Alice B. reviewed on 7/17/2013 + 3739 more book reviews

This is an intriguing story about a woman who tries to piece her life back together following the unexpected death of her husband. Prior to his passing she occupied herself with the inane comings and goings of most southern women who lived lives void of any controversy other than what to wear to the latest social occasion. Obviously money is the essential ingredient in minimal supply and there are various details reflecting questionable activities surrounding investors, negroes, attempts at civil rights and other contrary behaviors not deemed acceptable by southern gentlemen. Trying to unravel the puzzles of where the money really is, who is telling the truth and all the mixed messages pelting her left and right Gus makes every effort to sort thru the mess and reach a solid understanding. Between the confines of men demanding they have the answers, old vibes from a suitor she could have married and the struggles with her house help who are determined to move out of the area in order to survive, Gus is layered in emotions, questions and the infernal heat. Knowing the aching humidity and oppressive temperatures in the heart of the south, the heat becomes the metaphor for everything unraveling. The author portrays the various characters with a keen perspective and generous adjectives that allow the reader to step into the frustration and entrapment as the story unfolds.

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