I read "Cathedral", the titular short story in this collection. The narrator and his wife are visited by Robert, a longtime friend and past employer oI read "Cathedral", the titular short story in this collection. The narrator and his wife are visited by Robert, a longtime friend and past employer of the wife. The narrator is meeting Robert for the first time and feels superior because Robert is blind.
Robert is able to form a connection with the emotionally isolated narrator after they watch a TV program about cathedrals. The blind man is interested in the human element and sense of community when multiple generations work together to build a cathedral. His vision of a cathedral is more than just a place with gorgeous architecture, but a place for worship and forming human connections.
The story has a theme about seeing with one's eyes contrasted with seeing and understanding things below the surface. Robert may be blind, but he has the greater understanding and forms deep, meaningful relationships.
Andrew Wyeth spent his summers painting in Cushing, Maine and he was especially drawn to the Olson House and its occupants. Siblings Al and Christina Andrew Wyeth spent his summers painting in Cushing, Maine and he was especially drawn to the Olson House and its occupants. Siblings Al and Christina Olson lived in their old ancestral home which had no modern conveniences--no electricity, and no indoor plumbing other than a hand pump in the kitchen. The book is named for Wyeth's famous painting "Christina's World" which depicts a field of yellowed grass and a woman in a pink dress crawling up the hill, heading toward a farmhouse in disrepair. Wyeth is showing Christina, who had a debilitating neuromuscular disease, as a woman with many qualities. Fragile, vulnerable, longing, strong, and persistent are adjectives that come to mind, and every viewer will see something different in the painting.
The book is really Christina's story written as a fictional memoir of her life with her parents, her grandmother, and three brothers. She was an intelligent girl whose dream of becoming a teacher was taken from her when her parents needed her at home to do chores in the farmhouse. Her hope of love and marriage never worked out. Christina was a resilient worker at home, caring for her sickly parents and her siblings. She always had a stubborn streak, and refused to use a wheelchair as her mobility decreased. Andrew Wyeth treated Christina with a cheerful acceptance, and his presence was welcomed by both Christina and her brother. Al and Christina had a strong sibling connection--two people facing life together under difficult circumstances, both with dreams that were never realized.
I loved Christina Baker Kline's writing in this story. The author conveys so much understanding and warmth in her complex portrayal of Christina. The book transported us to the first half of the 20th Century, to a time of simple pleasures, hard work, and the unforgettable Christina Olson. 4.5 stars.
2/15/15 Reread for a book group discussion. This is one of the books on my favorites shelf.
3/19/13 When Louisa Clark lost her job, she was hired for a2/15/15 Reread for a book group discussion. This is one of the books on my favorites shelf.
3/19/13 When Louisa Clark lost her job, she was hired for a six month assignment as a caregiver for Will Trayner. The active young man had been hit by a car, and was left a quadriplegic. The gregarious Louisa was hired to help ward off the depression that was settling in Will's life. He also expanded her world by showing her that there was a big world outside her small hometown in the English countryside.
There is a lot to think about as Will decides whether he is willing to keep on living, knowing that his health will continue to deteriorate. The author showed that there are no easy choices. It was an emotionally touching story with humorous, warm characters. Warning: Stock up on your supply of tissues....more
Lynnie, a young white woman with a developmental disability, is thought of as "Beautiful Girl" in the mind of Homan, a black deaf man. They are both iLynnie, a young white woman with a developmental disability, is thought of as "Beautiful Girl" in the mind of Homan, a black deaf man. They are both institutionalized in Pennsylvania in 1968 when they run away. Lynnie had been raped at the institution, and knows she has to get away to give her baby a chance when it's time to give birth. The couple get help from a retired widow, but Lynnie is captured by the authorities from the institution while Homan manages to escape into the woods. Lynnie asks the widow to hide the baby girl before she is driven back to the institution.
The book then tracks the separate lives of Lynnie, Homan, and baby Julia. Lynnie and Homan both face enormous challenges, but a combination of inner strength, talent, and the kindness of helpful people lead to better times.
The author had a sister with an intellectual disability who was raised at home. She was horrified at the reports on TV about the neglect at some state institutions. She has woven a wonderful story around the movement to create a more inclusive environment for those with disabilities. Because the characters had such positive attitudes and a beautiful love, the book had many happy and uplifting moments. The story of "Beautiful Girl" and Homan will stay with you for a long time....more
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