I'm constantly amazed by Price's remarkable ability to craft a believable female voice. He achieved it splendidly with Roxanna Slade, and now he has done it once more with Kate Vaiden. Many people, myself included, find it difficult to understand Kate's decision to abandon her son. Sadly, I'm also aware of far too many young women who either contemplate making the same choice or actually go through with it.

Once again, this novel makes me deeply reflect. As a mother, I simply can't fathom ever choosing to leave my child. But then, why do so many other women walk away and never look back? What sets them apart? Is it the circumstances they face, the lack of support, or perhaps some internal turmoil that drives them to make such a heart-wrenching decision? These are the questions that萦绕 in my mind after reading this thought-provoking novel.

It makes me realize how complex and diverse the human experience can be, and how easily we might judge others without truly understanding their situation. Price's work has truly opened my eyes and made me more empathetic towards those who find themselves in difficult positions.

Beautiful Southern writing!

However, aside from the entire sexual-awakening-of-the-young-girl aspect, it seemed to read like the sexual awakening of a young girl as envisioned by a gay man. I read this for a class in college.

Interestingly, one of the grad students penned a whole paper elaborating on how it gave the impression of being told through the eyes of a gay man. In fact, she thought the author intended us to picture Kate as a man.

The teacher appeared shocked because she was a friend of Reynolds Price's, and at that time, he was still in the closet.

This whole situation added an extra layer of complexity and intrigue to the reading and the subsequent discussions in the class.

It made us question our own interpretations and the possible hidden meanings and perspectives within the text.

Overall, it was a thought-provoking experience that challenged our assumptions about literature and the different ways in which it can be perceived.

Whether it's true or not, this is a real girl and a real story.

If you grew up in North Carolina, especially in any type of agricultural area, you'll have a distinct feeling. It's as if you're sitting on a porch, enjoying the gentle breeze, and listening intently to someone tell you a story that they claim is the God's honest truth.

You can almost picture the scene, the rural setting with its vast fields and simple charm. The storyteller, perhaps an older neighbor or a relative, is sharing this tale with a sense of authenticity and warmth.

Thank you, Mr. Price, for bringing this story to our attention. It makes us feel connected to a place and a way of life that might otherwise seem distant. It reminds us of the power of storytelling and how it can transport us to another world, even if just for a moment.

We can only hope that there are many more such stories waiting to be discovered and shared, stories that will enrich our lives and give us a deeper understanding of the people and places that make up our world.

Not a bad book. How can I put it?

It's very "plotty." There's a lot of "and then…" and "what could have prepared me for what came next?"

You know within the first four pages that Kate's father kills her mother and that Kate abandons her child as a baby.

The character Kate is supposed to embody resilience and pluck. While I do sympathize with her most of the time, I find her a bit cold.

One aspect of the writing that annoys me somewhat is the frequent use of similes. Understandably, this is done to reflect the Southern dialect. Some of the similes are sweet, like "I filled with thanks like a rain," or "I was calm as the pavement." But it still bugs me when it's overdone. Here's an overdose from page 4 alone:

- …making that long trip on roads rough as gullies.

- …drive home to see my mother, bathed and nervous as a hamster.

- It was January and cold as igloos.

- ….fall afternoons when my mother would be blue as indigo.

Nevertheless, it's not a bad book, just not especially to my taste. I understand that the protagonist's personal history makes her who she is (sometimes cold and inconsiderate).

More than with its glowing back-cover blurbs, it won me over with its cover. A weakness of mine!

Overall, the book has its strengths and weaknesses. The plot is engaging, but the writing style and the character of Kate may not be to everyone's liking. However, the cover is definitely a plus.

It's a book that I would recommend to those who enjoy a good Southern story with a bit of drama and mystery. But if you're looking for a warm and fuzzy read, this may not be the book for you.

Enjoyable. The style takes some getting used to. It's not the typical kind of writing that one might be immediately comfortable with. I read it in a flurry of vacation reading, so the details have slipped a little. In the rush to get through multiple books during the break, I may not have fully absorbed every nuance.

The story is alright. It has its moments that keep the reader engaged. However, the narrator is not entirely convincing when it comes to her strength of character. Supposedly one of her identifying characteristics, this aspect seems a bit lacking. There are times when her actions and decisions don't quite align with the idea of a strong character. It makes it a bit difficult to fully believe in her as a protagonist. Maybe with a more in-depth exploration of her inner thoughts and motives, the portrayal of her strength could have been more effective.

3.5 stars.

I must say that this story had a certain charm to it. The narrative seemed to have a magical quality that effortlessly pulled me along. It was as if I was on a journey with the characters, unable to break free from its grip.

One of the things that stood out for me was Kate. Despite the fact that her actions often baffled and frustrated me, I still found myself liking her. Maybe it was because I could relate to her in some strange way, or perhaps it was because I simply enjoyed all the crazy situations she managed to get herself into.

Overall, it was a good story. It had its moments of excitement and drama, and it kept me entertained from start to finish. However, I wouldn't go so far as to say that it was a life-changing read. It was more like a pleasant diversion, something to pass the time and enjoy.

