Traveling With Pomegranates: A Mother-Daughter Story

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Traveling With Pomegranates: A Mother-Daughter Story

by Sue Monk Kidd, Ann Kidd Taylor

3.31 · rating details · 2,753 ratings · 783 reviews

An introspective and beautiful dual memoir by the #1 New York Times bestselling novelist and her daughter

Sue Monk Kidd has touched millions of readers with her novels The Secret Life of Bees and The Mermaid Chair and with her acclaimed nonfiction. In this intimate dual memoir, she and her daughter, Ann, offer distinct perspectives as a fifty-something and a twenty-somethin...more

Hardcover, 282 pages

Published September 8th 2009 by Viking Adult (first published January 1st 2009)

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Mar 04, 2010

BarkLessWagMore rated it

Shelves: audiobook, travel

I picked this up hoping to experience a trip to Greece through the two authors but instead I'm finding that it is more of navel gazing piece. Sue Monk Kidd is turning fifty and having a difficult time coming to terms with the back end of her life while her daughter Ann is suffering from depression because she wasn't accepted into a program to study Greek history and doesn't know what to do with her life. The two have a conflict free but somewhat distant relationship, they don't connect closely...more

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Aug 06, 2011

Leslie rated it

· review of another edition

From the reviews I've read, this book won't appeal to everyone. It wasn't a riveting read, but rather a slow, steady, meditative journal to be contemplated. It appealed to me because of the nuggets I found that caused me to reflect on my own physical, chronological and emotional maturing.

Sue Monk Kidd described her experience of aging, which caused me to reflect on my own experience of morphing from being energetic, lithe, flexible and tireless (well, not so easily worn out) to expe...moreFrom the reviews I've read, this book won't appeal to everyone. It wasn't a riveting read, but rather a slow, steady, meditative journal to be contemplated. It appealed to me because of the nuggets I found that caused me to reflect on my own physical, chronological and emotional maturing.

Sue Monk Kidd described her experience of aging, which caused me to reflect on my own experience of morphing from being energetic, lithe, flexible and tireless (well, not so easily worn out) to experiencing physical limitations; approaching the precipice of middle age and peering over the edge to consider how many more years are left. So for the woman who is near or past the half century mark of her life, there is food for thought.

For a woman with daughters, Sue provides the words that arouse the wonder and awe of watching your child become a woman unto her self. She describes the helplessness of watching her struggle and the yearning to fix whatever it is that hurts. Her daughter, Ann, who co-authors the book, provides the insight into the self inflicted doubts and anxieties that accompany life changing decisions and events as she learns to deal with them both on her own and with the help of her mother. Such revelation causes the mature woman to recall her own struggles, self doubts, need for independence and purpose in life. It causes the mother in us to treasure the woman child who is our daughter all the more for who she has become and who continues to blossom and grow before her very eyes. This is a story about love, which requires letting go, moving away and coming toward with the ability to trust, and share on a deeper level.

For a woman on a spiritual journey, this book allows the reader to ponder her own journey - moving to a place with a sense of purpose over a period of time. It lets us know that beliefs once held, or lack thereof, do change and can be enriched if one is open to the small signs and wonders that occur if only our eyes are open.

The message that moved me the most as a 60 something woman is, I don't want to miss the dance. I have always welcomed the opportunity to "dance," to express myself, experience the richness of life, to be open to adventure (within reason), to cultivate deep friendships, to feel the music. If I don't get out there (as Sue and Ann did) I won't be where the music is. If I don't be still and listen, I won't hear the music that is playing every so softly - to which I can at least sway and spin, at least a little.
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May 24, 2011

Elizabeth rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: non-fiction-biography-memoir, downloaded-to-kindle

I found Sue Monk Kidd's THE DANCE OF THE DISSIDENT DAUGHTER so moving and paradigm-shifting that I had awfully high expectations for this book and was somewhat disappointed. On the occasion of Sue's turning 50 and her daughter Ann graduating from college, they go together on a trip to Greece, where their alternating journal entries convey their physical and spiritual journeys, insights and discoveries. The mythical heritage of Greece, including much sacred feminine tradition and especially the m...more

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Dec 23, 2009

Susan rated it

Shelves: personal_memoir_biography

Every mother and daughter have distinct stories to tell, and this book proves that not every story has to be about dysfunction, abuse, addiction. Written in alternating chapters by Sue and daughter Ann, the book is interesting and, for the most part, well-written. I liked it but I didn't love it, for the same reason that many people did not like Eat Pray Love: there is so much self-absorption by people of relative privilege.

