Book Review: The Sweetest Thing by Elizabeth Musser

Anne "Perri" Singleton's world is defined by the security of family, the camaraderie of friends at an exclusive Atlanta girls' school, and an enviable social life. She isn't looking for new friends when Mary Dobbs Dillard arrives from Chicago. Besides, "Dobbs," the passionate and fiercely individualistic daughter of an itinerant minister, is her opposite in every way.

But just as the Great Depression collides disastrously with Perri's well-ordered life, friendship blossoms--a friendship that will be tested by jealousy, betrayal, and family secrets....

With her endearing characters and poignant storytelling, Atlanta native Elizabeth Musser vividly re-creates the charm of her beloved city amid the poverty and plenty that shaped the 1930s.

My Thoughts...

The era of the 1930's was made up of poverty, dark news, but also of dazzling and profound actors that brought memorable entertainment with other little joys. This book reveals both sides of living in the hardest times, and how the people made it through. The Sweetest Thing portrays the characters as they navigate life's hardest questions about life...and death. In this enthralling tale that Musser has intricately woven not only showcases her creative writing and ideas, but how she sees life through a Christ follower's eyes. History lovers will especially appreciate her knowledge of the past, and telling a beautiful tale full of lessons. 

The main character "Perri" Singleton, has known comfort all of her life. Member of a preppy sorority club with tons of friends, parties, and even a thousand men to date per year, she doesn't give a thought about having to sacrifice any of it, until her world falls apart. Forced to dwell on matters and realize the truth, Perri meets Mary Dobbs but is completly her opposite and looks down upon her with distaste. But as high class society starts to collide with middle and even lower classes, Perri forms a friendship with "Dobbs", even with her spiritual ideas that Perri is so skeptical about. I could not really relate to Perri except for the end of the book, when she had learned some lessons. At times I got a little frustrated with how she acted and went back to old habits that she had worked hard to get rid of. I would then read about Dobbs and really relate to her about her doubts and confusion in the midst of tragedy and troubles. Sacrifice, friendship, and especially love are the three most important things at the heart of the story, along with a great mystery to top it off. The characters had an amazing depth to them, making it feel like you were interacting with them, sucked back into time. The lessons included will all relate to each reader in such a personal way, even a stunning cover compliments this pleasant tale that everyone should read.

-SheWolfLia17