I didn’t enjoy it at first because there were so many names, and the story wasn’t told in chronological order. My friend, however, highly recommended both the book and the movie. After watching the movie, I had a better grasp of the plot, so I went back to the book.
And I loved it.
Love it for the pure love between Idgie and Ruth, Idgie and the townsfolk, and Evelyn and Ninny.
Love it for how the characters pull themselves out of difficult times. I can picture Kathy Bates selling Mary Kay door to door with a confident smile on her face. She’d be like, “Honey, this is my card—take it and call me if you need anything,” just like an aunt.
Love it for how much effort the author has put into depicting a person. Evelyn goes everywhere with a candy bar in hand—wow, that’s how some people cope and hide the elephant in the room. Excessive eating is just the surface.
Love it for the stories told from different people’s perspectives—Jasper, for example.
I love it for how deeply it’s intertwined with the racial segregation and racism of its time.
What I’m not sure about:
- Idgie being too powerful. Taking out Frank (Ruth’s husband)? Sure. But getting the judge and the reverend to lie in court during Frank’s missing person case? That’s a bit hard to accept. And then making Idgie Railroad Bill? That feels like too much. I like Idgie for being independent and strong, but she’s not a superwoman.
by dongludi