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The Persian Pickle Club
It is the 1930s, and hard times have hit Harveyville, Kansas, where the crops are burning up, and there's not a job to be found. For Queenie Bean, a young farm wife, a highlight of each week is the gathering of the Persian Pickle Club, a group of local ladies dedicated to improving their minds, exchanging gossip, and putting their quilting skills to good use. When a new member of the club stirs up a dark secret, the women must band together to support and protect one another. In her magical, memorable novel, Sandra Dallas explores the ties that unite women through good times and bad.
196 pages, Paperback
First published September 15, 1995
1029 people are currently reading
19042 people want to read
About the author
Sandra Dallas
51 books1,928 followersAward-winning author SANDRA DALLAS was dubbed “a quintessential American voice” by Jane Smiley, in Vogue Magazine. Sandra’s novels with their themes of loyalty, friendship, and human dignity have been translated into a dozen foreign languages and have been optioned for films.
A journalism graduate of the University of Denver, Sandra began her writing career as a reporter with Business Week. A staff member for twenty-five years (and the magazine’s first female bureau chief,) she covered the Rocky Mountain region, writing about everything from penny-stock scandals to hard-rock mining, western energy development to contemporary polygamy. Many of her experiences have been incorporated into her novels.
While a reporter, she began writing the first of ten nonfiction books. They include Sacred Paint, which won the National Cowboy Hall of Fame Western Heritage Wrangler Award, and The Quilt That Walked to Golden, recipient of the Independent Publishers Assn. Benjamin Franklin Award.
Turning to fiction in 1990, Sandra has published eight novels, including Prayers For Sale. Sandra is the recipient of the Women Writing the West Willa Award for New Mercies, and two-time winner of the Western Writers of America Spur Award, for The Chili Queen and Tallgrass. In addition, she was a finalist for the Colorado Book Award, the Mountain and Plains Booksellers Assn. Award, and a four-time finalist for the Women Writing the West Willa Award.
The mother of two daughters—Dana is an attorney in New Orleans and Povy is a photographer in Golden, Colorado—Sandra lives in Denver with her husband, Bob.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/sandra...
A journalism graduate of the University of Denver, Sandra began her writing career as a reporter with Business Week. A staff member for twenty-five years (and the magazine’s first female bureau chief,) she covered the Rocky Mountain region, writing about everything from penny-stock scandals to hard-rock mining, western energy development to contemporary polygamy. Many of her experiences have been incorporated into her novels.
While a reporter, she began writing the first of ten nonfiction books. They include Sacred Paint, which won the National Cowboy Hall of Fame Western Heritage Wrangler Award, and The Quilt That Walked to Golden, recipient of the Independent Publishers Assn. Benjamin Franklin Award.
Turning to fiction in 1990, Sandra has published eight novels, including Prayers For Sale. Sandra is the recipient of the Women Writing the West Willa Award for New Mercies, and two-time winner of the Western Writers of America Spur Award, for The Chili Queen and Tallgrass. In addition, she was a finalist for the Colorado Book Award, the Mountain and Plains Booksellers Assn. Award, and a four-time finalist for the Women Writing the West Willa Award.
The mother of two daughters—Dana is an attorney in New Orleans and Povy is a photographer in Golden, Colorado—Sandra lives in Denver with her husband, Bob.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/sandra...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,016 reviews
February 24, 2008
My grandparents and great-grandparents, the Butlers and the Fouts, owned farms probably on the exact land Sandra Dallas places her story. I spent many a summer break helping out on the farm. The pickle club so matches the politeness, rhythm, dialect, and pace of my grandmother's and the extended families' speech that I cried at the rememberences. The stories "Bean", as my grandfather was known (omigosh, "Queenie Bean" a coincidence?), and my father told me of growing up in the depression echoed the sincere care, concern, and poverty-stricken generosity neighbors shared during that time.
How the ladies treated Rita and strangers is exactly the way my great-aunts would act. Even the phrases of speech must be verbatim remembrances from Ms. Dallas' research. Knowing my relatives from the depression generation, the solution to the mystery is quite conceivable.
