A review by rhodered
Courting Carrie in Wonderland by Carla Kelly
3.0
I'm glad I read it, although it felt a bit slow and melancholy. Carla Kelly always makes me think about human dignity under pressure, and kindness. So, that's not a bad thing.
Also, as a history fan, I loved how she wove slang and pop culture of 1903 in throughout, as well as social history, in particular how a class system was still very much in evidence then that we would not recognize today.
Plus, the author's deep love for Yellowstone Park shines on every page.
At 380 pages it's far thicker than most of this author's books, and I think that contributed to the slowness. She is telling several stories intertwined - environmentalism and the intersection of people vs wildlife (especially bears and wolves); a soldier's recovery from a terrible battle; an elderly woman's life of adventure and sadness; the history and glories of Yellowstone tourism; and a couple's (G-rated) romance. While the stories are intertwined well here, they didn't need to be. Each could have stood on its own. Wherein lies the problem, with such strong stories, I'm not sure which to pay attention to primarily.
And, it must be said, all of them are somewhat sad. Even the HEA is not unalloyed pleasure - sacrifices must be made, life will not be easy, wildlife is in danger and winter is coming.
Although both leads are orphans, they are surrounded by many parental-types and older supporters and mentors. The older generation is well represented.
I did feel though that the story line with the 60-something, rich woman was a bit contrived. She changed too swiftly from bitch to fairy godmother. And I didn't quite see why she was so intimidating, in particular to men. It was also odd to hear how passively she referred to the events in her own life. She 'catches the eye of' men who then befriend or marry her...she doesn't set herself to catch them or even picks them. When an old friend doesn't recognize her, she feels very sad but doesn't reintroduce herself. She seems to have curiously little agency for a self made woman. Is that a reflection of nothing but the times, or the author's style?
Anyhow, glad I read it, but will now donate it to the library.
Also, as a history fan, I loved how she wove slang and pop culture of 1903 in throughout, as well as social history, in particular how a class system was still very much in evidence then that we would not recognize today.
Plus, the author's deep love for Yellowstone Park shines on every page.
At 380 pages it's far thicker than most of this author's books, and I think that contributed to the slowness. She is telling several stories intertwined - environmentalism and the intersection of people vs wildlife (especially bears and wolves); a soldier's recovery from a terrible battle; an elderly woman's life of adventure and sadness; the history and glories of Yellowstone tourism; and a couple's (G-rated) romance. While the stories are intertwined well here, they didn't need to be. Each could have stood on its own. Wherein lies the problem, with such strong stories, I'm not sure which to pay attention to primarily.
And, it must be said, all of them are somewhat sad. Even the HEA is not unalloyed pleasure - sacrifices must be made, life will not be easy, wildlife is in danger and winter is coming.
Although both leads are orphans, they are surrounded by many parental-types and older supporters and mentors. The older generation is well represented.
I did feel though that the story line with the 60-something, rich woman was a bit contrived. She changed too swiftly from bitch to fairy godmother. And I didn't quite see why she was so intimidating, in particular to men. It was also odd to hear how passively she referred to the events in her own life. She 'catches the eye of' men who then befriend or marry her...she doesn't set herself to catch them or even picks them. When an old friend doesn't recognize her, she feels very sad but doesn't reintroduce herself. She seems to have curiously little agency for a self made woman. Is that a reflection of nothing but the times, or the author's style?
Anyhow, glad I read it, but will now donate it to the library.