Ava is our main character. It is 1978, and she lives in Big Stone Gap, a tiny town nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. She's the pharmacist and also is part of the emergency services. She is 35 years old and has no interest in getting married. She has lots of friends and keeps busy with many activities.
Her world gets turned upside down when she receives a letter from her mother, who died a month ago. She begins to see her life in a new way and decides to plan a trip to Italy, her mother's home country. In the meantime, she begins to get marriage proposals, and she doesn't handle it very well.
The characters are colorful and full. There are many reasons to root for them all. The reader laments Ava's emotional turmoil, and we just wait, and wait, for her to sort things out and settle down. The ending is satisfying and heartwarming.
I need to read more Trigiani. I'll probably start with Big Cherry Holler, the next book in this series. I recommend Big Stone Gap, and really any of her books, to those who enjoy warm, fuzzy stories where you really get a sense of place and character. Trigiani is a master storyteller.
Published by Random House, 2000
Copy obtained from the library
306 pages
Rating: 4.5/5
I haven't read any of her books, but warm and fuzzy sounds perfect for summer.
ReplyDeleteI've read lots of Trigiani books, but I love this series of hers the best. Glad you are enjoying it too!
ReplyDelete