Perennials by Julie Cantrell

Forty-five year old Eva seemed to have an idyllic childhood with her sister Bitsy and parents in rural Mississippi.  But when she was old enough to leave home, she fled and returned home very seldom.  Now her parents are asking her to come home—in the middle of the most important deal of her career.  They are celebrating their fiftieth anniversary and want her help with the arrangements, even if her sister Bitsy does not.  Eva reluctantly gives in and goes, despite knowing that Bitsy will make life there miserable for her.  As it turns out, this is a life-changing trip for Eva.

This book explores the relationship between two sisters and the past that made it so.  The author does a good job of developing the sisters’ personalities.  Their sibling rivalry isn’t always understood, but the author keeps peeling away at the layers of the past until the reader and the characters finally understand it.

Besides the complexity of the sisters’ relationship, the book also explores marriage relationships.  Eva’s parents have an enviable marriage, while both Eva and Bitsy struggle unsuccessfully to replicate it.  Eva is recovering from an abusive relationship and Bitsy’s husband is chronically unfaithful. There is hope, however, for Eva to have a happy marriage with Fisher.

Yoga figures prominently in this book, which surprised me.  Eva is a yoga instructor for seniors and she teaches her parents some of the poses.  Her ninety year old friend, Marian, practices yoga with her and is also a spiritual guide, walking her around a medicine wheel.  Given that opinions on yoga are a bit contentious in some Christian circles, I am surprised that the author included it so prominently.

 

Perennials is well-written like the other of Cantrell’s novels.  It addresses family and relational issues that many readers are sure to identify with.  If you are a fan of Julie Cantrell, don’t miss this one!  I received this free copy from the publisher for my honest opinion.