Title: Songs in Ordinary Time
Author: Mary McGarry Morris
First published August 1, 1995
740 pages, Paperback
Rating: 3.71
Overview
In the summer of 1960, America was still innocent, and the world seemed full of possibilities. Songs in Ordinary Time is the story of Marie Fermoyle, a single mother trying to provide for her three children.
But when a charming con artist named Omar Duvall comes into their lives, Marie’s vulnerability and desire for a better life for her children make her an easy target. Her children are each dealing with their own struggles, from Alice’s forbidden romance with a young priest to Norm’s idealism and Benjy’s desperate need to protect his family.
As secrets are revealed and tensions rise, the Fermoyle family must confront the truth about Duvall and each other. With a cast of unforgettable characters, including the alcoholic father, the meek brother-in-law, and the perfect neighbors next door, Songs in Ordinary Time is a captivating tale of hope and heartbreak.
A beloved selection of Oprah Winfrey’s Book Club.
About the Author
Mary McGarry Morris is a successful author who has captured the attention of both critics and readers. Her novels are known for their poignant portrayals of individuals who struggle to cope with a world that is not always kind to them.
Rather than simply devising plots, Morris creates complex and inescapable circumstances that her characters grapple with until their ultimate failure. Throughout her work, Morris suggests that these individuals are simply unable to survive in their surroundings.
Tragically, Morris’s novels often conclude with violent murders, as her characters exhaust all other options. It’s a grim reminder of the harsh realities that many people face in the world, and Morris doesn’t shy away from exploring the darker aspects of human nature.
Despite the bleak themes of her work, Morris is a gifted storyteller who is able to capture the complexities of the human experience with great skill and sensitivity.
Editoral Review
Songs in Ordinary Time by Mary McGarry Morris is a novel that was first published on August 1, 1995. Set in the 1960s, the book is a family drama that explores complex themes such as love, relationships, betrayal, and forgiveness.
The book revolves around the Fermoyle family, living in a small town in Vermont. Marie Fermoyle is a single mother, who is struggling to make ends meet and take care of her three children: Alice, Norm, and Franny.
Marie’s ex-husband, Omar is in jail, which has added to her financial woes. The arrival of a charismatic conman, Omar’s childhood friend, is a turning point in the family’s life.
This sets off a chain of events that threatens to destroy what little the family has left. As the story unfolds, secrets are revealed, and unexpected relationships are formed in this gripping family drama.
Mary McGarry Morris’s writing style is a perfect fit for this genre, with a well-crafted plot that keeps the readers engaged till the end. The characters are well-developed, and each has their own distinct personality, making them relatable and realistic.
Morris does an expert job of showcasing the complex relationships within a family, especially the mother and her children. One of the strengths of the book is its portrayal of the struggles of a single mother, which is still relevant today.
Morris’s writing captures the grittiness and the hardships that come with trying to raise a family on one’s own. She also does a great job of illustrating the complexities of human relationships, showcasing the various shades of love, betrayal, and forgiveness.
While the book does an excellent job of showcasing its themes, the pacing could have been better. In some instances, the book felt slow-moving, which may not appeal to all readers.
In conclusion, Songs in Ordinary Time by Mary McGarry Morris is a beautifully written novel that provides a captivating portrait of a family in crisis. The themes explored are still relevant today, giving the book a timeless quality.
Fans of family dramas will enjoy this book, and it is highly recommended for anyone who enjoys this genre. I give this book a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
