History of Mississippi Book

Thanks to Project Gutenberg for this classic freebie. Lake Wobegon meets Fried Green Tomatoes and Steel Magnolias. Released in 1916, it's a cosy comfort read about life in Clematis, a small town on the eastern seaboard. Persis Dale is the town dressmaker and busybody, but unlike so many of that ilk she truly has her friends' best interests at heart. Things always turn out well, from marriages and childbirth to accidents and break-ups. Some of Persis' good fortune is a little farfetched, but ultimately satisfying.

Being an early 20th century "women's novel", discussions of each spouse's "place" and "proper work" abound. I was a bit disappointed that the author started the Women's Club only to drop that promising thread; I had hoped we would see them work some changes in their small town.

A good evening-time read.