South Station

By Alice Barton

Book Overview

Set in World War II Lowell, Massachusetts, Alice Barton's engrossing first novel portrays time and place as integral to the coming of age of Honey Lee Murphy caught in the complexities of family relationships that are strained by her religious, regional, parental and class identifications. But these identifications by no means overpower the truly magical individuality of Barton's characterizations. Barton manages to compose her characters out of themes derived from a deeply lived experience of Catholicism, the overwhelming emotional involvement of first love, memories of a much loved father who is a casualty of war and the harsh but devoted ways of a grandmother. The mounting suspense crests as Honey Lee works to resolve conflicts that are both inner and outer. Barton's delicate handling of tension is both dramatic and insightful. I was unable to put South Station down.
Rosamond Rosenmeier, Lines Out (Alice James Books) I was struck by the importance-the human complexity-of the moment of history Barton chooses to focus on in her first novel, South Station. She has a surefooted fictional sense. Carefully crafted scenes and memorable characters drive the plot to a powerful climax.
Fred Marchant, Tipping Point and Full Moon Boat (Greywolf Press) Barton's South Station has a 'read me" plot. She creates characters complex in themselves and deftly handles their complicated relationships. Barton's assured command of setting and the rare pureness of her prose make South Station a delight. Jack Beatty, Senior Editor, Atlantic Monthly, Regular Contributor, On Point (National Public Radio) and author of The Rascal King: The Life and Times of James Michael Curley

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0595359183
• ISBN13: 9780595359189
• Release Date: June 2005
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Length: 268 Pages
• Weight: 0.87 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

insightful and enchanting journey

While reading South Station last week, I was repeatedly jarred into the realization that this novel captured the forgotten essence of war and its cascading effects on those involved, as well as the generations that follow. It was an enchanting read with magnetic characterizations. The palpable triumphs and losses of these WWII families are presented in a gripping and honest manner. It was extremely difficult to leave the story . I am looking forward to sharing this great read withmy book club.

ALICE BARTON- A GREAT NEW AUTHOR!

South Station is a wonderful book. Barton paints a beautiful picture of the virtue and simplicity of the 1940's. We are introduced to the captivating Honey Lee Murphy. Then we are allowed in to her private world and see her unique perspective of family, the church, WWII, coming of age and falling in love. Barton also includes a huge twist that leads Honey Lee to make a decision that may jeopardize everything she's come to know and love. Once you enter Honey Lee's world you can't put the book down.

a delicate, insightful read

What I liked about this book was the insight into the heart of a faithful Catholic girl and her extended family and friends. Her thoughts and her prayers are delicately imagined. I'm not a Catholic so that view of the daily influence of religion and faith in a Massachusetts milltown after WWII was interesting. It was gripping to see the effect of large institutions of church, family, and war on average people in the mid-1940's. The effect of war on veterans and their families was especially poignant. It's a coming of age story of a courageous, beautiful girl. Read this book if you'd like to understand spirit apart from religious dogma and if you want an insight into small city life, postWWII.

A terrific read!

Not only does Alice Barton capture with great accuray and insight a special time and place (Lowell, Mass., after WWII) but at the same time tells a story you can't put down. A beautifully written, fascinating tale.