Sweetgrass by Mary Alice Monroe

I was asked to read something recent by Mary Alice Monroe to review for the Friends of the Library newsletter at my library. I probably wouldn't have picked this book up otherwise. It really wasn't that bad.

The story centers Sweetgrass, a former plantation on the South Caroline coast that has been in the Blakely family since the 1700's. Preston Blakely, the current patriarch has been scrabbling all his life to keep Sweetgrass together. He has lots of obstacles in his way - taxes that keep creeping higher, family that sell off their portions (his daugther, Nan, for instance), and a scheming sister who wants to sell the whole shebang to developers. So when Preston has a severe stroke, the fate of Sweetgrass and ultimately himself, rest in the hands of the rest of his family.

The rest of the family consists of his wife Mary June (called Mama June by all), who has never had to deal with the business end of their home. Morgan, his estranged son returns from Montana to help out, and Nona, the former housekeeper returns to lend a hand running the household.

What this whole story boils down to is this: keeping secrets and pain locked up inside you will tear you and your family apart. The book was heartfelt without being schmaltzy, and heart-wrenching without being depressing. It's not my usual cup of tea, but it was engaging and kept my interest through to the end.