I Still Dream About You (Paperback)

Reviews

Reviewed by Amanda P. - 17 July 2011

It's difficult for an author to live up to the perfect novel. Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café was as near to perfect as it gets. I Still Dream About You reminded me so much of that iconic book. It is part murder mystery, part comedy and completely filled with the old-fashioned wisdom and charm of Fannie Flagg’s finest novel. Flagg’s characters are strong, eccentric and well-constructed. Maggie Fortenberry was Miss Alabama a long time ago. At 60, she works as an agent at Red Mountain Realty in Birmingham. Still gorgeous, she hides years of regret and private disappointments. Brenda Peoples, her ambitious friend works with her. She is unhappily overweight, and planning to run for mayor. Ethel Clipp is the office manager who longs for the old days and dresses in purple. Babs Bingington owns the rival agency, and she wants Maggie out of business. Red Mountain Realty was started by energetic Hazel Whisenknott, a tiny woman who died five years ago. Her story is told in flashbacks and memories. This reminded me of Ninny Threadgoode, who told Evelyn Couch the story of Ruth and Idgie, in Fried Green Tomatoes. All of these women have secrets. They all struggle with sadness and self-doubt. Fannie Flagg has the ability to make you like them in spite of their faults. They have grace and style and behave like ladies. This made me smile, made me laugh and made me sad. Everything a great book should do. I Still Dream About You will make you feel that life is still a worthwhile and beautiful gift. Amanda Patterson www.writerswrite.co.za