The story was a pleasant read but obviously I saw nuances in it that the normal reader cannot appreciate. Trust me, Sandra has done an awesome job of describing the people and the period in the flint hills area outside Topeka. One should read this book to truly understand our mid-American heritage and character. The plot is just a vehicle to get to that knowledge.
How the ladies treated Rita and strangers is exactly the way my great-aunts would act. Even the phrases of speech must be verbatim remembrances from Ms. Dallas' research. Knowing my relatives from the depression generation, the solution to the mystery is quite conceivable.
The story was a pleasant read but obviously I saw nuances in it that the normal reader cannot appreciate. Trust me, Sandra has done an awesome job of describing the people and the period in the flint hills area outside Topeka. One should read this book to truly understand our mid-American heritage and character. The plot is just a vehicle to get to that knowledge.
December 8, 2025
Catching Up…
It is the Depression. It is Kansas.
And…The Persian Pickle Club (a quilting club) is very good at keeping a secret.
And…Did you know that Persian pickle is another word for paisley? Well, for non-quilters, like me, neither did I.
But…This group of quilters has a special piece of paisley fabric that has made it into all their quilts, hence the name of the club.
And…Probably this book!
The book begins by introducing all the various “cast” of characters and how they will do anything for each other.
Provide comfort in times of pain, bring food for any occasion, gossip if needed, (except if it is about themselves – of course!).
But…One of the Pickles is having an affair…
And…Well, let’s just not talk about it, because that is the polite thing to do!
Then…Trouble begins. Because, well bones are discovered at one of the Pickle’s places (Ella’s)…
And…Well…It’s murder!
The Pickles show up at Ella’s farm with baked goods and sewing, because that is what Pickles do for each other.
But…Rita, wants to do more. She wants to find the murderer. Of course, she also wants a post on the newspaper, and thinks this might help her.
And so…Off she goes, with Queenie playing chauffeur, as she interviews everyone.
And then…The Pickles let Rita in on a secret that turns everything upside down.
“We didn’t tell you this to put in the newspaper. We told you because you are a member of the Persian Pickle Club, because you are one of us. We extended the hand of friendship to you, and there’s nothing in this world that’s stronger than friendship. You had the right to know our secret, because we trust you.”
What will Rita do?
Strong female characters. Fun. Fast easy read. With an interesting revealing twist.
It is the Depression. It is Kansas.
And…The Persian Pickle Club (a quilting club) is very good at keeping a secret.
And…Did you know that Persian pickle is another word for paisley? Well, for non-quilters, like me, neither did I.
But…This group of quilters has a special piece of paisley fabric that has made it into all their quilts, hence the name of the club.
And…Probably this book!
The book begins by introducing all the various “cast” of characters and how they will do anything for each other.
Provide comfort in times of pain, bring food for any occasion, gossip if needed, (except if it is about themselves – of course!).
But…One of the Pickles is having an affair…
And…Well, let’s just not talk about it, because that is the polite thing to do!
Then…Trouble begins. Because, well bones are discovered at one of the Pickle’s places (Ella’s)…
And…Well…It’s murder!
The Pickles show up at Ella’s farm with baked goods and sewing, because that is what Pickles do for each other.
But…Rita, wants to do more. She wants to find the murderer. Of course, she also wants a post on the newspaper, and thinks this might help her.
And so…Off she goes, with Queenie playing chauffeur, as she interviews everyone.
And then…The Pickles let Rita in on a secret that turns everything upside down.
“We didn’t tell you this to put in the newspaper. We told you because you are a member of the Persian Pickle Club, because you are one of us. We extended the hand of friendship to you, and there’s nothing in this world that’s stronger than friendship. You had the right to know our secret, because we trust you.”
What will Rita do?
Strong female characters. Fun. Fast easy read. With an interesting revealing twist.
June 20, 2017
This was such a sweet and great book that took a turn I didn't see coming. First of all, Sandra Dallas did an impeccable job of setting the mood. This takes place in the USA in the 1930s, it is hot, the crops are destroyed because of the heat and people try to survive on small jobs and kindness to each other. The Persian Pickle Job is our focal point of interest and we are rather quickly introduced to all of the women in this quilting club.