Sue is turning 50 and becomes almost obsessed with meno...more

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Apr 18, 2010

Kazia Trujillo rated it

· review of another edition

It reads similar to "Poisonwood Bible" by B. Kingslover, an exotic location and a stressed mother daughter relationship. However, it misses the mark from being a quarter as interesting.
In the "Poisonwood Bible" she turns a desperate location into a fascinating experience- in "Traveling with Pomegranates" she turns a fascinating location into a desperate experience.

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Feb 10, 2011

Ellie Revert rated it

I don't like to read these reviews until I've read the particular book, BUT if I had seen so many reviews mentioning the total self-absorption of these 2 women-----mother and daughter----I would have skipped the book altogether!! They were in Europe---were they paying any attention to the idea of how blessed they are to be able to travel together---for generous amounts of time---in a wonderful part of the world? Or is it truly ALL ABOUT THEM???? They both need to "get over yourself!"...more

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Nov 29, 2011

Sally G. rated it

Shelves: fiction

This book shares a Mother/Daughter journey (internally and externally) from the perspectives of both Sue Monk Kidd and her daughter Ann Kidd Taylor.

Sue is in the unique position of spiritually reflecting as BOTH a Mother and a Daughter.

The physical settings are Greece, Turkey, France and South Carolina ~ and from those locales we venture into the wonder and wisdom of Greek mythology, the history of the Black Madonna, Mary and Joan of Arc.

Demeter, Persephone and Heca...more

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Nov 15, 2011

Cynthia Davidson rated it

Recommends it for: mothers with daughters...

Having read & enjoyed the Bees book, I was eager to listen to this book, as I had it on CD (from the library). Being read to, by the authors, mother Sue & daughter Ann, is something I'd recommend. Hearing their voices adds to the emotional impact. And, you can do this while traveling yourself, with or without the pomegranates...

Hearing the book, during a five hour drive, to my mothers' house (& back, as the CDs last 9 hours), I was in the right frame of mind to focus on the su...more
Having read & enjoyed the Bees book, I was eager to listen to this book, as I had it on CD (from the library). Being read to, by the authors, mother Sue & daughter Ann, is something I'd recommend. Hearing their voices adds to the emotional impact. And, you can do this while traveling yourself, with or without the pomegranates...

Hearing the book, during a five hour drive, to my mothers' house (& back, as the CDs last 9 hours), I was in the right frame of mind to focus on the subject. I listened as both a daughter, and a mother myself (also in my 50's with two daughters in their 20's, like the authors' ages). Not sure readers without children would be as intrigued.

The best part of the whole experience for me was the idea/example of a dual memoir. This was a first for me. Now I'm inspired enough to imagine doing something similar with my daughter(s), if they'd go for it! And I'd like to find other collaborative works to read & learn from.

The mythological, archetypal context, provided by the retelling of the Demeter & Persephone story, added to the story's 'universalized' appeal. I appreciated this, tho' some readers might quibble about 'projecting' oneself in such a way. This is the purpose of myths, which can help us expand our stories & our options, so we can grow beyond our current situations.

Reading the reviews others have written, I agree with some of the reservations already expressed, like the 'privileged' nature of these women's lives. Let's just say their 'struggles' are higher up on Maslow's Hierarchy of Human Needs.

And, each time I began to feel the women's introspection was getting tiresome, I asked myself; why do I lack the stamina to pay attention to that much detail? Mother-daughter realizations deserve my time.

I concluded that since this level of female thinking is rarely revealed, we're not used to hearing it. In our culture, we're raised on a steady diet of action, action & more action & not enough reflection.

More reflective people wouldn't get into half the problems we're now trying to solve!

Enjoy the book, & let's hear from you too.

