Customer Reviews

This One and Magic Life: A Novel of a Southern Family

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Anne was a dear personal friend. She sent this book to me shortly before her death. She told me that she felt that it was her best work and referred to it as her book about forgiveness. It has been a very long time since a book has moved me so deeply. I recommend it highly. Don't expect to find the wonderful, silly Southern Sisters anywhere in these pages. DO expect to find grace in all its guises-- as beauty, as elegance and, yes, Anne, as forgiveness and redemption. It grieves me that we lost this magnificent writer before she could write more books like this one. DO read her poetry, as well.

THIS ONE AND MAGIC BOOK

Anne George, who has entertained a wide and appreciative audience with her Southern Sisters mysteries, goes beyond a merely pleasant diversion in this moving story of a troubled Southern family. Before writing the Southern Sisters, George had established her reputation as a very fine poet. Her poetical skills are abundantly evident in this book's many lyrical passages. For example, Chapter Four, "Almond Pie" (culinary poetry in itself!) begins with these words: "The Deep South is still a mystery. It is even a mystery to those who live there. Live oaks trailing Spanish moss whisper and move around during the night. Sometimes they move next door. A mystery. But that's the way things are." That short chapter ends with a man turning cartwheels down the beach: "And that is what Sarah will remember most about this day, the cartwheels and a boat with a vivid blue sail that draws a line across the horizon." Despite the almost visceral impact of its imagery, however, THIS ONE AND MAGIC LIFE is not, as Southern Sister Mary Alice might say, at all "hi-faluting." Even in its most lyrical passages, the story remains accessible, its people tied to the earth. Its unique yet universal characters are gradually revealed, much as the individual pieces of a jigsaw puzzle become a recognizable picture. George's use of the present tense and her shifting of time and point of view, while never obtrusive,help her to tell an engrossing tale that no single chronological "once upon a time" could begin to convey. Yes, George says, life is a mystery; but at times the curtain is drawn back, and scattered images of what has been come together to show us what is, might have been and perhaps, what will be, in "this one and magic life." I didn't want this book to end, and I shall certainly read it again. It is one "beach novel" that is also a real "keeper."

I had read all of Anne George's Southern Sister mysteries, so was anxious to read "This One and Magic Life". She didn't disappoint me -- I truly loved this book. How sad it is that we will no longer be able to enjoy any of Anne George's books -- she was a wonderful writer!

I have read all of Anne George's "Sister" mysteries and loved them all. When I discovered this book, I could not wait to read it. She did not disappoint me. I was touched by the characters and transported to Harlow, Alabama by Miss George's words. While "This One and Magic Life" is very different from the sister mysteries, you will find it to be a delightful read. Miss George will be sorely missed by this fan as will her lovable characters.

Readers of This One and Magic Life are in for a rare treat-a trip inside the hearts and minds of the members of a true Southern family. Ms. George manages to endear us to her characters even while exposing their weaknesses, insecurities, and guilt. When the tears began to flow after the first two pages of the book, I knew this was no ordinary novel. The beauty of the words, the depth of the characters, and the strong sense of place all combine to form an unforgettable experience in which we all recognize parts of ourselves and our own family members. Much as the live oak trees in Harlow, the Sullivan family stands tall even while shrouded in the Spanish moss of mystery, hate, sadness, and yet beauty. This family illustrates well how much the past is a part of us, and how much we love this place. Our roots are planted deeply in this soil, and just as the Spanish moss, many of us could not grow north of Montgomery, Alabama. This book has something for everyone, male or female, young or old. It is one that I will reread many times. The warm breezes and starry nights of the Gulf Coast beckon. On every page, I was there, and it touched my heart.

I first became familiar with Anne's work in her poetry. For those who love her books; seek out her poetry, too. It is filled with the magic of "common" things made special.

"Magic Life" is her poetry and her prose bound together. She uses the quintessential Southern gathering,the death and funeral of a relative, as her backdrop. She then opens the memories and lives of the participants, showing how past and present are bound,inextricably,together.

The characters are familiar people to many of us, especially those of us who are Southerners. We almost all have relatives that mirror the attractive as well as the unattractive attributes of the people we meet at family's gathering after Artie's Death.

I have yet to read a review that mentions what rang as such a powerful theme to me: the continuity of souls... a theme of rebirth. Anne has subtly interwoven the idea of renewal into the story of a funeral.

She has a genius for such things.

Readers are lucky to have the fun of her wit and sense of hilarity in the Southern Sisters novels and the deep beauty her soul in "Magic Life."

I started reading this book and was hooked right off but was suprised by how much it touched something within me . I started thinking of my own family and how you never really know everything about someone no matter how close you are to them.I highly recomend this book to anyone looking for a memorable and enjoyable read .Also congratulations to Anne George on this great book !I will be giving it for Christmas this year. Also I cant wait for the sisters to get into some new trouble ! Lisa Miller

In Harlow, Alabama, fifty-eight years old internationally renowned artist Artie Sullivan dies from cancer. Her family comes to the small Gulf of Mexico town to pay their last respects. However, everyone is upset because Artie wanted to be cremated. Though abiding by her wishes, her relatives host a funeral for appearance sake.

Though accompanied by his spouse, Artie's twin brother Donnie and their younger sister Hektor are esepcially shook. They begin to ponder about their fractured childhood caused by their mother's affair with the neighbor and the early deaths of both their parents. Other darker memories surface as the surviving Sullivans struggle with the loss of one from their generation.

THIS ONE AND MAGIC LIFE is a lyrical yet metaphorical look at a Southern family at a time of grief. The well-written story line demonstrates Anne Carroll George's ability to provide a poetic glimpse into a homespun tale. Some readers may find the changes from first to third narration and the switching between the characters relating the tale distracting. However, that technique adds to the overall feel of individuals struggling to cope with long buried, semi-forgotten, but clearly ugly secrets. Ms. George is a poet disguised as a novelist.

Harriet Klausner

Like many readers, I have read several of the Southern Sisters mysteries, and was not sure what to expect with this novel. Each time I opened the book was like opening a lyrical gift. The story revolves around the life of a just-deceased artist, Artie, her survivors who have come to mourn her passing. The setting of a small Gulf of Mexico town is created perfectly. The characters have great depth. The plot tends to jump a bit in time (and space?), but in the end it lends credence to character development and plot. Interesting choice for title - quite suitable! What a beautiful line on p. 45, "But Donnie knew what he had seen, and the memory stayed with him all his life like a blessing." I believe this book will do the same for me.

This was my first experience reading Ms. George's work, and what a wonderful one it was! This a great southern fiction book!!! You feel like your right there with all them in Harlow Al. arguing about whether or not to have a funeral with an empty casket! I really did enjoy this book, and recommend it to anyone who may be interested in reading it. You won't be disapointed :)