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Book Review
His narrator may not think that the conversation is funny, but the reader is having a wonderful time, laugh- ing with, but not at, the characters. Carl's Aunt Lil, his last living relative of her generation (and his favorite), is in Rosehaven Convalescent Home in Listre, North Carolina. She hopes her stay there is temporary, but we and Carl know that she won't be going back to her apartment. Carl is unfailingly kind and understanding. He visits Lil frequently, enjoying her company and often that of her fellow residents, like Maudie, Beatrice, and Clara. We enjoy their company, too. Also a resident there is L. Ray Flowers, a former evangelist who is full of energy and ideas. Less lovable, although we sympathize with her, is Darla Avery who knew L. Ray in the distant past and has a serious grievance with him, which still causes trouble. Maudie has her doubts about him, too, but most of the ladies like the spark he has brought to their lives. Ray brings something to Carl, too - his music. He and Carl play guitars together, and compose songs, often based on something the ladies say. For instance, the first song they write together is about not having any problems. It's a country song and a real winner, though only L. Ray has faith in it at first. His other unusual idea is to found the "Nurches of America," whereby the churches and nursing homes are to combine and bring light and life to homes all across the country. Not everyone thinks this is such a good idea, and the plot develops from there.
Sad moments alternate with happy and funny ones, and they add up to an absorbing novel.
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