Fanny and Sue: A Novel [Hardcover]

Karen Stolz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 5, 2003

hen Karen Stolz's World of Pies was published two years ago, readers and critics alike savored every delicious word. Now Stolz returns to themes of childhood and coming of age in a poignant novel about twin sisters. In beautifully rendered detail, Stolz reveals the pleasure of freshly laundered dresses and homemade fudge, the terror of childhood illness and quarrels, and the magical connection that only twins possess. Set against the backdrop of St. Louis during the Great Depression, twins Fanny and Sue tell their charming story in alternating voices. Infused with humor and warmth, Stolz's latest novel is certain to charm readers eager to experience life the way it used to be.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

"Kiss, kiss, kiss, it was a new year, with new hopes and dreams and fudge too," chirps one of the child narrators of Stolz's second novel (after World of Pies), an affectionate portrait of Depression-era Midwestern life marred by sticky-sweet sentimentality. Identical twin sisters, for whom the novel is named, take turns narrating chapters that span their school years in St. Louis with their warm, spirited parents and little brother, Baby Bob. Their world is full of hobos, streetcars, soda fountains and the terror of polio, but there isn't much depth behind these well-drawn set pieces. The major events of the novel-Fanny burns her arm on the stove; their mother miscarries; the girls assume each other's identities in pursuit of the same boy; Sue's boyfriend moves to Chicago; their uncle loses his job and his home-are generally resolved within a chapter or two, and there are few lasting repercussions or character transformations. The relentlessly cheerful tone makes Sue's recovery from scarlet fever seem no more significant than Fanny's victory at a roller-skating marathon. Stolz's effort to render the inner world of children and teenagers relies primarily on using limited vocabulary and scores of exclamation points to express constant enthusiasm. While the prose style does evoke a child's voice ("I couldn't stop crying. Rosalyn died.... Why would this happen? I did not want to know something like this could happen.... It was hard for me to understand why children would ever die"), it allows for few psychological insights. Die-hard nostalgics may get a kick out of this syrupy frolic, but those looking for emotional range should steer clear.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"A book to be read slowly in order to savor the details. -- Amarillo Globe-News Online

"A snapshot of another era presented with humor and heartfelt sincerity" -- TheBookhaven.net

"A sweet old-fashioned slice of life story." -- mostlyfiction.com

"Stolz's new novel will pique your interest." -- Austin American-Statesman

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Hyperion; 1 edition (March 5, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786867019
• ISBN-13: 978-0786867011
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,643,135 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Full of the kind of details that satisfy!, September 1, 2003

By 

Suzanne Amara (MA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Fanny and Sue: A Novel (Hardcover)

I can understand what the Publishers Weekly reviewer was talking about---if he or she is used to "modern" novels full of very sad happenings and completely nothing sentimental and many deep character insights, this would not be the book to read. However, if they were like many of the real people out there, they would probably love this book. It's full of details that really made the place and time (St. Louis in the 20s and 30s) come alive for me---things like what Fanny and Sue wore, what they ate, how their room was decorated, what it was like in the isolation factory, how they prepared for their first date and how their parents reacted, all that. I kept waiting for the ultra sad moment to arrive that often mars such a read for me, and was relieved it never came---their lives had their ups and downs like most of our lives, but they moved on. This book is crying out for a sequel---it ends just as the next phase of their life is starting. I loved World of Pies also, and am looking forward to more by this stand-out author.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fanny & Sue, April 30, 2003

By 

Sandra Mitchell "Sandra Mitchell" (Chicago, IL United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fanny and Sue: A Novel (Hardcover)

As she did in World of Pies, Karen Stolz is back with another charming, wholesome and insightful story that takes you back to
another time and place, this time in the depression era in St. Louis.

Telling the story of twin girls, Fanny & Sue, Stolz paints a picture of two very different girls-the wilder, more adventurous Fanny, and the bookish, more sensitive Sue. Though opposites in many ways, the girls share a strong bond and cling to one another as we share in the monumental moments of their lives. Though the story is fiction, Stolz weaves in interesting facts about twins and their bonds and blends in fun momentos of the decades, like going to see Cary Grant at the "talkies."

Fanny & Sue has many laugh out loud moments as well as sadness and triumph. I can't wait to read more from this talented author~

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Gentler Time and Place, March 8, 2007

By 

Gayla Collins (Sheridan, WYOMING USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fanny and Sue: A Novel (Paperback)

Meet Fanny and Sue, twins, born in the depression era. Despite hardships these two weather the storms of scarlett fever, polio, dire straights financially, all with the help of their loving family. Fanny is out going, vivacious, and dreams of stardom as she watches the "talkies" in the theater. Sue is more bookish, shy and dreams of teaching. The antics of these two make the reader laugh out loud, and the problems they encounter cause the reader to choke-up a bit at their fortitude and tenacity of heart. Lovely, warm, comforting, and real, this book is a precious gem to throughly enjoy!!!