Reviewed by Vicki Carver
Elizabeth Berg is a highly respected author of novels about people who
work through difficult times. Her novels such as Durable Goods and Joy
School have won awards. Berg has a new book called The Art of Mending
which is about two sisters and their brother who have to come to terms
with their pasts.
Laura Bartone, the main character, is a self-employed quilter in a happy
marriage with two children. Her family is planning their annual visit to
Minnesota to visit her family and attend the local fair. However, the
annual gathering takes an ugly turn when Laura’s sister Caroline revels
some shocking news about their mother’s past behavior. Their brother
Steve does not believe Caroline’s allegations and rejects his sister’s
attempts to confront their pasts.
During this time of revelations and confrontations, Laura’s father
suddenly dies of a stroke. So, in the midst of an already chaotic
situation a funeral must be planned.
Laura Bartone is a likeable main character. She is in her mid-fifties
and seems to have a solid grasp on her life. Her interest in quilting
enriches the story as it unfolds. Laura’s trips to the fabric store
where people buy fabric just because they like it gives credence to
those of us who have a large stash of fabric hidden away in a closet.
Laura’s love of design comes through as she plans quilts for her clients.
The Art of Mending moves along and eventually the wounds from the past
are ostensibly healed. Caroline, the most involved sibling in needing to
confront her mother, is able to come to terms with her past. In fact,
the situation seems to be dealt with so rapidly before the book ends it
almost seems too simple and abrupt. Perhaps Berg is attempting to convey
the idea that problems can be solved once they are made known and dealt
with. It is when problems are not recognized and hidden in the past that
people are really hurt by them.
E-Book