Sunday, July 26, 2009

The Shortest Distance Between Two Women-Kris Radish

The Shortest Distance Between Two Women
Kris Radish
Bantam, Aug 18 2009, $15.00
ISBN: 9780553805413

In Higgins, South Carolina, the biggest annual event is the Gilford family reunion. The yearly happening is headed by the widowed matriarch Marty as a Five Star general and three of her four adult daughters as Field Generals. However, the youngest daughter forty-three years old Emma is the NCO making sure the gala comes off all right; in fact making sure the lives of her older siblings, their spouses and children, and mom come off all right.

One blast from the past changes everything when Samuel leaves a voice message asking Emma if she would see him. He wants to start over. Emma on the one hand does, but fears he will leave especially after the Higgins chaos; on the other hand she wants him to go to hell. Her family collapses without her helping hand since she now needs a mental helping hand from them but none step forward. Samuel’s return forces her to relook her relationships as the spinster who is the dependable one never gets the hunk because she is too busy.

This is an engaging regional family drama that is fun to follow but clearly over the top of Sassafras Mountain with the Gilford “kick the can” rules; that includes an overwhelming ensemble cast making it at times difficult to recall who’s who. Still this is entertaining tale that reminds the audience to be responsible but take time out to enjoy life with your love ones.

Harriet Klausner

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