I wasn’t so sure about this novel at first.

It took me a couple of pages to catch on—despite being southern, even I had a little trouble getting into the colloquialisms and dialect of the narrator, fifty-something-year-old Kate Vaiden.

When I became attuned to Kate’s universe, however, it was clear I was diving into the memories and misfortune of a girl-turned-woman who recognized her troubles but didn’t feel burdened of them nearly enough to sit down and make a U-turn.

Most people express frustration at this point. However, I found Kate’s impulsive amusing. Her snap judgments made for an interesting study in human behavior. How do we justify choices that are bound to senselessly hurt others? How do our pasts inform our identities and color every move we make? You see this all play out in Kate’s world up until her “come to Jesus moment”, so to speak, toward the end of the novel.

I’d also say that as a black woman, I felt a level of amusement reading the segments that included comments or recollections on black people in Macon, South Carolina and, truthfully, around the world.

I typically shy away from male authors whose novels center female characters because they often get them wrong. I can say Reynold Price did fairly well, and though I raised an eyebrow at a few things, I think much of it wasn’t Price doing the talking, but Kate herself.

The novel's exploration of Kate's complex character and her journey through life is both engaging and thought-provoking. It makes you question your own assumptions and behaviors, and how we all navigate the challenges and choices that come our way.

Overall, I'm glad I stuck with this novel and gave it a chance. It may not be perfect, but it offers a unique perspective on the human experience that is well worth exploring.

Instead of simply being in awe of author Reynolds Price's remarkable turn of phrases, I found myself completely in love with the personality and way with words of the main character, Kate Vaiden. The voice in this book is so exquisitely written that at times, I completely forgot it wasn't actually Kate herself talking directly to me. It is truly a wonderful coming-of-age story that delves deep into the experience of living life on a wing and a prayer, and the inevitable regret that accompanies such a journey. Through Kate's eyes, we witness her growth, her mistakes, and her moments of profound self-discovery. After reading this book, I am absolutely determined to seek out more of Southerner Reynolds Price's works. I can't wait to explore the other worlds and characters he has created, knowing that each one will be as captivating and thought-provoking as Kate Vaiden.

This was an extremely distinct book for me to peruse. It was far more a book of words than one with a conventional plot.

The plot advanced at a sluggish pace. However, the words, phrases, and images that Price employs are incredibly rich. They evoke intense emotions and vividly paint pictures in the reader's mind. Initially, I encountered difficulties as he writes in such an unconventional manner. He doesn't simply state "she is sad"; rather, he constructs an image completely unassociated with sadness that manages to convey the feeling.

All things considered, I relished the experience of reading this book. Nevertheless, I felt that the character of Kate Vaiden caused far more destruction and harm to others than was inflicted upon her.

It made me reflect on the complexity of human nature and how our actions can have far-reaching consequences. Despite the slow plot, the power of the language and the depth of the character exploration made this book a worthwhile read.

It challenged my preconceptions and forced me to look at things from a different perspective. I would recommend this book to those who appreciate unique writing styles and are willing to engage with a story on a deeper level.

I deliberately reread this particular piece slowly, taking the time to relish every single word, every nuanced emotion, and every detailed description of people, places, language, and culture that Reynolds Price so masterfully and engagingly penned.

If I were to limit my reading to only him and Toni Morrison, I would still consider myself a contented reader. Kate is an indelible woman, and she is convincingly depicted with respect and profound insight by one of the rare male writers who can bring a female character to life with such authenticity.

Fortunately, I am the proud owner of this first edition, and I can lose myself in its pages whenever the need arises. I earnestly hope that you will do the same, if you haven't already.

It is truly a literary gem that deserves to be cherished and revisited time and time again.

Each reading uncovers new layers of beauty and depth, making it an experience that enriches the soul and expands the mind.

So, pick up this book, open its pages, and let yourself be transported into the captivating world that Reynolds Price has so artfully created.

You won't be disappointed.