3 1/2 stars

I found myself in a bit of a quandary when it came to evaluating this book as a whole. There were so many aspects of it that I truly adored. The Southern flavor was palpable, transporting me to a different world with its rich descriptions and unique charm. The occasional laugh-out-loud humor provided welcome moments of levity, and the writing style was refreshingly distinct from that of other authors.

However, despite these individual strengths, the overall experience was somewhat less satisfying. I had a particular affinity for Kate as a young girl, but as she grew into a woman, something seemed to change.

The book delved deeply into the theme of orphanhood and abandonment, which was fascinating to explore. It was difficult not to feel some measure of sympathy for Kate, yet there was an underlying sense that something was amiss in her personality. Was she born this way, or did the trauma of being orphaned at the tender age of eleven shape her into the person she became?

Kate was by far the most impulsive character I've ever come across. She had a tendency to use people when it suited her needs and then simply vanish when things got tough or she felt she had extracted all she could from them. This made her a complex and somewhat frustrating character to follow.

Nonetheless, I believe this book would be an excellent choice for a book group to read and discuss. Even for those members who may not have an immediate affinity for the story, there is an abundance of material to analyze and pick apart. It would surely spark lively and engaging conversations.

In conclusion, while this book had its flaws, it also had many redeeming qualities. It left me with much to think about and discuss, and for that, I give it a solid 3 1/2 stars.

To say that the late Reynolds Price is one of my favorite writers would truly be an understatement.

He has an extraordinary gift for crafting beautifully written stories that center around the lives of ordinary people in the South.

His prose is so captivating that at times, it simply takes your breath away.

I first read “Kate Vaiden” many years ago, and a few weeks ago, I decided to pick it up again.

This time, I took my time with the book, allowing myself to fully savor both the story and the exquisite writing.

The second reading was just as enchanting as the first. It didn't disappoint in the slightest.

I know that Kate's story will stay with me for a long time.

It is a truly stunning story that showcases Price's remarkable talent as a writer.

His ability to bring the characters and their world to life is nothing short of remarkable.

Reynolds Price's work is a treasure, and I feel privileged to have discovered it.

I look forward to reading more of his books and experiencing the magic of his writing all over again.

Reynolds Price presents us with one of the most intricate and fully developed characters that I have ever had the joy of reading.

Kate Vaiden gives birth to a baby boy in Macon, NC when she is just 17 years old. She has already endured more tragedies than many adults, which perhaps helps to explain why she abandons her son.

While the rest of the world is embroiled in WWII, Kate grapples with her own confounding choices and matures into a heroine with whom you will both sympathize and want to admonish. She is a complex, strong, independent, intelligent, and yet foolish woman whom you will find yourself attempting to understand from the very first chapter.

The characters involved in Kate's world (and it truly is Kate's world) are also extremely well-written and carefully thought-out.

This is a perfect book for discussion in book groups or literature classes, as it is both entertaining and offers plenty of depth to sink your teeth into - there are numerous layers to contemplate!

I am astonished that I have not encountered Mr. Price until now; I will definitely be reading more of his work as he is a first-rate writer.

I had the experience of hearing Reynolds Price do commentaries on NPR many years ago. At that time, I had never delved into any of his novels. However, fate brought me to a thrift shop where I found this particular novel. It was a hardback with the original cover, and I purchased it for a mere $.50. At first, as I started reading the story, it seemed like a 3-star read. But as Kate, the protagonist, grew up a bit, something changed. Suddenly, I had a realization that this was actually a 4-star book.

The novel is set before, during, and after WWII. It tells the story of an orphan, Kate, who lives with her aunt and uncle. The narrative follows Kate's growth and development. Her story is quite unique considering the time and place. In the 1930s and 1940s, many girls and young women would not have made the choices that Kate did. But it is precisely those choices that make her a truly unique and interesting protagonist. I am truly glad that I decided to read this one. It has provided me with an engaging and thought-provoking experience.

A simple story of a woman looking back on her life and its twists and turns. At first glance, it might seem ordinary, but I found it absolutely riveting. The way she tells her story, her voice is truly unique. It's as if she is sharing her most intimate secrets with me, drawing me in and making me eager to know more. The writing is so good that I looked forward to reuniting with my book each day, impatient to see what would happen next. It's not just a story; it's a compelling journey that takes you through her joys, sorrows, and everything in between. The vivid descriptions make it easy for me to picture every scene like it was a movie playing in my mind. I can see the characters, feel their emotions, and experience their world. It's a remarkable piece of work that has left a lasting impression on me.

The story is about a young woman's journey of growing up as an orphan during World War II.

When her parents die in a tragic murder-suicide, young Kate has to find her own path in the world. She has to deal with love, grief, growth, and her relationship with God.

The book is well-written, with a wry tone and a solid structure. However, my interest started to wane during the long monologues and the lulls in the story.

Despite that, I ultimately enjoyed this book. It provides a vivid portrait of a woman's life that is marked by dramatic loss and strange turns of destiny.

It makes the reader think about the power of love, the importance of faith, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Overall, it is a thought-provoking and engaging read that I would recommend to others.