However, our main focus is Queenie and Rita who are the youngest members of the club. I very much enjoyed following these two women, and I was surprised when halfway through the book, the story took a turn and I started forming a lot of questions in my head. I felt like I was losing grip of both the story and the characters' development and I didn't like it.
BUT the ending wrapped up so beautifully that everything made sense, and the ending surprised me as well as put a big smile to my face. All of my questions were answered, and I understood why Sandra Dallas had taken the story in the direction she did. This book is so cozy and nice to read, but that's not all there is to it. You must read it for yourself to see what I mean, and stick to the end because that's when all of your questions - plotwise and characterwise - will be answered.
...and yes, I read this in a day :)
However, our main focus is Queenie and Rita who are the youngest members of the club. I very much enjoyed following these two women, and I was surprised when halfway through the book, the story took a turn and I started forming a lot of questions in my head. I felt like I was losing grip of both the story and the characters' development and I didn't like it.
BUT the ending wrapped up so beautifully that everything made sense, and the ending surprised me as well as put a big smile to my face. All of my questions were answered, and I understood why Sandra Dallas had taken the story in the direction she did. This book is so cozy and nice to read, but that's not all there is to it. You must read it for yourself to see what I mean, and stick to the end because that's when all of your questions - plotwise and characterwise - will be answered.
...and yes, I read this in a day :)
April 7, 2024
4 💛 💛 💛 💛
This book was gifted to me and read and discussed with two very special girlfriends.
It's not about quilting. It's about what goes into making one and why.
While we were reading this quote was shared. Not from the book but says it all.
"I cannot stress enough how important it is to find a like-minded tribe who believes in you so ferociously that on the days you feel like you can't, they remind you that you can."
🌻🌻🌻
This book was gifted to me and read and discussed with two very special girlfriends.
It's not about quilting. It's about what goes into making one and why.
While we were reading this quote was shared. Not from the book but says it all.
"I cannot stress enough how important it is to find a like-minded tribe who believes in you so ferociously that on the days you feel like you can't, they remind you that you can."
🌻🌻🌻
June 30, 2018
This was a perfect Summer read that will warm your heart. Plus, it also had a turn that I really didn't see coming!
The book takes place in the USA in 1930s. It's a little town with farmers, but it didn't rain for long time, and the people are having a tough time. The Persian Pickle Club is a quilting club, where women of the town get together once a week. We get to know them quite quickly and the story revolves around the friendship they built over years and how they take care of each other. We mainly follow Queenie and Rita to follow the story.
I loved the setting of the book. Sandra Dallas did a great job with it. I felt like I was in that small town living with those women. I didn't really understand where the book was headed until half way down, and I was very surprised how it was directed to a mystery and I really didn't see the end coming.
I gave it 4 stars because around the half way mark, it got a bit confusing and it was lacking a certain direction with characters and story all over the place. But, I'm glad I kept reading because the end was worth it. So, if you feel the same, please keep going :)
It's a short book you can read in a day or two. And it's a perfect, warm friendship story for a sunny day :)
The book takes place in the USA in 1930s. It's a little town with farmers, but it didn't rain for long time, and the people are having a tough time. The Persian Pickle Club is a quilting club, where women of the town get together once a week. We get to know them quite quickly and the story revolves around the friendship they built over years and how they take care of each other. We mainly follow Queenie and Rita to follow the story.
I loved the setting of the book. Sandra Dallas did a great job with it. I felt like I was in that small town living with those women. I didn't really understand where the book was headed until half way down, and I was very surprised how it was directed to a mystery and I really didn't see the end coming.
I gave it 4 stars because around the half way mark, it got a bit confusing and it was lacking a certain direction with characters and story all over the place. But, I'm glad I kept reading because the end was worth it. So, if you feel the same, please keep going :)
It's a short book you can read in a day or two. And it's a perfect, warm friendship story for a sunny day :)
June 22, 2015
I put off reading this for a long time, only because of the silly title. But it is a short one from a favorite author, Sandra Dallas, so I thought I would squeeze it in as a quick summer read.
