I almost didn’t review this book because I have so little to say. Not in a bad way at all. Just in a non-creative, non-clever way. When this book came out, there was a lot of buzz surrounding it, and while I enjoyed it, I just couldn’t manage to muster any buzz myself.
The gist is this: at 43, Rhoda is involved in a serious car accident, leaving her in need of recovery. Meanwhile, her husband leaves her for Bob, a guy he met on “Gay.com.” Needing a refuge, Janzen, an English professor, goes home to her traditional Mennonite parents. Hijinx and walks down memory lane ensue.
This is a really fun memoir — it’s funny and snarky in a way that manages to still make Janzen imminently likeable (which is not always a feat easily mastered). In particular, her ability to laugh at her family and upbringing with sincere but non-sentimental affection is really endearing. Most “going home” memoirs tend to walk one end of that line or the other — Janzen finds the balance.
It didn’t astonish me. But I loved every word of it. This is certainly a fantastic read for people who love a well-written, funny memoir.
Tags: Mennonite in a little black dress review, Rhoda Janzen review
I listened to this on audio last year, and I had the same response. It was fun and interesting and a pleasant listen but really sort of unremarkable.
You’re right — “Unremarkable” is the perfect word to describe it! Mildly disappointing, but mostly fine.