In Common: A Novel of Love and Sacrifice

A bitter sweet story of two women who loved one man and the sacrifices they made . Set against times of change in USA, times I lived through but never knew about the turmoil going on over there. Looking back it seems much longer ago than that

In Common convincingly takes the reader to 20th century Mississippi, where three white women turn themselves inside out for the love of the same man. He couldn’t care less. It’s a deep dive into all that’s wrong with our patriarchal society while at the same time being a delightful story about these Southern women just trying to get by. I loved each of them despite their ignorance of their own worth and their intrinsic racism. There’s no doubt about the authenticity of the characters and the depiction of the South. If we don’t face our history, we’re doomed to repeat it.

I chose this novel because the main character was described as a modern-day Scarlett O’Hara. Gone With the Wind has been a favorite novel for years & I love Scarlett’s sass & determination. The only thing Scarlett has in common with these characters is that she’s southern & In Common is also set in the south.Regardless, this is a wonderfully, enjoyable novel. There are a minimal number of mistakes, mainly an omitted word here or there. The language isn’t bad & the sex isn't disgustingly graphic. I'd rate it PG17.The novel is told from the POV of two different women. They have very little in common except for a man--Lillian’s husband & Velma’s boss.This novel is heavily character driven, full of flawed humans with hopes, dreams, desires & wishes. I really enjoyed how each of these people were neither good nor bad, but faulty. The story spans from the 1930s to around 1990. There aren’t many dates given. Referring to different things happening during the 60s & 70s, like JFK’s assassination in 1963 gives the reader an idea of the passing of time.As people age & learn more about the world around them, their way of life often undergoes dramatic changes. This novel skillfully presents the huge sacrifice shy Velma makes to leave the family farm to become an educated woman in the city. She embarrasses easily but is brave & strives to become a valuable employee. She has a strong moral compass & lives her life accordingly, for the most part. But, just like everyone else, she has failings.Lillian is a go-getter, used to working hard & having great love for her family. She sacrifices for her husband & prides herself on being a wonderful hostess. She isn’t the best mother but it’s an honest portrayal. Every mom I know has been aggravated at one time or another with their children. And sometimes the child doesn’t have a disposition that gels with others in the family. Yet, Lillian will sacrifice for her family.The man tying them together has many facets to his personality. It’s reflected in the relationships with these women. And like it or not, he’s opinionated on world events, southern views & women. He’s exasperating, but he too, has a goodness to him.There are lots of references to smoking & drinking. This was the way of life in America, especially after WWII. Most characters imbibe to a certain extent & smoking is common. I had forgotten that some people adamantly thought the surgeon general was blowing smoke out of his fanny when he said it was harmful. Non-smoking areas hadn’t become a thing, yet, & it was common to find smokers in every family. Social drinking plays a heavy hand in this novel, also.I really liked the different facets of each character’s personality & the glimpse of the changes in our nation that shapes everyone today. I couldn’t put this book down. It’s 628 pages & it doesn’t drag or get boring. I found it interesting from beginning to end.

Well done saga. The plot line was intricate without being confusing, and the ending was very well done. All the characters are likeable, even the flawed Will Hughes. It describes well the social mores of a different time that was not that long ago.One note though, I live on the Big Island of Hawaii, and the active volcano is on Kilauea not Mauna Loa. Mauna Loa has not been active for centuries.

Started this book without realizing it was set in the early1900s. I don't usually read these kind of books. Not sorry I did! It seemed like a long book but I couldn't put it down some nights. These people seemed so real and their lives so tragic I definitely recommend this book. The book was truly about love and sacrifice.