This book was a little gem. Friendships, family, murder in a close-knit, struggling farming community, a little romance, loyalty, and did I mention it is short? The quilting stories were my favorites, and some tugged at my emotions.
This book was a little gem. Friendships, family, murder in a close-knit, struggling farming community, a little romance, loyalty, and did I mention it is short? The quilting stories were my favorites, and some tugged at my emotions.
November 27, 2022
Nov 27, 645am ~~ Having to give up on this one after four chapters, close to halfway through. I don't know if I am in an end of the year slump or what, but I had to struggle to get interested in this story of a young Kansas farm wife and her group of quilting friends.
Once I got past the first chapter I thought the story picked up a bit, but by the end of chapter four I lost interest and was not at all surprised when the dead body was found. I had an idea of who would turn up dead; that info was telegraphed chapters earlier.
I can imagine what the ladies of the Persian Pickle Club did after the body appeared, I simply don't really care enough about the characters to keep reading and have my suspicions verified. The story might turn out to be quite moving and a celebration of the friendships between women and all that jazz, but it does not appeal to me any longer.
At least I got far enough along to learn what the phrase 'Persian pickle' means. If you have ever seen a paisley pattern in material, the big curvy designs that are part of it were called Persian pickles. At least in the book. I don't know about in real life. I have always thought of them as fat commas. lol
DNF after four chapters.
Once I got past the first chapter I thought the story picked up a bit, but by the end of chapter four I lost interest and was not at all surprised when the dead body was found. I had an idea of who would turn up dead; that info was telegraphed chapters earlier.
I can imagine what the ladies of the Persian Pickle Club did after the body appeared, I simply don't really care enough about the characters to keep reading and have my suspicions verified. The story might turn out to be quite moving and a celebration of the friendships between women and all that jazz, but it does not appeal to me any longer.
At least I got far enough along to learn what the phrase 'Persian pickle' means. If you have ever seen a paisley pattern in material, the big curvy designs that are part of it were called Persian pickles. At least in the book. I don't know about in real life. I have always thought of them as fat commas. lol
DNF after four chapters.
January 24, 2016
This book was recommended to me awhile ago and I happened to see it at the library, so I picked it up. I thought the cover was very hokey, but I tried to overlook it. The description sounded interesting and I expected a Steel Magnolias kind of women's group that had strong characters in a close knit circle. That is not how I felt about this book at all. The group is so large that most of the time I had no idea who was who except for the few main ones. And even the prominent characters were not very memorable. Queenie Bean, the narrator, was incredibly simple minded and that was a huge turn off for me. I almost quit about 1/2 way through, but then I read a review that said it would pick up about that time. It may have picked up a bit, but it never took off. The big mystery was not that mysterious and I had an idea of what it was well before the end of the book. The ending was the best part of the entire book, but it did not do enough to change my feelings about the book as a whole. Thankfully, it is only 196 pages and a quick read.
July 21, 2020
This little read is my sixth book for March 2020 and all I can say is, "What a delight‼️" Depression time in America’s Mid-West farm land was bad enough....throw in years of drought and it makes life horrific‼️ This book highlights the value of friendship, resilience, & community during a time when sharing & caring are worth so much more than wealth‼️ What a heartwarming quick read that I highly recommend to all❤️
October 23, 2011
Love, love this book! I have rarely seen characters so flawed, true and dang funny. Especially Queenie, the MC, who I found myself identifying with in a heartfelt way. Her insecurities felt like my insecurities--the way she longed for and loved her friends, the way she baked and visited to solve problems, and even her marriage.
Queenie is a member of the Persian Pickle club--a quilting club of ladies in rural Kansas I think around the 1930s. The group is composed of opinionated, diverse personalities who have one thing in common: they would do anything for each other. When a new member joins, Rita--modern woman who hates farming and quilting, Queenie befriends her, thinking to replace a friend who had just moved away. But Rita is determined to solve a local murder, which ends up alienating people and eventually putting her and Queenie in danger.
