Raney by Clyde Edgerton Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Raney
Book Review: I really enjoyed this book, but then I live in the South (a transplant from the north)
Summary: 4 Stars
and know the culture being described. The story, set in the seventies in a small southern town, involves a "liberal" (that is, educated) young man from Atlanta who marries a much less educated woman from a small town. He's Episcopalian, she's Baptist. His best friend is Black, she and her family are racist and don't seem to realize it. What I found unbelievable was that they married to begin with. It's hard to understand why he seemed surprised by the things her family said, given that he'd certainly met them before the wedding. Still, it's an amusing story with lively, memorable characters.
Many reviewers have disliked the book chiefly because of the racist remarks, particularly the number of times the "n" word gets used. But to censor the word out would make little sense: this is how these people talk (remember, it's the seventies in a small town in the south) and one of the main sources of conflict between the young couple involves race (the other big area seems to be sex).
But if you're one of those people who can't stand to see the word spoken or written regardless of the situation, you probably should not read this book.
Book Review: Not as Charming as I remembered ...
Summary: 3 Stars
I first read this book back in 1995 while on vacation in the Outer Banks, NC. I obviously loved it since I kept it on my book case for all these years, through numerous moves and all. I picked it up the other day to see if I still find it charming as I did before. Nope. Now that I am married and a mother, I thought, oh, I'd appreciate it even more. Wrong. This time, I found Raney's naivity extremely annoying and so self-centered and Charles' more stubborn and selfish than understanding. I am now questioning why those two even got together in the first place! Oh right, it's a novel!
I love to read about small town life ~~ no matter what part of the country they live in ~~ and I love reading about family relationships. This book falls flat on everything except Raney's relationship with her family. That made the book more tolerable to read this time.
The "N" word bothers me but I know that was how people talked back then ~~ so it's not offensive to me in that sense. I understand that it is a reflection of the times and the area which this book was written in. I am not saying I agree with it but it can be disturbing at times. What really disturbs me is Raney's automatic judgment of anyone who doesn't think like her and Charles' rigidity in trying not to be like his "redneck" inlaws.
It can be a charming book ~~ but apparently, my reading tastes have evolved in the last 12 years or so ~~ so this book isn't as charming as I found it to be then.
6-20-07
Book Review: One of the most entertaining books I've ever read.
Summary: 5 Stars
As an avid reader of Southern Novels, I found Rainey to be one of the most enjoyable books I have ever read. I first read this book when it was published in 1985 and about three times since. I am from the South and I know people like Rainey and her peculiar family. I found it to be quite realistic and at the same time outraggeously absurd. It is one of those rare books you can read again and still find as humorous as the first time.Book Review: Raney
Summary: 5 Stars
I received the book in a timely manner. It is required reading for a class I will be taking in January. I found it to be very readable and entertaining.