Fried Green February

Tree roots covered in moss

Fried Green Tomatoes and reading chair photo collage

I’ve been spotting tiny pale green shoots popping up from the earth, and hearing birdsong on my morning walk to the ferry.  It’s only February, but I’m embracing these tiny promises of spring and I’m ready for some warmer reading.

I’ve relished some very stormy reads this winter: Whisky Galore, set on a far Scottish Island; Miss Smilla’s Feeling for Snow, set in snowy Denmark and the Arctic Circle; and January’s start to #theyearinbooks: We, the Drowned.  I’ve spent a month reading through a century of shipping lives, sailed through freezing fog along banks of icebergs and relentless storms.  It’s been a fantastic adventure.

It took a year of Tom’s encouragement before I finally read this book.  Whilst it’s beautiful cover was inviting, it’s 688 pages were intimidating.  But not a page was wasted. Vast in the time and distances described, Jensen tells of the generations of men crossing the world’s shipping routes, gone from their home town of Marstal for years at a time.  The stories of the young boys’ tribulations in school, and the women managing shipping companies back home were equally captivating.  One world war was described from a distance, while the second was brutally close.  So many vivid character, different perspectives and personal stories within this book, I’d confidently recommend it to anyone.

Such a read is a hard act to follow.  The only answer seemed contrast.  So, I’m hoping for a gentler and warmer read in Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe.   I’m suspecting this book will make me long for warmth and summer blooms.  Right now, I’ll settle for a bit of afternoon sun and an old tree.

Tom on a rope swing

13 thoughts on “Fried Green February

  1. The other week I found my reading list for 1999, when I had a four year old, and among the dozen or so books I read was ‘Miss Smilla’s Feeling for Snow’ which I really enjoyed.
    I absolutely loved the film adaptation of ‘Green Fried Tomatoes’ but never got round to reading the book so am looking forward to your review.
    Beautiful photos BTW, I particularly like that cosy corner, perfect for reading.

  2. I found the Fannie Flagg book a bit slow going at times, but I persisted and was glad I had done. I also read ‘A Redbird Christmas’ by her which was better I thought. I try to read a Christmassy themed book in December, just as now I am reading and re-reading love stories with St. Valentine’s Day in mind.

  3. Did you like Miss Smilla’s feeling for ice? I loved it. I am quite intrigued by your January book and might get it for my husband’s Birthday. I love your comfy chair! Christina

    • I really loved Smilla. One of the very few books I’d be tempted to reread. And I would heartily recommend the drowned for a birthday gift.

  4. I adore Smilla. A favourite of mine. I hope you enjoy Fried Green Tomatoes. I read that many years ago, and loved it. Glad to have found you via Laura and her book group.

    Leanne xx

  5. I’ve read most every Fannie Flagg book I can find. They are quirky and funny and have interesting characters. I don’t live in the south so I find some of the “southern antics” really amusing. If you like this one, look for her other books.

  6. Such a lovely, descriptive post. The book you talked about sounds wonderful and very captivating indeed. I hope you enjoy your next read as much. Your photos are beautiful xxx