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Sep 07, 2011

Patricia rated it

This book is a memoir written by Sue Monk Kidd and her daughter, Ann Kidd Taylor, about their travels together in Greece, France and Turkey. When Sue was on the verge of turning 50, she invited her daughter to accompany her on a trip to Europe. She wanted to celebrate her 50th birthday in Greece and to give Ann a graduation present. The book is written in alternating chapters by Sue and Ann, who each offer their impressions of the sites that they visit. For that reason, it is somewhat unique.
...moreThis book is a memoir written by Sue Monk Kidd and her daughter, Ann Kidd Taylor, about their travels together in Greece, France and Turkey. When Sue was on the verge of turning 50, she invited her daughter to accompany her on a trip to Europe. She wanted to celebrate her 50th birthday in Greece and to give Ann a graduation present. The book is written in alternating chapters by Sue and Ann, who each offer their impressions of the sites that they visit. For that reason, it is somewhat unique.

Each woman had been to Greece before. Sue had visited Greece in 1993 and Ann had toured the country with some classmates during her junior year of college. Ann felt that her destiny was to study ancient Greek history and perhaps become a professor, but her plans suffered a setback when she didn't get accepted by the graduate school she hoped to attend. The rejection left her with a feeling of depression. Sue sensed that something was wrong, but Ann found it difficult to confide in her mother. Ann's concerns are those of a young woman. She worries about the direction her life will take, and how to maintain her independence and autonomy while in a close relationship. Meanwhile, Sue is struggling with her own problems, worrying about the approach of old age and her own mortality and a feeling that her creativity is waning. She explores the myth of Demeter and Persephone as a parallel for the growing emotional distance between her and Ann. Meanwhile, Ann begins to find her own support system by turning to religious and mythological figures, such as Joan of Arc, the Virgin Mary and Athena, for guidance.

Sue and Ann's first trip to Greece took place before Sue wrote her phenomenally successful novel, The Secret Life of Bees. There is a great deal of inward reflection about religious and mythological symbols and the Divine Feminine as Sue visits ancient shrines. This is only natural, I suppose, considering Sue's previous writings on feminism and religion. However, at times I wished she would just dispense with her metaphysical musings and continue with the travelogue. Mother and daughter do become closer during the trip. Profound insights that she gains on her journey help Sue to realize her long-held ambition to become a writer of fiction, while Ann discovers her own talent for writing. After a little over a year, the women return to Greece and France with a tour group.

Readers will learn as much as they probably want to know about the myth of Persephone, Demeter, and Hecate, along with the significance of pomegranates. They will also learn about religious sites, including shrines dedicated to Black Madonnas. I thought the memoir was very interesting and honest, but it tends to be rather somber in tone. (less)

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Sep 03, 2011

SaraJean rated it

This was a very interesting read. I have read some of Kidd's other books (The Secret Life of Bees and The Dance of the Dissident Daughter) so I knew I would like her writing style at least. I was pleased to discover I liked Taylor's writing style as well.

I was rather confused because the friend who loaned me this book is very definitely CFBC (child free by choice) and one of the main themes in Kidd's chapters is her facing menopause and the loss of her fertility. As a woman in pri...more

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Aug 27, 2011

Kerry Hennigan rated it

· review of another edition

Ann Kidd Taylor had intended her first book to be an account of her travels in the company of her mother, Sue Monk Kidd, best selling author of The Secret Life of Bees. Together mother and daughter had explored the places in Greece and France sacred to women – and especially three very specific women: the Virgin Mary, Athena and Joan of Arc.

Each of these iconic females, as depicted in literature, folk lore, icons and statuary, has much to reveal to modern women, if only we take the ti...more

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Aug 26, 2011

Gen rated it

This book is billed as a mother-daughter travel memoir from Turkey, Greece and France, but it's more of a self-indugent snooze fest, like reading the diary of someone with a really boring life, who insists on writing ad naseum about it anyway then suggests you might want to read it. Very little, if anything, actually happens in these women's travels - it's all about the internal journey. Note: I'm the first to admit that I'm a plot person. I can definitely appreciate a beautiful turn of phras...more

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Aug 12, 2011

Susan Fetterer rated it

Here I am beginning a review, again, without having finished the book. I'm finding it useful to record impressions, review later and adjust prior judgments and correct possible assumptions. Half-way through the book and I'm enlightened and relating totally to the universal search for meaning, trying to be patient with changes in my own life, finding new spiritual directions, recognizing that things happen for reasons we may need time to understand, and appreciating the importance of readjust...more

