Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood - Book Review

Rebecca Wells. 1996/2002. Read by Judith Ivey, Books on Tape 10 1.5 hour tapes. 0-7366-8656-8. $80.00. Vinyl; plot notes. SA

When theater producer Siddalee Walker spills the beans about her Louisiana upbringing to a New York Times reporter, Siddalee's mother Vivi Walker cuts Siddalee out of her will. Siddalee, eager for reconciliation, goes into a tailspin; she even postpones her wedding. On a quest for understanding, she secludes herself with a scrapbook of letters and memorabilia belonging to the Ya-Yas--Vivi and her circle of childhood friends. And who tracks Siddalee down to help patch things up? Why, Teensy, Carol, and Necie, the three friends themselves. Through the scrapbook and flashbacks, we see the old ladies in their younger days, when they lived by the precept "Smoke, drink, don't think," and went skinny-dipping in the town water tower. We learn why Vivi became violent and unhinged. And finally, we see Siddalee acknowledging her mother's strengths and recognizing her mother's love.

Ivey does a lively voiced reading, pulling off various Louisiana accents, including some Cajun ones. The narrative moves handily along toward its upbeat ending. The friends are warmly portrayed as human: but friendship itself is portrayed as close to divine. Helen Elizabeth Woodman, Andover, NH

COPYRIGHT 2002 Kliatt
COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group