I can't tell you how much I loved this book. Characterization was perfect, pacing was consistent, voice was inspiring and the story old- fashioned and compelling. Not a book I would normally have picked up but so glad I did! Don't miss out on this book. I'm only disappointed it was so short. I can't wait to read more by Sandra Dallas.
Queenie is a member of the Persian Pickle club--a quilting club of ladies in rural Kansas I think around the 1930s. The group is composed of opinionated, diverse personalities who have one thing in common: they would do anything for each other. When a new member joins, Rita--modern woman who hates farming and quilting, Queenie befriends her, thinking to replace a friend who had just moved away. But Rita is determined to solve a local murder, which ends up alienating people and eventually putting her and Queenie in danger.
I can't tell you how much I loved this book. Characterization was perfect, pacing was consistent, voice was inspiring and the story old- fashioned and compelling. Not a book I would normally have picked up but so glad I did! Don't miss out on this book. I'm only disappointed it was so short. I can't wait to read more by Sandra Dallas.
March 2, 2024
A slow start with a good ending.
January 24, 2021
A cute and quick read about friendship and loyalty. I enjoyed the twist that the author put in at the end.
August 8, 2016
In the kicked up dust of a rural 1930's Harveyville, Kansas, times are hard and, as Queenie Bean is keenly aware, real friendship is all the more important because of it. Luckily, Queenie is a member of The Persian Pickle Club, a group of women that meet weekly to share gossip, refreshments, fabric scraps, stitches, and friendship. Faced with the stark beauty and peril of dry Kansas crops, the friendships of this group are a lifeline to the women of The Persian Pickle; they're there for each other through any loop Life is intent on throwing their way whether they see eye to eye or not. It's a love and loyalty that will be tested when mystery is afoot in Wabaunsee County and a new member of The Pickle is desperate to sniff it out.
I picked up Sandra Dallas' The Persian Pickle Club because of the unique title but, noting that it was a historical fiction novel set in the Dirty Thirties/Dust Bowl era, it's synopsis hooked me pretty easily. I'm glad it did because it was a quick, enjoyable read that had an interesting twist.
I'd like to read more of Dallas' books to get a better sense of her general style. The Pickle has a very simplistic feel to it; it felt pretty genuine to the narrator's voice but there were parts where I wanted more description, more character development. While you get a good feel for a couple members of the group and the layered connections between them, some characters aren't as fleshed out.
Usually I'll gravitate to pretty atmospheric historical fiction, novels that plunge you right in to an era. This is more subtle as the plot focuses on the group itself while its setting is, as are the events that transpire within the group, more a foil than a stage. Which was interesting in and of itself because it gives the reader an opportunity to see the era from within.
I picked up Sandra Dallas' The Persian Pickle Club because of the unique title but, noting that it was a historical fiction novel set in the Dirty Thirties/Dust Bowl era, it's synopsis hooked me pretty easily. I'm glad it did because it was a quick, enjoyable read that had an interesting twist.
I'd like to read more of Dallas' books to get a better sense of her general style. The Pickle has a very simplistic feel to it; it felt pretty genuine to the narrator's voice but there were parts where I wanted more description, more character development. While you get a good feel for a couple members of the group and the layered connections between them, some characters aren't as fleshed out.
Usually I'll gravitate to pretty atmospheric historical fiction, novels that plunge you right in to an era. This is more subtle as the plot focuses on the group itself while its setting is, as are the events that transpire within the group, more a foil than a stage. Which was interesting in and of itself because it gives the reader an opportunity to see the era from within.
May 19, 2021
Book was very good. Took place in the 1030s. A quilt club that was a bit of a gossip club. Started off slow but picked up and ended well.
January 11, 2012
I have to say that this book didn't really do anything for me. It's supposed to be light hearted and a story about friendship, which I guess it is. But it just wasn't interesting to me.
In the 1930's in Kansas, a group of women get together for a quilting and literature club every week. They call themselves the Persian Pickles (named after a paisley print) and in the depression its a good way to add some fun to their life. But then, the body of one of their member's husband is found. The newest member of the club, Rita, who's really not much of a sewer wants to be a newsreporter and so sets about trying to solve the mystery of who murdered the man. Queenie, the narrator, tags along with her for the ride.
