Penny's first novel, and very successful too. Interesting that (in my opinion) it has taken her a few years to get back to the same level of complexity of tapestry. Gamache and all the other characters are born fully developed in this book, along with some characters in embryo that will slowly unfold over the following books.
She has some great quotes in this book - the Ruth Zardo character is a challenge, but her being a poet also opens certain doors for the author. Myrna the ex-therapist has a similar potential.
p. 140 '... I think many people love their problems. Gives them all sorts of excuses for not growing up and getting on with life....
Life is change. If you aren't growing and evolving you're standing still, and the rest of the world is surging ahead. Most of these people are very immature. The lead "still" lives, waiting.'
'Waiting for what?'
'Waiting for someone to save them. Expecting someone to save them or at least protect them from the big, bad world. The thing is no one else can save them because the problem is theirs and so is the solution. Only they can get out of it.'
A great poem quote
Jenny kissed me when we met,
jumping from the chair she sat in;
time, you thief, who love to get
sweets into your list, put that in:
say I'm weary, say I'm sad,
say that health and wealth have missed me;
say I'm growing old, but add,
Jenny kissed me.
Leigh Hunt, Rondeau.
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