Can we talk about the "Calm after the storm"? That is exactly what we witnessed when we arose for our October book club meeting this morning - 2 days after Hurricane Ian came through the coast of Northeast Florida.
Sharron planned each detail for a festive meeting in Copeland's of New Orleans private dining space.
The decor celebrated the beginning of Fall as well as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Sharron commissioned a local merchandise brander to customize designer hats for us to commemorate the meeting. If that is not "Savvy" I do not know what is!!
We began the meeting with a prayer by Roz and then we went right into the questions. We were grateful that Maria (who recently relocated) and Kim could join via Zoom. Technology has really made it easier for us to meet in diverse ways!!
Many of the members read this book when it was initially published, so this was a re-read for at least 4 members, but it was as if we were all reading this phenomenal piece of literature for the 1st time. Once we began discussing the attraction (or lack thereof) of Gus to Emma Jean and vice versa; Sharron, Val, Roz, Karen, Celeste, Ka Saundra, Twilla, Jackie, Maria, Kim (heck, everyone...Tee Heee) had an opinion. From Emma Jean's breeding hips and melodic voice to Gus' work ethic and ample sized feet, we discussed it all! There was so much, yet so little that attracted them to each other. This really speaks to the era or genre of this book. For many African Americans, after the stock market crash of 1929, marriage was more of a contractual arrangement for basic survival - You married, procreated, groomed the boys to work the fields and the girls to keep house. When you consider it, this form of field labor was the authenticator of "Farm to Table" and "Farm to Market" mentality which is promoted now for sustainability. Yet another example of how our ancestors originated agricultural processes that have gained popularity and are being implemented with technology today. Yet again, I have digressed (smile).
As a result of the love-less situation she was embarking upon, Emma Jean cried all the way down the aisle on her wedding day. The harsh reality for Emma Jean was that she knew it was time for her (at the ripe old age of 18) to leave her mother's home and wed a hard-working man to take care of her.
Gender exploration was the main theme of the book Ka Saundra brought up the situation where a baby may be born "intersex" or "ambiguous" with regards to male and female genitality. This condition happens more often than some would imagine, however in many cases (according to medical data); the gender assignment is handled at birth at the discretion of the parent(s). Roz mentioned how a student in her collegiate class of one gender, preferred to be "called" by a name of the opposite gender. Her resolve was the student was an adult and could elect to be called upon by any name he/she desired.
It is now 11:00 Eastern and Dr. Daniel Black has joined our discussion!! Sharron thanked
Dr. Black and opened up the discussion for questions!! While we all had comments and questions, it was great to capture the answer to this one question, regarding how Emma Jean could have known the "secret" about Henrietta, her husband, Tom and "the babies" (both born and stillborn). There was never a direct answer to this cryptic question in the novel.
His response "floored" everyone!
He spent time discussing the associations of the Sir names, "Lovejoy", "Hurt" and Peace, and how he implemented them into his novel. It was great to hear an author's perspective of their personal writing process and how little hidden nuggets, when polished, turn into gold.
Before leaving, Dr. Black acknowledged Val's comment that "Perfect Peace" is quite timely for this era that we are presently in (socially) and that he was ahead of the curve when he wrote it. He also mentioned that he had an option for a movie in the works and asked U.S. G.I.R.L.S. if we would support it at the box office!
Wrapping up, Sharron wanted us to give our thoughts on the role of the river Jordan. There were responses from religious or cathartic/cleansing role, to a protagonist or a transformative character. This is the beauty of literature; Interpretation is subjective to the analysis and imagination of the reader
Thank you, Sharron for taking us through the dirt roads of Swamp Creek and the tirbukent waters of the River Jordan. Even though some of us have been on this journey before, it was as if this book was a Cabernet Sauvigon - and just gets better with time. We found sadness, dismay, laughter and unconditional love, but ultimately, we found "Peace".
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