The All-Girl Filling
Station’s Last Reunion by Fannie Flagg
Publication Date:
2013
Number of Pages: 347
Setting: U.S. – Alabama, Wisconsin, Texas, California
Time Period: Contemporary/Historical – World War II (1940’s)
Number of Pages: 347
Setting: U.S. – Alabama, Wisconsin, Texas, California
Time Period: Contemporary/Historical – World War II (1940’s)
SYNOPSIS
With her last daughter married off and her single son living on his own, Sookie Poole, bird lover, is preparing to enjoy her golden years with her husband. The only thing that can get in her way is her eccentric, demanding mother Lenore and the fear that she has the crazy gene that runs through the family. Sookie is ready to endure it all; after all she always has been a pushover, but then she receives a phone call and a certified letter that has her reevaluating her entire life as she knows it.
The shocking revelation is that Sookie is adopted. The girl who grew up with a mother demanding a Southern bell is a descendant of a hard-working Polish family from Wisconsin. But that’s just the beginning of the tale. Flagg intersperses Sookie’s contemporary story of self-discovery with the tale of her biological family, the Jurdabralinskis, starting with a young man’s immigration from Poland and his first impressions of America, to his marriage and the subsequent birth of their children: one son and four daughters: Fritzi, Gertrude, Tula, and Sophie Marie. A simple story about a family who owns a filling station is anything but simple as World War II hits, the patriarch of the family becomes ill, and the four daughters take over providing for their family by running the filling station, learning to fly, and becoming WASPS (Women Airforce Service Pilots).
By the end, historical and contemporary elements of the story converge for a heart-warming display of respect, pride, and familial love.
With her last daughter married off and her single son living on his own, Sookie Poole, bird lover, is preparing to enjoy her golden years with her husband. The only thing that can get in her way is her eccentric, demanding mother Lenore and the fear that she has the crazy gene that runs through the family. Sookie is ready to endure it all; after all she always has been a pushover, but then she receives a phone call and a certified letter that has her reevaluating her entire life as she knows it.
The shocking revelation is that Sookie is adopted. The girl who grew up with a mother demanding a Southern bell is a descendant of a hard-working Polish family from Wisconsin. But that’s just the beginning of the tale. Flagg intersperses Sookie’s contemporary story of self-discovery with the tale of her biological family, the Jurdabralinskis, starting with a young man’s immigration from Poland and his first impressions of America, to his marriage and the subsequent birth of their children: one son and four daughters: Fritzi, Gertrude, Tula, and Sophie Marie. A simple story about a family who owns a filling station is anything but simple as World War II hits, the patriarch of the family becomes ill, and the four daughters take over providing for their family by running the filling station, learning to fly, and becoming WASPS (Women Airforce Service Pilots).
By the end, historical and contemporary elements of the story converge for a heart-warming display of respect, pride, and familial love.
ELEMENTS OF HISTORICAL FICTION:
“Historical Fiction enhances the reader’s knowledge of past
events, lives, and customers. The goal
of authors of Historical Fiction is to bring history to life in novel form”
(Saricks 291).
Pacing
The pace ranges from slow to a sense of immediacy, but does
not usually induce a frenzied rush.
Generally, “the story envelopes the reader, draws him in, and keeps him
enthralled” via “’leisurely unfolding’” (Saricks 297).
Character
Characterization is extremely important in historical
fiction. Saricks notes that “Readers
expect accuracy in the presentation of characters as well as in other details”
and “Actual historical figures need to act in ways that are consistent with
known facts, and fictional characters must act in a believable fashion for
their time and place” (296). For
example, a soldier in World War I should not use slang that is only
widely-known today and past social views and customs should come through in the
characters, for better or worse.
Setting
Setting is one of the most important elements of historical
fiction. Saricks mentions that “Most
readers would agree that the frame…is the first element they respond to as they
read Historical Fiction” (292). A
well-written historical fiction should make the reader feel as if they have
gone back in time through accurate descriptions of the surroundings and
integrating the characters successfully into this interactive world.