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Jul 19, 2011

Susan Johnson rated it

I just found this book OK and that is diappointing. It could have been so much more. Like other reviewers, I expected more travel talk. I enjoyed the trip Ann took in her student years without Mom. She really made that part come alive especially the dinner at the "non-tourist" restaurant. When I read that, I thought I was in for a good read. Alas, I was wrong.
Adding the mother to the mix didn't help. The two women were so depressed that it seemed like a black fog hovered around ...more

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Jul 07, 2011

Marianne rated it

Not sure who recommended this, but I really didn't like it. It's one of those books that never would have been published had the author not already been a successful novelist. She travels through France and Greece with her daughter, and they write alternating chapters. Her daughter Ann's chapters are much less successful than the author's. Sue Monk Kidd is turning 50 when she writes this, and her fears about aging are painfully self-conscious writing of the worst kind: "Tears come. The angu...more

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Apr 20, 2011

Jo Ann rated it

One of my favorite books is The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd...so when a friend told me about this book by Sue, and her daughter, Ann Kidd Taylor, I was eager to read it. It's a series of reflections on rekindling the passion and direction that will define their years, as well as a means of bonding them as mother and daughter. After being at the BOTN Vermont retreat 10 days ago, I found this personal sharing even more wonderful. To realize that one of my favorite books (TSLOBees) was a...more

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Mar 13, 2011

Kim Wells rated it

Shelves: foodie-reads

I bought this book thinking it was a fiction book-- it was late and my blurb reading skills were apparently not working well. After a few pages I figured it out, but it was interesting so I kept going, and it got better as I went.

This is a combination travel memoir, mother/daughter journal of sorts. Sue Monk Kidd, who wrote The Secret Life of Bees (which I am now reading) and her daughter Ann explore a spiritual journey they made together that parallels, for them, the Demeter/Pers...more

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Feb 02, 2011

Christie rated it

Having read The Mermaid Chair and The Secret Life of Bees, both by Sue Monk Kidd, I was excited when this was chosen as one of our book club selections.

Traveling with Pomegranates should have been a better book than it actually is. This is a mother(Sue)/daughter(Ann) memoir about travel, faith, love, creativity and writing. At the beginning, as I settled in, I thought that it was going to be quite compelling. I felt a kinship with Sue:

“I didn’t understand why I was res...more

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Nov 30, 2010

Shauna rated it

Shelves: memoir-biography

Angst, anguish and analysis! Slow moving book is slightly redeemed by an interesting search for the divine with each of us. Bottom line: You have to be comfortable in your own skin. Each stage of life - adolescence, young adult, middle age – offers the opportunity to figure out who you are and what you want.

Favorite quotes:

Sue, entering menopause:

“My memory began to nod off like a narcoleptic and I would be left with a thought curled up on the tip of my tongue..”...moreAngst, anguish and analysis! Slow moving book is slightly redeemed by an interesting search for the divine with each of us. Bottom line: You have to be comfortable in your own skin. Each stage of life - adolescence, young adult, middle age – offers the opportunity to figure out who you are and what you want.

Favorite quotes:

Sue, entering menopause:

“My memory began to nod off like a narcoleptic and I would be left with a thought curled up on the tip of my tongue..”

“As a baby boomer, I fantasized that it would be nice to come up with a new term for the word, [menopause] like the Awakening or the Becoming. I wanted it to take into account the way every beautiful and dormant potential in you wants to wake up. How you get intimations of being un-tethered at long last, of power and audacity bubbling furiously on your two back burners. How you start thinking: yes, I do believe women can save the world.”

“I realize I’m still trying to work out the boundaries. How to love her without interfering. How to step back and let her have her private world and yet still be an intimate part of it. When she talks about her feelings, I have to consciously tell myself she wants me to receive them, not fix them.
Every woman needs to become self-mothering, I remind myself. To learn to take care of herself, to love herself. Ann has to find a mother in herself.”

Ann, trying to decide what to do with her life:

“I remember my prayer to Joan of Arc in the chapel at Notre Dame – I want to know what I was born for. I want the courage to do it.”

