Frances and Bernard by Carlene BauerMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
When I picked this up to start reading, I didn't realize it was an epistolary novel. Not generally my favorite form of literature. But somehow this immediately took hold, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
A large part, I think, is the characters. Frances and Bernard are exactly the sort of people I would love to engage with in this kind of long-term philosophical exchange. Based very loosely on Flannery O'Connor and Robert Lowell, these characters delight in sharing all manner of philosophy, theology, wit, and well-written correspondence that is exactly the kind of thing I'd get into myself. I have, in fact, had a few such epistolary acquaintances over the years, and this reminded me of the best of those times.
So it drew me right in. And these characters and their writings kept me engaged throughout the twists and turns of their lives. Really a delightful and engaging read.
View all my reviews
