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 The Wednesday Sisters: A Novel
This month marks the 40th anniversary of the Summer of Love,
1969, Woodstock. Many of us weren't even born or were mere
babes. And although we may associate peace, love and music as the
themes, there were lots of changes brewing in our country at that
time. The Wednesday Sisters tells the story of five young
homemakers and aspiring writers influenced by the tumultuous
changes and opportunities of the late 1960s and 70s.
They
met at the park as young mothers watching their children play. It
was the late 1960s in Palo Alto, California. They were an unlikely
group of five: Kath, a charming Southern belle; Brett, brainy and
quirky; Linda, bossy and athletic; Frankie, mousy but with big
aspirations; and Ally, quiet and mysterious. Their children
brought them together, but a love of books bonded them as friends.
Their
friendship moved from the playground to the living room when
Frankie suggested they watch the Miss America Pageant together. A
new tradition was born. However, each year that passed marked a
different way of viewing the pageant. Although they lived mostly
on the fringes, the friends were becoming increasingly aware of
the protests, controversies and happenings swirling around them.
The Vietnam War, the struggle for women's rights and the space
race were all in full swing. No longer could they just enjoy the
pretty gowns and talents of the contestants and not consider how
women were so much more.
In
fact, change was already set in motion that first evening spent
together. They began to voice their desires beyond being wives and
mothers. As Frankie admitted her dream of becoming a writer, Linda
pounced on the opportunity and insisted they become a writing
group. And so they did - meeting every Wednesday. As their writing
grew, so did their friendships. Through the years the circle of
friends supported each other during illness, infidelity,
infertility, prejudice and professional endeavors.
Of
course the Wednesday Sisters was a Girlfriend Books selection
waiting to happen. A story of women friendships, combined with a
love of reading and writing. Experiencing a recent slice
of our country's history through this group of homemakers who
wanted more for themselves made it an even more fun and
interesting read. Let's not forget, it was this generation of
women who forged ahead and brought the next generation many
opportunities in the work place, athletics, politics, and
more.
About
the author: Meg
Waite Clayton is the author of The Language of Light, a
finalist for the Bellweather Prize. Her stories and essays have
appeared in Runner's World, Writer's Digest, and numerous literary
magazines. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan Law
School and was a Tennessee Williams Scholar at the Sewanee
Writers' Conference. She lives in Palo Alto, California, with her
husband and their two sons.
 The Wednesday Sisters: A Novel
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