Mermer Blakeslee really nails this period piece. Women raising families was not always a job of choice! One suspects Leenie's choices will become quite difficult at her Uncle Willis's house, with marriage or running away as possible end points. College becomes a distant dream, whereas dying in childbirth is more likely. I love the language and emotion, the sense of compassion for women trapped in their place as breeders and feeders.
Merimee Moffitt replied on Sun, 11/15/2009 - 08:33am
I chose to read this story because the title is the nickname of one of my daughters. How quickly Blakeslee took me back in time and made me grateful that my Leenie is growing up in the new millenium! Excellent crafting of characters.
Mermer Blakeslee really nails this period piece. Women raising families was not always a job of choice! One suspects Leenie's choices will become quite difficult at her Uncle Willis's house, with marriage or running away as possible end points. College becomes a distant dream, whereas dying in childbirth is more likely. I love the language and emotion, the sense of compassion for women trapped in their place as breeders and feeders.
Beautiful writing. "Leenie" compelled this reader's interest till the end and beyond. Thank you for this completely convincing portrayal.
I chose to read this story because the title is the nickname of one of my daughters. How quickly Blakeslee took me back in time and made me grateful that my Leenie is growing up in the new millenium! Excellent crafting of characters.