Rhoda: A Life in Stories

This was an amazing assembly of stories tracing the life of Rhoda Manning, from her earliest inception, to her descent into being elderly. The stories read true, sometimes harsh, and unapologetic in their bearing. Most important, they feel real and imbued with life. There is much to be had here, especially since we are able to appreciate the formation-- and development, of Rhoda throughout the entirety of her life. This is something that I was very surprised I liked, but it was a welcome treat.

4 stars. VERY impressive.

I zipped through Rhoda yesterday and today and ended up liking Rhoda even more than Dreamy Dreams. Linked stories, with the same main character, almost a novel but not quite, is a fun idea. Even the little discrepancies between the stories (Just how old was Rhoda when she first got married, anyway? She is said to be twenty and nineteen and seventeen in various stories) add a feeling of authenticity to the book (Do you always remember just how old you were when you got married? I sometimes tell different people different ages.) Gilchrist's writing has a Hemingwayish feel to it, especially when she has Rhoda begin to write and when she has Rhoda fall in love. I loved Rhoda when she was a fearless child, was saddened by her in her twenties show more as she seemed to let life carry her along, but fell back in love with this character when she hit her fifties and began to be courageous again (I really really wanted her to meet up with the bullfighter...oh well.) Wonderful book. show less

Ellen Gilchrist has skillfully interwoven stories that chronicle the life of Rhoda Manning from early adolescence to late middle age. Rhoda is the very definition of a narcissistic personality thrroughout her self-absorbed life, leaving in her wake bewilderment and harm to her husbands and children in her quest for immediate gratification. This book is very well written with a main character who is memorable for her lack of any redeeming qualities.

I've read this more than once. She is one of my favorite characters.