"Alice's Tulips" a Pleasant Read

I recently finished Sandra Dallas' "Alice's Tulips." At first, I wasn't sure I would like the book, but by the end, I did enjoy it.

Alice is a young married woman living in Iowa with her mother-in-law. Her husband has gone off to fight for the Union in the Civil War. Alice must grow up quite a bit as she faces hardships ranging from deprivation, immaturity, loneliness, and assault/rape. The book is written as an epistolary novel in which all the letters are from Alice to her sister, Lizzie.

I particularly liked the development of Alice as well as the growth of her relationship with her mother-in-law as well as her relationship with her sister. At first I wasn't fond of Alice. She seemed spoiled, petulant and supremely unwise. But upon further reflection, her growth out of her flaws was what made the novel work.

Sandra Dallas is an enjoyable writer. I also have read "Persian Pickle Club."

I enjoyed this one so much I gave my grandmother a copy of it! I will probably read more of her novels in the future. While they are not earth-shattering in their contributions to literature, they are simply pleasant to read.

Until next time, may your reading be pleasurable and profitable.