Point of View
The point of view varies wildly in historical fiction. A good mix of first and third person novels
are available.
Mood
As with point of view, mood differs greatly. A reader should be able to find a historical
fiction book to match any mood. Saricks
points out that “Second in important to frame is the tone of the story and the
mood it conveys” (293). The synopsis of
the book should be written in such a way to give a clear impression of what
mood/tone the book conveys.
Language and Style
As with the previous two categories, language and style can
be varied. What one reader enjoys,
another may dislike. Some authors will
write authentically while authors will put a modern spin on dialect while still
trying to keep all elements believable. Formats can range from traditional to those
written in diary-format.
Story Line
·
Community Experiences
·
Character-Centered
·
Event-Centered
·
Family Sagas
READ-A-LIKES:
Fried Green Tomatoes
by Fannie Flagg
Astor Place Vintage by
Stephanie Lehmann
Everything She Thought
She Wanted by Elizabeth Buchan
Prayers for Sale by
Sandra Dallas
MY THOUGHTS
As I have mentioned before, I don’t really like historical
fiction books. A few of my fellow
reference librarians made recommendations, but after pulling them and reading
the synopsis, they didn’t seem like something I’d like. On a whim, I started looking through
Novelist. One book appeared on a couple
of my search results and after reading the synopsis, I thought it might be
something I’d like. In the past six
months I have put the book on hold for many patrons and I’ve heard great
reviews. The book was The All-Girl Filling Station’s Last
Reunion.
Part of the reason I chose it was because part of the book is grounded in the contemporary, but surprisingly it was the contemporary part of the story that I ended up liking the least. I found Sookie to be over-dramatic and really drab, especially in comparison to her historical counterparts. The humorous moments (especially her get-ups with her therapist) bordered on the absurd and were actually an annoyance separating me from the importance of supporting the boys in WWII.
The part of the book set in the 1940’s / World War II and the information about the WASPs was fantastic. I absolutely loved the character or Fritzi. Since I am part Polish, I loved the depiction of the close-knit family and the ups and downs of running the family gas station. I held my breath several times when I felt like an important character might die. After all, war stories usually are not without casualties. I also enjoyed the letter format between Fritzi and her loved ones that made the novel a surprisingly quick read.
The ending of the book was nice, albeit a little bittersweet. I feel like I would have enjoyed the book even more without the contemporary storyline and would have gladly replaced Sookie’s dramatics with more from the Jurdabralinski gals, especially Fritzi’s life after the war.
3.5 out of 5 stars.
Part of the reason I chose it was because part of the book is grounded in the contemporary, but surprisingly it was the contemporary part of the story that I ended up liking the least. I found Sookie to be over-dramatic and really drab, especially in comparison to her historical counterparts. The humorous moments (especially her get-ups with her therapist) bordered on the absurd and were actually an annoyance separating me from the importance of supporting the boys in WWII.
The part of the book set in the 1940’s / World War II and the information about the WASPs was fantastic. I absolutely loved the character or Fritzi. Since I am part Polish, I loved the depiction of the close-knit family and the ups and downs of running the family gas station. I held my breath several times when I felt like an important character might die. After all, war stories usually are not without casualties. I also enjoyed the letter format between Fritzi and her loved ones that made the novel a surprisingly quick read.
The ending of the book was nice, albeit a little bittersweet. I feel like I would have enjoyed the book even more without the contemporary storyline and would have gladly replaced Sookie’s dramatics with more from the Jurdabralinski gals, especially Fritzi’s life after the war.
3.5 out of 5 stars.
It's so interesting you chose this book because the book club I observed this week also discussed it. Having not read the book, it sounded really interesting from the discussion I heard. Your annotation adds to my curiosity. I just might have to read it!
ReplyDeleteVery intriguing annotation. You told just enough to make it interesting enough to read. Who sent the letter and why was she told that she was adopted. Questions of that sort and more came to mind. I don't read Historical Fiction either but if I venture out again I would add this to my list.
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