Historical Fiction

I liked this book because it seemed so real. I felt like I was living back in those days and listening to the problems of these two girls with opposite lives become best friends in spite of their initial dislike for each other. I could feel the sticky heat of the South and taste the wonderful food that little Parthenia made. The author handles the characters' faith in a natural, conversational way so that we aren't preached at but can believe with them. ( )

Perri Singleton met Mary Dobbs Dillard on the day Perri’s father hanged himself. Dobbs, an itinerant minister’s daughter from Chicago, came to Atlanta as a protégé of her wealthy aunt. Dobbs saw the disdain in Perri’s face, but she knew they would become friends. Perri knew she and her friends could never accept this girl in the potato sack dress, with her too-long hair and strange accent, into the social life of their exclusive girl’s school. Dobbs’ compassion gave Perri the support she needed in her changed circumstances. Perri became the go-between when Dobbs’ faith and moral convictions were too much for her other friends. Friendships are fragile. They flourish then fade with foolish misunderstandings and false pride. The sweetest thing is knowing that God provides in His way and in His time for every need. These themes are woven into the lives of the many characters, both rich and poor, with the family secrets revealed and a mystery solved. Life in 1930s Atlanta provides the setting for a story to enjoy. Rating: 3 —CP ( )

The Sweetest Thing is another beautifully written novel from the pen of Elizabeth Musser. Musser manages to capture depression era Atlanta and bring it into focus for the reader. And once again her characters are authentic, revealing truth and a depth of feeling not often found in books. I have read three of Musser’s other books — The Swan House, The Dwelling Place and Searching for Eternity. All are excellent, but I believe The Sweetest Thing is my favorite so far.
Perri Singleton is the pampered, but not quite spoiled seventeen year old used to all the finest in her world. Her world is filled with parties, teas and pop-calling. The Depression has been going on for 3 years, yet it hasn’t touched her life in any significant day. Until the banks close and the unthinkable happens. Enter Mary Dobbs Dillard, ever enthusiastic daughter of a preacher, who has grown up knowing what hardship, hunger and poverty looks like first hand. Theirs is an unusual friendship, yet one that deepens through their struggles with life and faith. Told from both of their perspectives, The Sweetest Thing presents a wonderful story of lost and found faith and the discovery of just what is the sweetest thing in life.

As with her other novels set in Atlanta, Musser bring its Depression-era identity to life. Some landmarks that existed in 1933 still stand today — the Fox Theatre, the Georgian Terrace — and some have been changed or repurposed since those earlier days — the Alms Houses, Five Points — but all come to life in a way that the reader can truly experience the city in its former state. I could see West Paces Ferry (a very busy street now) stretching out into fields and woods.

Should you read The Sweetest Thing if you are a Georgia or Atlanta native? Oh yes! Should you read it if you are not? Oh, my, yes! This is a novel for everyone — a story filled with wit, poignancy and truth — The Sweetest Thing is Highly Recommended. ( )

A beautifully written book about family, friendship, faith, love, hope, betrayal, and forgiveness that will stay with you for a long, long time. "The Sweetest Thing" centers around two teens, one privileged and one not and how they came together and became best friends. Set in the time of the Depression, this novel looks at how the Southern Elite was affected and how they handled the tragedies that affected family and friends. Based on the author's own grandmother, this unforgettable book is one of the best I've read this year! ( )