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Ann B. Ross's Miss Julia series is a hoot! The first novel Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind introduces the reader to a 60+ recent widow, a woman who soon learns of her deceased husband's secret past, which includes a very young son, all of which changes Miss Julia life...for the better.
Written in first person point of view, Ross takes the readers inside the mind of this Southern, genteel lady who lives up to the title of the novel. Faced with one adversity after another, Miss Julia is presented with ample opportunity to speak: from a money-hungry, not-so-supportive pastor to the significant other of who Miss Julia comes to the aid when Hazel knocks on her door needing her assistance to survive.
Characterization is this author's strength, painting pictures with words of every individual: the housekeeper who is also Miss Julia's truest friend, the lawyers who assist Miss Julie, always supporting her. We ride the roller coaster of emotions with Miss Julia as she confronts her emotions surrounding a cheating husband who then, in death, still continues to hurt her, threatening to leave her destitute. The reader witnesses a reformation within this once docile woman who experiences an evolution to a steel-backed leader.
Many lessons may be taken from this novel: women are stronger than they appear, peace of mind is to be valued above all else, remaining true to one's self should be every woman's goal. All are themes easily supported, all lessons that females could attach. Definitely a novel that favors the female role, this read reminds us, teaches us lessons that strengthen a woman, encouraging her to be just a bit more than she thought she could be.
As I read, I continually thought of Julia Sugarbaker from Designing Women, of the ladies from the book series The Women of Ladybug Farm, of women in the movie Steel Magnolias; all of which depict women who may appear soft of the exterior but, when challenged, grow backbones of steel, defending their own to the point of risking themselves. I suppose what was most appealing, most constant, was the vein of humor that ran throughout the novel...as it did in all the above connections. Humor: healing, relieving, sustaining...just downright funny..flowing to all parts of the body of this novel.
If you enjoy series, especially one that focuses on females in the more dominant gender role, then please consider reading this novel...and the thirteen others that follow.
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The local bookstore chose the second novel in the series as this month's read...now to read that one!
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