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Here are comments from our group of Advance Readers about Paula Wall's THE WILDE WOMEN.
Darlene from Gilbertsville, KY
Have you previously read a book by Paula Wall?
Thanks for giving me the opportunity to read an advance copy of THE WILDE WOMEN and to comment on it. This is my first read by Paula Wall.
What other Southern fiction writers do you read?
Some of my favorite Southern fiction writers include: Lee Smith, Kaye Gibbons, Ellen Gilchrist, Bobbie Ann Mason, Bret Lott, Pat Conroy, Mary Alice Monroe, Joshilyn Jackson, Sue Monk Kidd (THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES is outstanding, while THE MERMAID CHAIR was just OK), and of course, the Southern Queen, Eudora Welty.
What did you think of THE WILDE WOMEN?
THE WILDE WOMEN is a witty, sexy story that explores the relationships between siblings, parents/children, husbands/wives, and friends/lovers in a rural Tennessee town during the Depression. It is a quick but descriptive read filled with an overdose of metaphors.
Would you ever read future book by Paula Wall?
Perhaps, I would consider reading another Wall title.
Deborah from Martin, TN
Have you previously read a book by Paula Wall?
No, but I have ordered her previous book, since I liked this one so much. She is a great storyteller.
What other Southern fiction writers do you read?
I usually read nonfiction; however, I have read Cassandra King, Joshilyn Jackson and Dixie Cash.
What did you think of THE WILDE WOMEN?
Paula Wall's second novel, THE WILDE WOMEN, tells the vivid details of a sibling war and the small town caught in their crossfire.
Set in the depression era, THE WILDE WOMEN provides a humorous look into the characters' way of life in Five Points, Tennessee. Ms. Wall, the goddess of metaphors, made me feel right at home with her memorable cast.
The story takes off when Pearl Wilde catches her fiancé with her sister, Kat. Pearl leaves Five Points and travels the world for three years. Wealthy and sophisticated, she returns to open a posh, members-only bordello and to study her plot for revenge. We follow her, Kat, and the whole town through the failures and successes of life. All of Five Points feels the trickle-down effect of Pearls return.
I had trouble keeping up with the different characters from time to time, but it's really worth a re-read. Her use of humorous phrasing and original metaphors made a delightful read. The book describes a small southern town and its colorful characters and way of life perfectly.
Although I am not a fan of romantic fiction, I thoroughly enjoyed the unforgettable tale of how one person’s actions can change the lives of many.
I usually don’t read much fiction, but this book has changed my attitude. I really enjoyed the character studies and the storyline. I was born in Alaska and raised in Tennessee, so I felt like I KNEW these characters. The descriptive writing was awesome!
Would you ever read future book by Paula Wall?
Hell, yeah!
Jane from Manteo, NC
Have you previously read a book by Paula Wall?
I've never read anything else by Paula Wall.
What other Southern fiction writers do you read?
I read Lee Smith, Charles Frazier, and others.
What did you think of THE WILDE WOMEN?
THE WILDE WOMEN was impressive in its abundance of clichés, its characters' ability to find their own humor, and its ability to pull the reader in for a good 'vacation read.'
Would you ever read a future book by Paula Wall?
After reading THE WILDE WOMEN, I asked the local library to order both Paula Wall's other books, hoping for more of the same wild humor.
Karen from Orchard Park, NY
Have you previously read a book by Paula Wall? Would you ever read a future book by Paula Wall?
I have never read a book by this author before, but I would definitely read another one. I enjoy books about Southern characters. They have such rich traditions that are foreign to me, having always lived in New York state. They make me wish I had grown up in the South.
What other Southern fiction writers do you read?
I loved the mystery series written by Anne George for it's humorous take on the South.
What did you think of THE WILDE WOMEN?
I enjoyed this book, although it really was almost more of a collection of short stories. It didn't have a big plot line, but was more of a series of stories about all the characters in a small town. It almost seemed like the name was misleading. It should have been called "Five Points" (the name of the town), because it was far more about the town than the Wilde women.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this [thoroughly enjoyable] book.
Kate from Fountain Valley, CA
Have you previously read a book by Paula Wall?
I have never read a book by Paula Wall before.
What other Southern fiction writers do you read?
I have read Pat Conroy, Barbara Kingsolver and Dorothea Benton Frank. I'm not sure if Rita Mae Brown or Jan Karon would fit into this category, but you get a similar sense of community by getting to know the characters in their fictional towns, which I believe are located in Virginia.
What did you think of THE WILDE WOMEN?
Reading THE WILDE WOMEN was sure delight! Ms. Wall has a wonderful sense of humor and her way with words is incredible. Many times, I found myself reading aloud to anybody who would listen and even looking around for someone to read to when I was alone! In fact, I thought THE WILDE WOMEN was so good I might start to read it again tonight.
Would you ever read a future book by Paula Wall?
Not only will I read a future book of Paula Wall, I'm going to buy her first book.
Kathryn from Warrenton, VA
Have you previously read a book by Paula Wall? What other Southern fiction writers do you read?
No, this is my first Paula Wall book. I was a little surprised by the first 50 pages at all the Southern clichés of 'humor'-writing. I guess she was trying to 'hook' the reader into a light, chick-lit read. I've read a few others, such as Fannie Flagg and Anne Rivers Siddons, and they are each different from each other, but you can be in the mood for any of them at any time.
Generally, I read a lot of foreign writers to learn about other countries and cultures. I live 45 miles out from Washington, DC, and we have quite a mix in the community, which makes for very interesting discussions at the desk.
What did you think of THE WILDE WOMEN?
I thought THE WILDE WOMEN was good, and I enjoyed it once I got about 60 pages into it; it was almost like another author took the pen. I work in a library and handle lots and lots of all genres, so will likely read more of this author's [work], just to see if another may be a little different. Some authors can write each novel in a completely different style, and that's interesting to me.
Torun from Tacoma, WA
Have you previously read a book by Paula Wall?
No, I haven't.
What other Southern fiction writers do you read?
I love Sharyn McCrumb and Adriana Trigiani. I also read a lot of mysteries.
What did you think of THE WILDE WOMEN?
I loved it, Paula Wall has built a whole community of characters and I think this book could continue endlessly. The metaphors, humor, and sexy situations make for a very quick and fun read. I didn't want the book to end. The personalities were all believable, different, and not all likable, but the Wilde women were very endearing. Some scenes were very laugh-out-loud funny.
Would you ever read a future book by Paula Wall?
Yes, I certainly will and I'll pass this book along to friends. Thank you very much for the opportunity of becoming acquainted with Paula Wall.
Marla from Pierre Part, LA
What other Southern fiction writers do you read?
Sandra Brown and Erica Spindler.
What did you think of THE WILDE WOMEN?
This book had some funny and witty scenes that actually had me chuckling, but overall, it was just an average read for me. From the title, I thought there should be more written about the Wilde sisters. But, I was glad to see their relationship resolved at the end.
Would you ever read a future book by Paula Wall?
Yes, I probably would consider reading her future books.
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