Queenie was kind of a naive narrator. She was married and younger than I am now, but she still seemed as if she should be in her early teens with some of her actions and mannerisms. She was nice enough, just not a very strong character. The other women in the club all had distinct personalities but I couldn't really connect with any of them and they all seemed to have only one or two traits that made them different and that's what the author focused on, instead of making the character a whole person. Even Queenie's husband, who should have been enjoyable, I couldn't connect to. I do think that there were so many characters that it muddled everything and the book might have benefited from cutting a few out.
While its supposed to be about friendship, there is an element of mystery to this book. You want to know who killed the guy and actually wait for Rita to find out who did it. The rest of the story flits in and out and doesn't really follow a particular rhyme or reason. For being about a quilting club there's not a ton of quilting or quilt meetings in this book which did disappoint me a little bit. And for being a light read there is some violence and other strong themes within. Because of the 1930's setting there are also some expressions used to denote race that aren't as kind as well and allusions to illegal abortion. I did enjoy the predominant theme of loyalty and goodness in this book and the "character" behind some of the characters actions.
I just didn't get engrossed in this book and merely thought it ok. I was looking for something a little warmer and this book was just lukewarm and kind of stale to me.
The Persian Pickle Club
Copyright 1995
196 pages
Review by M. Reynard 2012
More of my reviews can be found at www.ifithaswords.blogspot.com
In the 1930's in Kansas, a group of women get together for a quilting and literature club every week. They call themselves the Persian Pickles (named after a paisley print) and in the depression its a good way to add some fun to their life. But then, the body of one of their member's husband is found. The newest member of the club, Rita, who's really not much of a sewer wants to be a newsreporter and so sets about trying to solve the mystery of who murdered the man. Queenie, the narrator, tags along with her for the ride.
Queenie was kind of a naive narrator. She was married and younger than I am now, but she still seemed as if she should be in her early teens with some of her actions and mannerisms. She was nice enough, just not a very strong character. The other women in the club all had distinct personalities but I couldn't really connect with any of them and they all seemed to have only one or two traits that made them different and that's what the author focused on, instead of making the character a whole person. Even Queenie's husband, who should have been enjoyable, I couldn't connect to. I do think that there were so many characters that it muddled everything and the book might have benefited from cutting a few out.
While its supposed to be about friendship, there is an element of mystery to this book. You want to know who killed the guy and actually wait for Rita to find out who did it. The rest of the story flits in and out and doesn't really follow a particular rhyme or reason. For being about a quilting club there's not a ton of quilting or quilt meetings in this book which did disappoint me a little bit. And for being a light read there is some violence and other strong themes within. Because of the 1930's setting there are also some expressions used to denote race that aren't as kind as well and allusions to illegal abortion. I did enjoy the predominant theme of loyalty and goodness in this book and the "character" behind some of the characters actions.
I just didn't get engrossed in this book and merely thought it ok. I was looking for something a little warmer and this book was just lukewarm and kind of stale to me.
The Persian Pickle Club
Copyright 1995
196 pages
Review by M. Reynard 2012
More of my reviews can be found at www.ifithaswords.blogspot.com
November 13, 2019
In the 1930's in Harveyville Kansas, times were tough for everyone.
The ladies of that community got together weekly for the Persian Pickle Club. The visited, fellowship ed and sewed quilts. They were friends and stood by each other for the support they all needed.
They all shared a secret. One afternoon someone talked. That secret never left the Persian Pickle Club.
A very delightful book, with laugh -out-loud moments.
The ladies of that community got together weekly for the Persian Pickle Club. The visited, fellowship ed and sewed quilts. They were friends and stood by each other for the support they all needed.
They all shared a secret. One afternoon someone talked. That secret never left the Persian Pickle Club.
A very delightful book, with laugh -out-loud moments.
June 27, 2009
A fun read about a group of Midwest women during tough times and a mystery which unfolds before them. I recommend it!
December 15, 2021
I thought this was an excellent story about a group of women dedicated to their families and their friends. It depicts an older and simpler time.
