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Unlike the Graces of Greek mythology, the ones in Patricia Gaffney's feel-good novel,The Saving Graces, are not in the business of dispensing charm and beauty. Though they possess some measure of good looks, Gaffney's Graces are more focused on the less ethereal problems of life: men, careers, babies, death. And there are four, rather than three, of them (Emma, Rudy, Lee, and Isabel), who have been getting together for regular dinners in their Washington, D.C., homes for 10 years.
The narration ofThe Saving Gracesrotates among the four women and gets right to the heart of each Grace--the stories they tell stick close to the territory of their emotional lives. This intimate directness makes Gaffney's women seem, well, womanly. Serene Isabel, who has always been "the best champion, the kindest friend" to all the other Graces, is dying of breast cancer. Rudy needs to leave her ultra-controlling husband. Lee, usually the rational one, is possessed by her desire to have a baby. Ironic Emma wants to write a novel and has a hard crush on a married man. This group feels messy and real: they keep secrets from each other, grate on one another's nerves, and analyze each other. But ultimately, all four know that they've lucked into a very good thing. Not just because they share the sweetness and silliness that comes with friendship, but also because they are willing to act as soldiers for each other. When Rudy finally gets up the nerve to leave her husband, for example, she doesn't do it alone: "Isabel stood on my right, Lee on my left. Emma had taken a seat on the bed--an escalation of the offense, usurping more enemy territory." In Gaffney's universe, women armed with grace, humor, and a couple of good girlfriends can transcend even the most painful events in their lives.--Katherine Anderson
Isabel, Rudy, Emma and Lee are on my mind I always have one criteria for judging whether I think a book or a movie deserves top ratings: if I'm still thinking about the story 24 hours after I've seen/read it, then it was worth my time. It's been over 24 hours since I finished "The Saving Graces" and I can't stop thinking about these four amazing women and their stories.
Sure, all of us have female friends. But how many of us have girlfriends that we consider sisters? If you're one of those lucky few, take the time to read this book. It will make you laugh. It will make you cry. And, most important of all, it will make you thank God for the blessing of those special women in your life. Long live Isabel, Rudy, Emma and Lee in all of us!
Wish I had some saving graces like these I have not read Gaffney before but I was pleasantly surprised. The characters are strong and the best part of the novel is that each woman is able to tell her story in her own words. strial -carpeted Rudy's battle with depression and a controlling husband and the way she believes she needs to be saved is a lesson for many of us. The graces "save" her by letting her know she can "save" herself and does not need to be enveloped by a husband who diminishes her. Isabel has the strongest voice in her stoicism in her pain. She describes the diagnostic cancer ward as "I've discovered purgatory. Not hell--it's too boring. Purgatory is low--lit and industrial--carpeted, mauve-walled, library-quiet...It's called the Diagnostic Imaging Center." this is an example of the descriptive words Gaffney uses to paint a picture of Isabel's outlook on her malady.
"Life's a circle, not a straight line, the longer the better. The circle never ends, it only widens." This may be a "chick lit" book; however, I think some of the insightful words like those above reflect the struggles and triumphs of each woman. Gaffney's book ranks higher on the chain of the "beach reads." Good girlfriend beach read This is a good beach read, but it's not always light, so keep that in mind. On the plus side, this might be a good starter book for a book club as it's easy to read, keeps the reader's interest and provides some discussion points that won't ruffle any feathers. It's not too heavy but still thought provoking. On the down side, some of the characters actions didn't ring true, and some were too stereotypical and one dimensional. That being said, if you love the "small group of female friends who bond together in a crisis" genre, then you'll like this book.
