In Focus

This month’s book club selection was Patty Jane’s House of Curl by Lorna Landvick, who is the same author of Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons. 

The story revolves around two sisters who struggle with constant losses and trauma. After the death of their alcoholic parents, Patty Jane did what she could to protect her sister, Harriet. The sisters fall in love, and both of their stories end tragically. 

Patty Jane’s husband Thor disappeared just days before she gave birth to their daughter, with much of the book leaving you wondering why he left and whether he died or not. The answer was exciting but not entirely what I had expected. 

Patty Jane’s House of Curl was the local hot spot for gossip and more learning, with weekly seminars on topics their customers thought were interesting. It was also a place of healing for the sisters as tragedy plagued their lives. 

The book didn’t have the happiest ending, but at least there was closure. 

There is a lot happening in this book, and I don’t want to give anything away.

I enjoyed the book. It wasn’t as good as her previous book we read, but it was much shorter. Landvick has a thing for loss and tragedy, which isn’t necessarily bad. It may help those struggling with their losses. 

The next book we are going to read is The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America’s Shining Women by Kate H. Moore. I’m rather excited about this one, as many may recall this was a dark chapter in our history. This book appears to be compiled of first-hand accounts of the events.