August 30, 2018
FYI: Persian pickle refers to an old time quilter's term for a paisley pattern. The first person story takes place in a small dust bowl community with a focus on the long time members of a quilting club. There is a bit of a murder mystery and some historic attitudes and slang.
November 16, 2023
My bookclub selection. Short and sweet-I hope it is enjoyed.
May 31, 2016
I really wanted to like this book. I was born and raised in Iowa, which is just a hoot and a holler from Kansas, and I'm a selftaught quilter, so I thought, what's not to love?
Unfortunately, it just didn't work for me, not really. So much so, that I put it down for long enough that it took me a minute to remember who all those people were. (Lotsa characters, norra lorra character development.) In the first place, a lot of the language is out of place for Midwesterners, at least in our area, even for the Depression era. My parents were born at the beginning of the 1920s, which means I grew up hearing the idiom of the 20s and 30s, and the author gets the language slightly wrong. But of course she's not actually from Kansas, or even Iowa. At one point, Grover says, "I don't expect he'll do anything", when it would be more natural for a man from Kansas to say "I don't think he'll do anything." We didn't end remarks with "I expect," either--more likely "I suppose" or even "I guess." Kansas is not in the South, Ms Dallas--it is smack dab in the middle of the country, no matter how you slice it. But your characters sure sound southern-fried.
Language aside, I got a definite Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe vibe from this book (again, set a lot farther south), almost a wannabe (hoboes, babies, skillets, and even helpful "coloured folk") but without the humour. There's a little humour at the beginning, but then it's all super-serious. Queenie Bean (meh) is very Ninny Threadgoode, to Rita's Idgie. The twist in the tale was pretty good, but the ending just made me mad. I like to feel satisfied when I finish a book, from enjoyment or because I learned something or because it made me think, or just that the pieces fit into a satisfying whole. I can't say this one met any of those expectations. Dallas wrote herself into a corner, and cut the thread. With a little more work, she could have made something beautiful; in the end, this is just a scrappy makeshift.
Two and a half stars.
Unfortunately, it just didn't work for me, not really. So much so, that I put it down for long enough that it took me a minute to remember who all those people were. (Lotsa characters, norra lorra character development.) In the first place, a lot of the language is out of place for Midwesterners, at least in our area, even for the Depression era. My parents were born at the beginning of the 1920s, which means I grew up hearing the idiom of the 20s and 30s, and the author gets the language slightly wrong. But of course she's not actually from Kansas, or even Iowa. At one point, Grover says, "I don't expect he'll do anything", when it would be more natural for a man from Kansas to say "I don't think he'll do anything." We didn't end remarks with "I expect," either--more likely "I suppose" or even "I guess." Kansas is not in the South, Ms Dallas--it is smack dab in the middle of the country, no matter how you slice it. But your characters sure sound southern-fried.
Language aside, I got a definite Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe vibe from this book (again, set a lot farther south), almost a wannabe (hoboes, babies, skillets, and even helpful "coloured folk") but without the humour. There's a little humour at the beginning, but then it's all super-serious. Queenie Bean (meh) is very Ninny Threadgoode, to Rita's Idgie. The twist in the tale was pretty good, but the ending just made me mad. I like to feel satisfied when I finish a book, from enjoyment or because I learned something or because it made me think, or just that the pieces fit into a satisfying whole. I can't say this one met any of those expectations. Dallas wrote herself into a corner, and cut the thread. With a little more work, she could have made something beautiful; in the end, this is just a scrappy makeshift.
Two and a half stars.
May 17, 2016
I didn't think I would be able to relate to a novel about quilting but there was so much more to the story than that. Set amidst the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression Queenie and the members of the Persian Pickle Club pass the time helping each other and their community by quilting blankets to raise money for charity. When Rita marries a local boy and becomes part of their "quilting circle" she brings a youthful brashness that keeps everyone on their toys. She's load and brash but Queenie takes to her right away and they become fast friends helping each other through the loss of a child, the death of a friend's husband and squatters taking up on their land. Through it all quilting binds the women together and becomes the one reliable thing they have in such trying times. Truly a wonderful novel that beautifully illustrates the hardships endured during the great depression and women's thankless role in getting through it. Honestly I was also intrigued by the quilting parts as well, I wouldn't mind trying my hand at a small square. It sounds so fun!
