Nostalgic looks at
small town life can slip into sappiness, but not Fried Green Tomatoes at the
Whistle Stop Café, which author Fannie Flagg
has imbued with marvelous, unwhitewashed characterizations, real social
issues, and plainspokenness. It's hard to imagine a reason anyone could
have for disliking this book.
At the core of the tale is the irrepressible Idgie Threadgoode, who
ran a café in Whistle Stop, Alabama, with her partner Ruth
during the '30s and '40s. The story of Idgie and Ruth and their
relatives, friends, and townspeople unfolds largely through the
reminiscences of Idgie's sister-in-law Ninny, interspersed with some
narrative chapters and newspaper clippings of the town gossip
columnist.
In the 1980s Ninny Threadgoode is living in a nursing home. Depressed,
middle-aged Evelyn Couch, who visits her mother-in-law there, is more
interested in spending time with Ninny and listening to her
recollections of old Whistle Stop. Along with her growing fondness for
Mrs. Threadgoode, Evelyn is inspired out her doldrums by hearing about
the brave exploits of feisty, big-hearted Idgie to confront wrong and
ensure that no one, white or black, went hungry.
Fried Green Tomatoes at
the Whistle Stop Café has some basis in fact.
Flagg, a comedian, actress, and writer for television, film, and
theater, had an aunt who owned a café alongside railroad
tracks, and Flagg interviewed many nearby residents to develop a
storyline. The book was on the New York Times bestseller list for 36
weeks. Among Flagg's other books are the bestsellers Daisy Fay and the
Miracle Man and Welcome to the World, Baby Girl!
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