these folks so much, I have to go back for another visit.

UPDATE: Well, the sequel is unfinished as OEB died before completing it. But all her notes and thoughts on it are included which I found fascinating. Then there is an excellent essay about the author. I found the book on Kindle Unlimited (free!) and stayed up late to finish it.