The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder: A Novel by Rebecca Wells
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
There’s something about Rebecca Wells that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Her writing, her story… it’s like they’re from a different time but relevant all at once. I can’t say enough good things about Wells’ writing.
Crowning Glory is no Ya-Ya, but the Southern charm and sisterhoods are still there.The characters are fantastic – Calla is hit or miss unfortunately, but her young love Tuck is a riot, her hairdresser friends are quirky and fun, and childhood friend Sukie is deep and endearing and obnoxious (but in a good way). I especially loved the story of her falling in love with her gay hairdressing teacher. Classic.
The story, on the other hand, had only its moments. Calla’s childhood is filled with wonder and I couldn’t read it fast enough. But the Moon Lady spiritual stuff was pretty twee and didn’t add anything to the story, which was a shame, because I think it could have. The ending was also incredibly rushed and I feel like I missed out on something and had to re-read. But no, Wells just kind of tied up loose ends without really giving us anything to sink our teeth in to.
So all in all, definitely read this book. It’s moving and whimsical and Wells’ writing style never fails. Maybe some better editing or a little more attention on Wells’ part could have made this book worthy of the full five stars.
