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Christmas Pearl has warm story and appealing fruitcake recipesby: Petrina Bosiak
Just in time for the holidays, New York Times bestselling author Dorothea Benton Frank brings us THE CHRISTMAS PEARL. Set in Charleston, South Carolina, this heartwarming book is filled with southern wit and charm and generous servings of Gullah magic from the writer’s own childhood. Gullah, for anyone living on the opposite side of the continent, means the African American community known for strongly preserving their African linguistic and cultural heritage, according to Wikipedia. Frank writes about the unique culture of the South Carolina and Georgia Low Country, but she also describes the more widespread longings, joys, and hopes the holiday season brings. Theodora Bryson is 93 years old , traditional and clinging to a last hope of having a old fashioned Christmas. Instead, she finds herself in a terrible conundrum. Her children and grandchildren have forgotten every value of importance in life, most especially conscience and decorum, and it is breaking her heart. During Theodora's childhood, Christmas was a season of generosity, good food and good times. Decorations, treasured for generations, were unpacked and displayed. Gifts were everywhere, but they were thoughtful and homemade. Treats were abundant and every carefully planned meal was delectable. Most importantly, there was Theodora's beloved housekeeper, Pearl, who was always nearby to share her wit, wisdom, and warmth — and her love. The Christmas Pearl is the story of a torn apart family — their rivalries, insecurities, secrets, and lies — and how, through Theodora and the magic of Pearl, coming back as a ghost to help her old friend, they rediscover their deep devotion to each other. I also enjoyed the recipes at the end of the book, because the descriptions of her writing throughout the book truly makes you want to try some of those biscuits , and fruit cake – yes I happen to like fruitcake, so sue me…. |
