Sarah Addison Allen
is by far one of my favorite authors. Her books are always a comfort; something
warm and magical that can transport me from real life with all of its stressors
to Somewhere Else. Maybe it's because often many of Sarah Addison Allen's characters
want to be Somewhere Else as well. Maybe I find myself with those same dreams
and I can relate all the better to the fictional characters I'm reading about.
For those who have
read and loved Allen's past books they will love this one as well. All of her
books have been happy and light with a little bit of necessary darkness. So for
that I feel this review will be much like the others I have written about her
previous books. Thus far, with my experience of this author, I feel that if you
read any of her previous books and disliked them, you shouldn’t even attempt
her other novels because they are all so similar.
To be totally
honest, the book is often predictable. You know what's going to happen nearly
right away and the book isn't too filled with surprises. It's simple, it's
pretty and it has a happy ending. You aren't going to need to concentrate too
hard on its written pages and I flew through the book. But that's the thing,
it's light and quick and not giving you a headache. It's happy and magical and
adventurous in a small town type of way, where you can find excitement just
within your own home and where you most certainly least expect it.
It even has a guest
appearance by some beloved characters from her first book, Garden
Spells and much of the same magical elements that have been found
in all of her past books. The leading male characters in this book were
possibly some of my favorite that Allen has ever written. But, as always, there
is a very strong host of female characters. I think that’s what I like about
the book: it’s so filled with women. The strength, friendship, care, and
courage of women is easily displayed. Some women fit into social roles, others
are mean and cruel, but all seem to show signs of character growth through out
Allen’s novels. The Peach Keeper is no different.
Predictability
aside, it’s just an enjoyable book. There is obvious romantic tension for the
female cast with their possible suitors which I enjoyed (and cheered on) and
there is the love between friends that is displayed in a lovely light. The idea
that women stick together, through thick or thin, even though they may be
scared of what they would face. But sometimes it seems women may have to make
mistakes and realize that they’re being poor friends to see the light and
strive for that type of dependable friendship.
Of course, Allen
depicts southern hospitality, or what I assume it is to be. I’m a Yankee and
have very little experience with The South so forgive me if I am missing
something here. To me, the book depicts the southern living that I’ve always
imagined. Warm nights, flowers blooming, people appreciating food and the
outdoors while there are groups like women’s societies that prefer putting
together galas under tents and decorated to perfection. I think it’s all rather
fascinating. Allen also has a tendency to use nature to her advantage. Trees,
animals, and specifically flowers always play such a major role in her books
and I love that about her. Every aspect of these character’s lives has an
influence over them and I feel that is a great use of plot devices and
language. Plus, I’m all about pretty flowers and trees so if you throw that
element into a book you pretty much have found yourself a fan in me.
When I discovered
that Sarah Addison Allen had been diagnosed with breast cancer and began her
treatments right around the time that The Peach Keeper came out, I felt like a
horrible fan. She was going through a huge event in her life and I didn’t even
know about it! But I’m happy to say that she has conquered the cancer and seems
to be in good health and spirits – even writing another book! I can promise you
this, whether or not her next book is much the same as all of her others, I don’t
care, I will still be reading it and this time I won’t wait so long to purchase
it!
