The Floatplane Notebooks (edition 1988)

This book spoke to my heart. It is about the Copeland family in Lister North Carolina in the late sixties and early seventies. The story is told from various viewpoints, including a wisteria vine that has been around for so long it can correct old family stories. The main characater is Meredith Copeland. His best friend is his fatherless cousin Mark. It's hard to describe why I loved this book so much. I think it reminded me of my own childhood--the silly things that are so funny, the stupid trouble kids get into-- and how someone's innate character doesn't change, how unfair the world can be, and how powerful love is. ( )

Interesting book - multi-generational told in a weaving pattern with subtleties that leave conclusions to the reader. Some conclusions I was confident about; others I wasn't and would have enjoyed discussing with other readers. Characters are intriguing yet realistic. The powerful ending sneaks up on you. ( )

Perhaps Edgerton's most serious novel, with Vietnam still hard to forget.