I didn’t know what to expect going into Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani. I knew Trigiani is a Virginia author, but the cover of the book was misleading—it looks a bit like a regency romance, does it not? I was surprised to find a cozy women’s historical fiction set in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, in 1978.
Ave Maria Mulligan is the town’s pharmacist, head of the rescue squad, director of the annual theater production… and the town spinster. As an only child who lost her father over a decade ago, Ave Maria was used to it just being her and her mother—until it was just her. We meet Ave Maria right after her beloved Italian mother’s passing, when she is deep in grief and learning who she is without her family. She continues on with life as usual, until she hears from her lawyer—her mother has left her a letter, revealing a long-held secret that changes the trajectory of Ave Maria’s life forever.
Trigiani has a lot of things that work in this novel—the setting is rich and chalk-full of interesting characters whom I would like to meet in real life. We have the town librarian who drives the bookmobile, the highly opinionated workers at Ave Maria’s pharmacy, a charming coal miner with a soft spot for the main character, and an entire host of supporting characters, including the town gossip, a snake-handling preacher, and the local it girl.
The plot is also entertaining and satisfying. Ave Maria’s story was interesting, and she had many entertaining side quests that carried the story forward and added to its charm. I also appreciated that Trigiani gave the characters a happy ending, leaving me misty eyed and warm.
One of the things I liked most about this book is that it had a good balance of sweetness and reality. It wasn’t saccharine, but the story does end on a hopeful note. Ave Maria’s life isn’t perfect. Her mother is still dead at the end of the story, but she is able to carry her grief into the next chapter of her life rather than let it pin her down.
That’s how life is, right? There’s a mix of good and bad, but it’s really our perspective that makes the difference. Ave Maria’s story isn’t always happy or easy, but she is able to find the bright side of things and choose joy despite challenging circumstances.
While real life may not be as whimsical or exciting as stories we read in books, we too are presented with a mix of good and bad experiences. It’s up to us to sift through them and determine which ones we’ll use to shape our lives.
If you like feel-good stories and colorful characters, you’ll love Big Stone Gap. Let me know if you read it!
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