I didn’t feel like writing a post this morning. Maybe because it’s a holiday, maybe because I’m feeling a bit melancholy. Anyway, I figured I could take a day off on Labor Day of all days.
I allowed myself the rare luxury of losing myself in a book that I had already started and reading through to the end. It was A Great Reckoning by Louise Penny.
And here I sit, shaken, tears in my eyes, stunned by the beauty and complexity with which she writes. I shouldn’t be. I’ve read every one of her extraordinary novels. But I am.
There’s no one like her. She is my favorite living writer. Because not only does she write incredibly complex mysteries with detailed plots and an ending that I can never figure out ahead of time, she weaves all of those threads together in a way I cannot predict and leaves me both sad and happy. I stay there, after closing the book, examining the human heart. Because this is the most important thing: Penny writes of evil, of the possibility for evil within each and every one of us. She doesn’t back off from it. She also writes about the goodness we have within us, and of the choices we make at any given juncture in our lives. Where do we choose to go? Which path do we take?
And, above all, she writes of the power of redemption. The power of a new path taken. The power of love, which always trumps hate. Of finding a way to love ourselves despite what we’ve been and what we’ve done. Of forgiveness. Of healing.
The story of Armand Gamache, his family, his friends, the village of Three Pines, the Sûreté – a story she has written over the course of 12 books – is deep, complex, and ultimately life-affirming.
Many of you have read and are reading her books. For those of you who haven’t yet had this pleasure, I urge you to start with Still Life, her first book in the series, and read them all the way through. You need to read them in order. You will be changed for the better, I promise you.
On this Labor Day, which was originally a creation of the Labor Movement, I stop to honor my father, who was a union member, my brother, also a union member, and my husband, member of three unions. In a time where unions are in danger, we must remember what they have given us: a fair wage, protections that were not available to workers for many years, overtime pay, minimum age requirements so that child labor abuse could be stopped, minimum wage laws, collective bargaining over wages, benefits (including pensions) and working conditions.
They gave workers rights, something they didn’t have before.
And I stop to honor my brother, who died on September 4th, twenty-five years ago yesterday.
Happy Monday.
I understand. I’m having a bit of a time getting started, too. Getting lost in a good book sounds like a plan. It’s been too long since I’ve done that.
It’s a wonderful way to let go and relax, Shanna.
You deserve a day off to reflect and remember, Claudia. There’s nothing like a good book to take one away.
Nothing better, Wendy!
Labor Day is such a special day. Now the Unions are being attacked and beaten about. It is so sad. I wish people would understand what the Unions have done for working conditions in our country. Whether or not you were ever a Union member, you have gained from the work that has been done. All four of us in our family are/ have been Union members, and our parents before us. I am so proud of that.
I am about to start the 3rd Louise Penny. Nothing at all like a wonderful book!! Happy Labor Day!
Everyone has benefited from the work of unions, Chris.
I sort of envy you starting out with Louise Penny. I just may have to re-read her books someday soon.
I love Louise Penny also, Claudia!! What a treat when a new book of hers is out!! I too am thankful to the unions and the protections they provide! Enjoy the rest of this great day!!
I will and I hope you have a lovely day, Francine!
My Dad always worked at the plants in Pryor, OK and was always a Union Member. I grew up with the knowledge that it did a lot of good things for workers.
Have a good day!
Judy
Yes, unions have done so much for us. I wish there was a union for theatrical coaches, like me. I’d join in a second!
Great post, especially your comment about unions. One thing I HAVE learned in my time here is that everything is cyclical. EVERYTHING comes around again, gets revisited. And unions WILL have their day again too. Maybe sooner than we think. People are realizing that protections and rights for the many are more important than huge profits for the few. And thanks to Bernie, even the very young, who’ve never known a time when workers were abused to that extent, are hearing about it now. Sorry about your brother’s anniversary – no matter how much time goes by, it never stops being hard for those of us “left behind…” Have a nice quiet Labor Day. 🌤
I hope you’re right, Janet! It’s about time.
We went for some lunch at our favorite vegetarian restaurant and visited the bookstore that I love. It helped to get out as I was feeling pretty blue. Now for a trail walk!
Unions have made such a difference to the workers for sure! I need to start the Louise Penny books. I think I read the first one, loved it but then got sidetracked. I’ll start with book one again. Your highest praise for this author makes these a must read for me. So sad about your brother, even 25 years later I know it’s a sad anniversary. I had a nice easy day, but Mom and I shared a few tears about my brother today. Just that kind of day I guess.
hugs,
Linda
I think it was that kind of day, Linda. A tough one, my friend!
I’m planning for this to be the Fall/Winter that I read the Louise Penny series Claudia..I have enough of them to get started and will find the rest second-hand while enjoying those that I have..I do intend to read them in order…I know that your brother lives within your heart as my big brother always will to me..he will be gone 14 years on January 8th…but he’s never far from me…
I know. They are never far from us, we just need to remember that. xo
My hubby was a union member for 30 years…me, just 5. I did the same work as any man, and, was equally paid. And that’s as it should be….even without a union behind you! I still haven’t read all the Louise Penny’s…so I think I’ll put them in order….get the ones I don’t have…and read them as they were intended. Sounds like a good plan to me…now to just find the time! ;)
The time is always a problem! But do read them in order!
It was on your recommendation that I started to read Louise Penny and she is now one of my favourite authors, so thank you Claudia.
You are most welcome, Jan!
Wow! I am happy you decided to write.
You never know what’s going to appear on the virtual page, Kay!
I love Louise Penny and the words you used to describe her books. I have read all of them in order and am waiting for the perfect day to start this one…too much company and travel means I need to find a less thought provoking book.
Yes, you want quiet time to yourself before you start the newest Penny. I completely understand, Gayle.
Claudia: As always thanks for the awesome book recommendations. I will definitely start the Louise Penny books in order. I’m currently reading The Mad Woman Upstairs, it’s quite entertaining. I’m sorry for your losses at this time of year, it seems especially sad, since it is the end of the summer, but the autumn brings special things too, I’m sure special memories with your father and brother. Thanks for the wonderful posts. Noelle
Thank you, Noelle.
Love your pictures of your home, inside and out. What happen to summer? I remember my father joining the union, it changed our lives. My father was so proud.
p.s. my grandchildren are always saying “Grandma, you have too many books!” Are you getting more bookshelves? I do not know what to do at this point. One thing I know I am not getting rid of my books. Some I read and donate but, my favorites stay with me.
Oh, mine are staying with me, too!
What a perfect description of Louise Penny’s novels! I am always trying to express my feelings to friends, and I will now use your description – it hit all the nails on the head. She is the only author I pre-order, and actually the only one I pay retail for a hardback. Sometimes I also buy the Kindle version. After I read one of her books it is so hard to read others… there is always something missing. She is the only one I read who can write beautifully and thoughtfully; develop amazing, consistent characters you care about; describe places and food so that you can see them and taste them; create complex plots that are not confusing; resolve the plots with surprises that are never out of the blue and that make sense if you are paying attention. I have to read every word of her novels; I cannot skim, since I know I will miss a beautiful passage or a clue or something that makes me really think. She is a treasure.
She is indeed, Anne!