The Sweetest Thing

April 11, 2011
Novelist Musser (The Swan House) returns with this story of Mary Dobbs Dillard and Perri Singleton, teenage girls in Atlanta during the 1930s who form a close friendship as they deal with tragedy, heartbreak, and the Depression. Musser's historical research and love for her setting show through on every page, and her competent writing provides readers with a tightly plotted story, though the pacing of the second half is more satisfying than the first. Her characters, however, shine less than their setting; at their worst they are predictable and slightly flat, and even at best they can be overly precious and melodramatic, especially Mary Dobbs, whose Christian faith is emphasized so strongly that it borders on self-righteousness and makes her later crisis of faith seem contrived. Musser also pushes her theme of God's mercy and providence rather heavy-handedly, but despite these flaws, the novel boasts an engaging mystery subplot and satisfying conclusion, and thus should please fans of her previous work.

May 1, 2011
Mary Dobbs Dillard is the daughter of a dedicated inner-city preacher whos poorer than the people to whom he ministers. Perri Singleton is the spoiled, pampered daughter of a wealthy man. They meet the same day Perris father, realizing that his fortune is gone, commits suicide. Since Dobbs pastor dad comes from a wealthy family, and he has sent her to live with his rich aunt so she can attend a good school, Dobbs situation improves by leaps and bounds. Perri, on the other hand, is caught up in the inevitable spiral down from luxury to poverty, even though her proud mother struggles to keep up appearances. The two teens forge an unlikely friendship as they each try to adapt to the extreme changes created by their new lifestyles. Themes of redemption, healing, and crisis of faith shine throughout this emotion-packed story. This is a perfect companion piece to other inspirational Depression-era novels, such as Ann H. Gabharts Angel Sister (2011).(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)