(4 / 5)This is a delightful book. Over the past couple of years I’ve read a number of novels which follow the grouchy-old-person-finds-life-again trope and so I was a little hesitant going in. However, this book offers a unique perspective and message about the realities and opportunities of life.
Ona is 104, she lives alone and rarely chooses to interact with others. The exception to this is her Saturday visits with the 11-year-old boy scout who comes by to help her with tasks around the houses. This eccentric boy (whose name we never learn) easily wins her over and a beautiful relationship blooms. But Ona has to start all over again when one Saturday the boy’s tortured father shows up in his place. In each other Ona and Quinn (the father) eventually find an unlikely ally in the wake of tragedy (no spoilers here). They help one another with what they cannot do alone, and it is beautiful to watch.
One of the main strengths of this book is the seemingly effortless way the author fleshed out her characters. They felt so real. At times I wanted to both strangle and hug each main player. These characters are flawed and authentic and long before the end I felt I knew each one intimately.
This book’s other forte is its prose. The wording is so poignant and perfect. I highlighted many sections on my kindle because Wood has the most magnificent way with words.
If there’s one thing this book teaches it’s that life is not linear. She highlights that it’s never too late to start living your life. Also, mistakes and tragedies happen to everyone, sometimes with devastating consequences, and we must decide to overcome them. And finally, life is not over until it’s over, until then-keep moving forward.
This is a book of beautiful, complicated, vulnerable relationships and life-tested wisdom, and I heartily recommend it.
Language: Medium
Violence: Low
Adult Content: Low