“How many times have I heard Mom refer to writing as her “necessary fire?” I don’t recall the exact words, but the message has stayed with me: look within and find your “necessary fire,” a phrase she attributed to the novelist John Gardner. To me, this idea meant finding work with which I had a deep compatibility, a true affinity, yet work that also held the possibility to bring me alive.”

“Spontaneously, I pictured my mother on one side of me and Mary on the other. It was no surprise that my mother turned up in my image and no big shock Mary was there either. Since I’d felt her presence vent over my life in the cathedral at Le Puy, I’d thought of Mary as my spiritual heart, my ability to love myself.
You’re scared, I know, but the three of us can handle this, I imagined Mary telling me. Gradually I felt myself grow calm.”
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Aug 15, 2010

Kathleen rated it

My friend presented me with this book at a Sunday luncheon and said --I brought this for you. I loved it and I am hoping on leading a retreat based on it.
Intrigued, I set aside what I was reading and started this book the very next day.
At first, I felt a remarkable sense of deficiency. It seemed I had passed though the stages of life that the elder author was obsessing over but maybe I had not noticed. Had not noticed? this woman is writing her inner thoughts about approaching menop...moreMy friend presented me with this book at a Sunday luncheon and said --I brought this for you. I loved it and I am hoping on leading a retreat based on it.
Intrigued, I set aside what I was reading and started this book the very next day.
At first, I felt a remarkable sense of deficiency. It seemed I had passed though the stages of life that the elder author was obsessing over but maybe I had not noticed. Had not noticed? this woman is writing her inner thoughts about approaching menopause as well as seeing her children leave her home for lives of their own. She appears to be grieving these two major changes and searching for breakwaters in her life. So, instead of traveling with Sue, I stopped and thought and wondered why the cosmetic changes of aging, which were throwing her for a loop, were of no moment in my life. Why did I find my childrens' marriages and growth outside of home non-threatening? How did menopause come and go and never seem to be processed? I found my answers as I reflected on my reading. I was older than she when all these things happened --by a decade-- so I think it was the passing of time which made the visibilities of aging not so concerning, the marriages seem appropriately timed,the arrival of grandchildren miraculous. I did appreciate the chance to look at these things through Sue's eyes. It helped to crystallize, to come to terms with my questions which her writing raised in me.
Second, my heart broke for Ann as she faced rejection from a boyfriend as well as rejection from what she felt was her only choice of a life plan for her after college graduation. It made me wonder what we are doing to our girls? So much expected from them! Where is the perspective on the long way we've come, Baby?
Third, I loved the travel aspect, especially tied in with Greek Mythology and the Black Madonnas.The decisions that both women reached through being in each other's loving presence, through learning of other cultures, though examining the role of women in faith stories, through applying the morals of myth, through recognizing there is no static condition on this earth, through examining their own cores and who/what resides within make this book a wonderful starting point for discussion and/or a retreat.
Having said that, I do think this would have been a 3.5 star if that were possible, because the writing styles really didn't excite me as much as the issues being raised.
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Jan 17, 2010

Aban (Aby) rated it

I was drawn to this book because of the mother/daughter theme; it's one I've always found fascinating. Initially, I was inclined to give it a 3 star rating, but by the end I felt it was worthy of the higher rating.

The book is an account of the travels in Greece, Turkey, and France, of Sue Monk Kidd (author of "The Secret Life of Bees") and her daughter, Ann Kidd Taylor. It spans 10 years, and the chapters are written alternately by Sue and Ann.

This is an introsp...more

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Dec 23, 2009

Elise Jensen rated it

I enjoyed this book a lot, though towards the end (not at the very end, but like the third quarter of the book) I felt it did drag a little bit. Part of what troubled me is that this is a book, and not a terribly long one, of two peole making profound emotional/spiritual revelations. Because of the way this is two personal narratives interwoven in one, it appears the two authors need to be really conservative with their word/page count. They gotta get right to the point. As a result, as the ...more

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Sep 29, 2009

Jessica rated it

I'm always intrigued by books about mothers and daughters. However, this one was of particular interest (and great delight) that the relationship was not dysfunctional as it is often portrayed. Yes, it's a complex relationship, but not necessarily dysfunctional. This was a mother/daughter story that I could relate to; I often could see me and my mom is this story. We need each other and love each other--something I think every woman longs for.

