Connections

Lifelong friends are a rarity, aren’t they? As I listened to two of my dearest friends on a three way call recently, (One of the times I really love technology) I was reminded of so many years and shared experiences. We live on literally opposite ends of the country but their voices remain as constant as our laughter.

There is a lot of talk about family in our lives and truly that remains my constant and my barometer for values, integrity, love and loyalty. For some people family is their barometer for “what not to do.” I was truly just lucky. Unfortunately, my family is spread across the nation, from coast to coast. Just like my two oldest friends.

When I think about my daily life, I honestly don’t know how I would function without my friends that are here. Some people drift in and out but a special few are steady. We don’t live in each other’s pockets, but I see them frequently. A dinner, a brunch, a shopping excursion…. All really just an excuse to talk. Sometimes to complain about daily things, ask advice, share time. Almost always, laughter and appreciation is involved.

I think I have said this before, but I believe one of the most sacred and meaningful parts of life is in your relationships. They take a little care and nurturing, but are so worth it. I don’t take them for granted. I acknowledge them and am grateful.

MAY 2016 BOOK SELECTIONS- THE SECRET CHORD & THE PEOPLE OF THE BOOK

I submerged myself in two works by Pulitzer Prize winning novelist, Geraldine Brooks this month: The Secret Chord and The People of the Book.

I was first introduced to the work of Brooks through a book club’s selection of Year of Wonders: A Novel of the Plague. I no doubt would have never picked up this book on my own, because of its subject matter. That would have been a great loss to me as since then she has become one of my favorite authors. Brooks is a master at the art of historical fiction. She says she loves a structural framework of historical fact and from that she builds her story.

The Secret Chord is a novel about King David told from the point of view of his soothsayer, Natan. It begins with David's conception, follows his difficult childhood and years as a common shepherd, describes his garnering fame by slaying Goliath with a slingshot, and charts his years as King. The tale is not linear but moves back and forth through his life to help us understand the man as Brooks depicts him. Brooks does not glorify David in the least. He is shown with all the violent and ruthless choices he made along with their sometimes devastating consequences.

The People of the Book is another work of historical fiction based on the real, famous, ancient illustrated manuscript, The Sarajevo Haggadah. The story follows a rare book expert as she is called in to verify, restore and preserve this incredible work. During her examination of the text she discovers ancient artifacts within the manuscript which provide clues to its journey of survival of more than five hundred years.  Each artifact, a butterfly wing, salt crystals, a wine stain, a white hair, has its own story  within the story. This is beautifully constructed fiction that again travels back and forth through time.

I have to say, this is not light reading. Perhaps it was more difficult because I was experiencing both books simultaneously. In particular, the violence of the past and the heinous acts done in the name of religion have stayed with me. Not for the faint of heart, but if you like historical fiction, no one does it better than Geraldine Brooks.