Fannie
Flagg
After
becoming quite familiar with this book from its reputation, I finally
decided to read it. I found the book to be slightly rough going at
the outset, as the framing narrative did little to draw me in: I
found it to be a bit cloying and sentimental throughout and, much
like the two present-day characters, would have rather preferred to
spend my reading time among the bygone residents of Whistle Stop.
Likewise, some elements of the main storyline can seem similarly
haphazard, and the various diversions and backstories can seem either
indispensible or irrelevant depending on the context and contents.
The overall feeling is one of unevenness, aided little by the
problematic handling of the book's Black characters. Yes, this novel
intends to evoke midcentury Alabama; it was, however, written in the
1980s and Fannie Flagg should have made more of an effort to look at
these characters through a more empathetic, modern lens. Despite some
major flaws, the book does have a certain charm and, ironically
perhaps in light of its poor treatment of race, excellent lesbian
representation that feels no need to either hide nor trumpet its
inclusive spirit. Idgie and Ruth's relationship is as natural to them
and to the residents of Whistle Stop as any other, and while Flagg
shies away from naming it outright her intent feels obvious.
Representation is crucial, and it is always nice to see queer
characters allowed to exist, happily, without being subject to the
same five stories. Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop
Café certainly has its flaws,
but its core holds a nice story of a bygone era, fully conceived and
convincingly rendered, dripping in useful nostalgia.
Grade:
B
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