The
Sweet Taste of Muscadines flows easily from a humorous spoof on southern culture
in the first half to an emotionally charged exploration into the depth and
consequences of Southern family traditions and expectations in the second half
- speaking gracefully of the ramifications of unresolved childhood issues, of
growing up with impossible expectations, of denying one's true
self. Terry flawlessly weaves plot, setting and characters into a
mysterious yet beautifully rich story with all the distinctive southern flavors
of hot apple pie, muscadine wine and sweet iced tea, rendering a sensual
exploration of the south during the time period of the Vietnam War -
highlighting the overwhelming sense of place felt by southerners - of binding
ties and roots buried deep in southern soil.
In a
distinctly southern voice, Terry's lyrical prose carries hints of honeysuckle
on a warm breeze and Sunday morning sermons heard through open doors and
windows at the local Baptist Church. Having lived my entire life in the
South, I can say it stirred some childhood memories within me as I found the
exaggerations on the Southern culture quite entertaining. The
Sweet Taste of Muscadines delves beneath the surface humor to reveal
an emotionally evocative story that resonates with unresolved childhood
memories, societal judgement, and lost dreams. The author's
rendering of this story is rich in poignant quotes, but this one stuck with me
"So much hurt in the world, and for so many years. All over who
people love".
Many
will call The Sweet Taste of
Muscadines "women's
fiction", but this profound story's also a fascinating mystery - a story
of secrets kept buried until death by a proud southern woman - and the
compelling journey of her children as they seek answers that will lead them out
of the darkness into the light. A story of the many ties and complexities
of home and family. Ultimately, a warm story of forgiveness and
acceptance. I highly recommend it to fans of mystery, family drama, and
yes, women's fiction.
Now, when their elderly mother dies suddenly and strangely, found among the dense vines of the muscadine arbor behind the family estate, they must travel back to the town that raised them. But as Lila and Henry uncover more about Geneva's death, shocking truths are revealed that upend the Bruces' history as they know it, sending the pair on an extraordinary journey to chase a truth that will dramatically alter the course of their lives.
With deep compassion and sharp wit, Pamela Terry brings to life the culture and expectations of a small Southern town that values appearance over authenticity--and where the struggle to live honestly can lead to devastating consequences.
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