Title: One True Thing
Author: Anna Quindlen
First published August 30, 1994
289 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780679407126 (ISBN10: 067940712X)
Rating: 4.04
Overview
A heartwarming tale of a mother and daughter’s journey towards understanding and forgiveness. Anna Quindlen, the acclaimed author of “Black and Blue,” weaves a moving story of love, loss, and the power of compassion.
This novel is a testament to the triumph of the human spirit. Praise for “One True Thing” includes a glowing review from the “San Francisco Chronicle.” Get ready to be moved.
About the Author
Anna Quindlen has made a name for herself as both a journalist and novelist, with numerous books landing on bestseller lists across genres. Her impressive literary career includes eight novels, including Object Lessons, One True Thing, and Miller’s Valley, as well as a memoir, Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake, which became a New York Times bestseller.
Quindlen’s A Short Guide to a Happy Life has also been incredibly successful, selling over a million copies. Her talent as a columnist has been recognized with a Pulitzer Prize, and she has published two collections of her work.
The columns she wrote for Newsweek have also been compiled into a collection.
Editoral Review
One True Thing, published in 1994, is a novel written by Anna Quindlen, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and novelist. The book is a work of fiction that focuses on the relationships between a mother and her family, particularly her daughter, Ellen Gulden.
It belongs to the literary genre that deals with family dynamics, grief, loss, and reconciliation. The novel’s plot revolves around Ellen’s return home to take care of her mother, Kate Gulden, who has been diagnosed with cancer.
Ellen is shocked to find that her mother’s illness is terminal, and she has to reconcile with her mother’s impending death. The book delves into the complex relationships between the mother, the daughter, and the father, as well as their interactions with friends and the community.
The story takes place in a small town in Pennsylvania during the 1980s. The setting is significant because it highlights the cultural and social values of the community, particularly regarding gender roles, the role of women in society, and the expectations placed on them.
Quindlen weaves a thoughtful tale that explores the shifting dynamics between generations and how they come to terms with each other’s different worldviews. One True Thing is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that deals with significant themes that are relevant even today.
Quindlen’s literary style and narrative are impressive, and she has crafted the book with scrupulous detail, engaging the reader from beginning to end. She manages to keep the pacing of the novel steady, and the plot structure is well thought out, with no unnecessary diversions or subplots.
The character development in the novel is exceptional. Quindlen has created rich and believable characters, making the reader empathize with their struggles and emotions.
The protagonist, Ellen, is a complex and relatable character who is trying to reconcile with her mother’s death and the impact it has on her life. Her father, George, who is a professor and a writer, is also a well-rounded character who is struggling to come to terms with his wife’s death.
Despite its many strengths, the novel is not without its limitations. Some readers have criticized the novel, finding it somber and depressing.
Others have pointed out that the story can be slow at times and that the societal issues it addresses are not as topical today. Overall, One True Thing is a must-read for those interested in exploring family dynamics, loss, and reconciliation.
The book is thought-provoking, insightful, and a testament to the complexities of the human condition. Quindlen’s writing is superb, and her characters are well-developed, making the book a memorable read.
The book is recommended for readers who enjoy literary fiction and those who are looking for an engaging and thought-provoking novel to read. On a scale of 1-10, I would give it an 8.5 for its exceptional narrative, character development, and thematic significance.