Acclaimed author Sue Monk Kidd and her daug...more

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Jan 03, 2010

Madeleine Rex rated it

Shelves: i-own, reviewed

COPIED FROM MY BLOG: MADELEINEREX.COM (FORMATTING WAS LOST)

Okay, bear with me people; I read this book awhile ago.

As anyone close to me knows, I was and still am completely in love with The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. I’ll go into that further when I read it over again.

Consequently, when a new book with her name slapped on the front cover appeared, I lunged for it. I was intrigued by the thought of her having a daughter – not just a daughter, but a d...more

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Jul 22, 2010

Kristin rated it

I read this because I wanted a quick read following the more textured Faulkner, but this book surprised me. I'm not sure who I would recommend this to, but I enjoyed it mainly because (and I say this knowing this word is a cardinal sin in the writing world) it was relatable for me. A recent graduate heavily concerned with what to do with the rest of her life travels to Greece, and the entire book basically catalogues her decision making process? I'm convinced. Sign me up. I let myself read this ...more

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Jan 13, 2011

Yoonmee rated it

Shelves: memoir, travel-writing

I am a firm believer that our true, secret purpose of travel is to learn more about ourselves rather than the places we visit, but that doesn't necessarily mean I want to read someone else's navel gazing ramblings all about themselves. Sadly, that was the focus of this book. I think other reviewers mentioned this, but if you were a fan of books like Eat Pray Love then you'll probably really enjoy this book. Basically, you have two privileged white women traveling to Greece, France, and Turkey...moreI am a firm believer that our true, secret purpose of travel is to learn more about ourselves rather than the places we visit, but that doesn't necessarily mean I want to read someone else's navel gazing ramblings all about themselves. Sadly, that was the focus of this book. I think other reviewers mentioned this, but if you were a fan of books like Eat Pray Love then you'll probably really enjoy this book. Basically, you have two privileged white women traveling to Greece, France, and Turkey who are so wrapped up in themselves it seems they almost fail to enjoy their travels. Feeling some trepidation at turning fifty, Sue the mother, tries to find solace and identity with the image of the Virgin Marys she find throughout the trips. Ann, the daughter, didn't get into the graduate school of her choice and is consequently depressed and unsure of what to do with her life. Hello? Welcome to being in your early twenties. Get over it. Both women make the mistake so many do when traveling abroad (or anywhere out of our comfort zones), they bring with them all their cultural, privilege baggage and are unable to see the places they visit for what they really are (side note: as travelers, can we ever truly see a place for what it really is? Obviously we always bring our cultural baggage with us, but there are some travel writers who do attempt to learn more about the places they visit). Ann eventually realizes her obsession and exotification with Greece is really just her own happiness at finally "finding herself" while abroad, but I think she still exotifies Greece as this "other" place where she can truly be herself.

If you were a big fan of The Secret Life of Bees you might enjoy reading about how Sue Monk Kidd came up with the idea for the book.

In short, way too much navel gazing. Navel gazing is almost required when traveling and I think there needs to be some in travel writing, but these writers weren't likable enough for me to enjoy their navel gazing. I mean, really, do I really need to read all about every single dream they had while traveling? Good grief.(less)

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Jan 23, 2010

Lisa rated it

This is a terrific book. The narrative alternates between mother (Sue Monk Kidd, with entries written mostly before she finished The Secret Life of Bees) and grown daughter (Ann Kidd Taylor). Each is trying to discover what is next for her life as they travel together to Greece, then France, then Greece again, with intervals at home in South Carolina. Each is a fine writer, and while they are focusing on their own lives they also focus on their relationship. This would be a great book to read wi...more

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Oct 14, 2009

Barbara P rated it

Just completed reading Sue and Ann's book on their experiences of travel, relationship with each other, life changes, reflections and myths on the feminine. I gained insights on individual personal transformation and on transformation of mother/daughter relationships. There is a natural movement between most mothers and daughters that resists each other, keeps secrets, etc. Throughout the book the authors write honestly about this reality and also write about the beautiful process of becoming cl...more

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Jan 16, 2012

Frances Rowell rated it

Traveling With Pomegranates tells a generational Mother, daughter story as Sue Monk Kidd and Ann Taylor Kidd journal and journey through Europe. As they reveal their personal doubts and insecurities, they are inspired by the mythology of Demeter and Persephone and Athena as they visit ancient sites. As they continue, the spiritual aspect of their story becomes prominent as they include sites and stories of Mary, the Black Madonna and Joan of Arc.

