Ruth Miriam-Garnett Laelia

Ruth Miriam-Garnett Laelia is a well-written character profile that addresses modern issues with sympathy and a conscience - Ruth Miriam Garnett's protagonists present the full spectrum of emotions and dilemmas that accompany being caring, if somewhat reluctant and over-burdened, caregivers. Each of the three has a uniquely individualized personality demonstrating great strength while also reflecting the great "humanness" that we all struggle with from day to day.

I was, however, disappointed in Ms. Garnett's lack of research of her chosen setting, which she appears to have selected through a throw of a dart rather than any personal knowledge. She presents the Cates sisters' hometown as "a small town where all the inhabitants know each others' business" -- A town so small there is no privacy -- A town with one "main boulevard" bisecting it. Conversely, Peoria, Illinois (pop. 113,000) is one of the largest cities in Illinois, home to Bradley University and the world headquarters of Caterpillar Tractor Company. Rather than one main drag through the "center of town," Peoria is encircled by a beltway - I-474 - linking its citizens to its two large shopping malls and outlying suburbs. And rather than Peorians going on shopping sprees to Bloomington, IL (pop. 70,000), as suggested in the novel, the good people of Bloomington are far more likely to travel to Peoria - or, of course, Chicago.

This is a small issue, but represents a surprising lack of research for such a credentialed author. I recently met Ms. Garnett and found her charming and personable. It inspired me to read her novel and, while I'm glad I did, I would encourage more attention to accuracy in all details in her future works.

Peorians are a proud people.

Laelia

Ruth Miriam-Garnett

Atria, Jan 2004, $22.00, 224 pp.

ISBN: 0743466306

In Peoria, the three fifty something Cates sisters are in matrimonial crisis as they share the same home with one another and their respective spouses. It is not the relationships between the siblings that have tired Rebecca, Claudia, and Gracelyn. It is the constant duty caring for their husbands as each Cates sibling is bone weary with obeying for worse all the time.

Sadly, the tired trio looks forward to a future with their men in nursing homes. Following a head injury Jake lost his ability to think; alcohol consumption has destroyed Timothy; Bernard is dying from bone cancer. Though they have suffered trials and tribulations over the years of their marriages that would make Job react, the sisters did their Christian duty.

Following the dispatching of their male losers, the Cates sisters blossom as well as Rebecca's successful LAELIA orchid-growing business has. Though free at last, they continue to be God-fearing Baptists though now they must contend with abusive misogynist Pastor Wilson, who condemns the trio as she devils.

Fans of engaging contemporary character studies will appreciate this deep look at the graying of three wonderful African-American women. Though the story line switches gears from overwhelmed providers to ostracized exiles, Ruth-Miriam Garnett smoothly makes the switch. Still, the two subplots deserved separate novels as Ms. Garnett provides tremendous depth to both, so much so that the audience never fully gains the full potential of either. Still, this gem of an author furbishes a powerful tale of middle age adults grasping with control of their lives that will hit home to many readers struggling with a similar generalized scenario.

Harriet Klausner