My Life in Literature

"Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe" is a beautiful story of friendship, family, and love that has stood the test of time. Fannie Flagg has succeeded in creating characters with the depth and warmth that make them feel like part of the family. The storyline occasionally slows, but the energy mimics that of the real highs and lows of life. It is a story that can be put down and when you come back to it, feels like coming home. 

The story follows that of middle-aged housewife Evelyn Couch who feels very lost in both her identity and her marriage. When she meets Mrs. Virginia (Ninny) Threadgoode at the Rose Terrace Nursing Home, she is drawn in by the older woman's story of the town of Whistle Stop, Alabama in the 1930's, particularly that of Idgie Threadgood and her best friend, business partner, and love of her life, Ruth Jamison. Mrs. Threadgoode through story-telling and wisdom befriends Evelyn, teaching her lessons that ultimately change Evelyn's life.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, not knowing however how very different it was from the movie. The only thing I didn't like was the transitions between Evelyn's story, The Weems Weekly and Idgie and Ruth's stories. I felt the transitions could have been smoother and in the beginning got confused on a few occasions. This is one book I will more than likely read again!