Being partial to Mother-Daughter sto...more

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Jan 03, 2010

Rachel rated it

This book project was originally written as Ann Kidd Taylor's recounting of her various travels with her mother over the course of three years. However, in the Afterword Taylor notes that the story did not feel complete to her without inclusion of her mother's voice, as Sue Monk Kidd's presence on those travels was a significant component of the experience. Thus evolves a touching, interwoven story told by mother and daughter in interwoven chapters, recounting their travels and the catharsis the...moreThis book project was originally written as Ann Kidd Taylor's recounting of her various travels with her mother over the course of three years. However, in the Afterword Taylor notes that the story did not feel complete to her without inclusion of her mother's voice, as Sue Monk Kidd's presence on those travels was a significant component of the experience. Thus evolves a touching, interwoven story told by mother and daughter in interwoven chapters, recounting their travels and the catharsis these travels provided in coping with life-altering developmental phases.

This story has the potential to be extremely touching and even spiritual for the right reader. I wanted to be that reader, but found it difficult to sympathize with the characters who seem to struggle so tremendously with events and experiences that I would consider to be rather ordinary. Ann and Sue's relationship is enviable, even heartwarming, but the book veers too often toward a philosophical rendering of the mother-daughter relationship to make theirs seem real. The comparison of their relationship to the relationship between Demeter and Persephone occurs too often, as if stating the analogy over and over again is the only way to make the comparison apropos. The metaphor could have been subtle, but instead the reader is beaten over the head with it.

Allusions to Mary and to feminine divinity are similarly written. Instead of crafting subtle allegories, the discussion of the divine feminine is thrust upon the reader again and again, and seems somewhat misplaced, given that the book purports to be about travel, about writing, and about mothers and daughters rather than theology. The narrative wasn't overbearingly preachy, but Kidd's contributions were more heavily theosophical than necessary.

That said, Kidd's narrative voice was a pleasure to read, and in spite of sometimes-confusing verb tense mix-ups, the back-and-forth narrative perspectives of mother and daughter were quite charming. Taylor isn't yet as strong a writer as Kidd, and her mother's voice often seems to overshadow her own -- which is a shame, as this was really Taylor's project to begin with. Learning about Kidd's process of writing The Secret Life of Bees was particularly interesting, so much so that I now want to read that book (which previously hadn't really interested me).

Despite the fact that I didn't enjoy the book overmuch, I am going to pass it along to a friend of mine who has traveled frequently with her own daughter, and who might get more pleasure out of this narrative than I did.(less)

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About Sue Monk Kidd

Sue Monk Kidd was born in the small city of Sylvester in Georgia. She felt the pull to write as a child, but because of the attitudes in the South during her youth, she only took to writing aound the age of thirty. She started with spiritual and religious texts, about Christianity, and only began writing fiction when she was in her forties. She began working on her first novel, The Secret Life of ...more

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Books by Sue Monk Kidd

The Dance of the Dissident Daughter: A Woman's Journey from Christian Tradition to the Sacred Feminine

When the Heart Waits: Spiritual Direction for Life's Sacred Questions

Firstlight: The Early Inspirational Writings of Sue Monk Kidd

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Quotes from Traveling With Pomegra...

“It shocks me how I wish for...what is lost and cannot come back.” — 32 people liked it

“My children have always existed at the deepest center of me, right there in the heart/hearth, but I struggled with the powerful demands of motherhood, chafing sometimes at the way they pulled me away from my separate life, not knowing how to balance them with my unwieldy need for solitude and creative expression.” — 22 people liked it

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title link	preview: Traveling With Pomegranates: A Mother-Daughter Story
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BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6429219-traveling-with-pomegranates?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1255575210m/6429219.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6429219-traveling-with-pomegranates?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Traveling With Pomegranates: A Mother-Daughter Story by Sue Monk Kidd[/url]

Traveling With Pomegranates: A Mother-Daughter Story

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