June 9, 2010
i loved the setting of this book...kansas, dust bowl, 30's depression era, group of women in a quilting group. putting hot flour on a newborn baby? I'd never heard of that. i even laughed out loud at some of the country living similes/talk- "she was more fun than a shoebox full of kittens." or "if fibs were so bad, I ought to tell Nettie that the goiter on her neck made her look like a frog." I can see that there was an underlying message of friendship and loyalty (which I am usually drawn to that sort of thing), but the hidden truth of the murder in it bugged me. murder is a hard to thing to justify. so for me, the negative aspects in the story came across as stronger than the positive aspects of it. watch out for some vulgar language too.
August 2, 2010
This came recommended from a friend who's recommended other books to me in the past -- ones I would normally have completely bypassed, like The Help and Water For Elephants. I enjoyed this book as well & was thoroughly entranced by the characters! I was also wildly amused at my own reactions to the farming culture that apparently also runs pretty deep in my own history -- I recognized my grandmothers' experiences in many of the Pickles' own!
December 11, 2024
Started out as a 3 but finished strong with a 4!
I honestly don't even know how I came across this book, but once I read that it was set during the Great Depression Era of the 1930's (a favorite of mine) I knew I had to read it. So I ran to my local library and grabbed a copy the same day (luckily it was checked in).
This heart warming story is set in Harveyville Kansas, a farming community, where quilting, friendship and secrets are at the center of the book. Every women of the Persian Pickle Club is unique in her own way, with a history that is deeply rooted in the American heartland culture. Generational stories that you can see unfold as you read each page.
I will admit, as I mentioned earlier, it didn't start off strong. I felt there were to many characters and I actually got a little confused of who was who for a about 1/4 of the book. But by the time I got half-way into it, the story line picked up and did not disappoint from then on. There was even a mystery threaded through the pages that ended with a shocker that I did not see coming.
Sandra Dallas has sparked my interest and I will be reading more from her.
I honestly don't even know how I came across this book, but once I read that it was set during the Great Depression Era of the 1930's (a favorite of mine) I knew I had to read it. So I ran to my local library and grabbed a copy the same day (luckily it was checked in).
This heart warming story is set in Harveyville Kansas, a farming community, where quilting, friendship and secrets are at the center of the book. Every women of the Persian Pickle Club is unique in her own way, with a history that is deeply rooted in the American heartland culture. Generational stories that you can see unfold as you read each page.
I will admit, as I mentioned earlier, it didn't start off strong. I felt there were to many characters and I actually got a little confused of who was who for a about 1/4 of the book. But by the time I got half-way into it, the story line picked up and did not disappoint from then on. There was even a mystery threaded through the pages that ended with a shocker that I did not see coming.
Sandra Dallas has sparked my interest and I will be reading more from her.
June 9, 2013
I have written this review two different times only to have them erased by accident. Normally I would give up writing a review, but this book was special and I want to share my feelings about it. Stories are told in different ways. Many stories have been handed down through generations by narrating the story, other stories were written down, and still others were told by piecing together a quilt made from wore out clothing the family had worn or special pieces given to the quilter by a friend. Thank you Mariann for handing me this book. I didn't set it down until I was finished. Afterwards I set there for a long time remembering the quilts my mother had made and how each piece told the story of our family. I need to keep some of the clothes I have been holding on to and make a family quilt of my own.
March 21, 2022
Read again 3/21/22
Just ladies quilting in the 30s in Kansas…
Or… murder, assault, conspiracy and an aspiring reporter
Nov 2010
I struggled with the character development. I kept asking myself, "Now, who is this person?"
If you find the beginning a bit slow, keep going until you get to the murder mystery. Then things get entertaining!
Just ladies quilting in the 30s in Kansas…
Or… murder, assault, conspiracy and an aspiring reporter
Nov 2010
I struggled with the character development. I kept asking myself, "Now, who is this person?"
If you find the beginning a bit slow, keep going until you get to the murder mystery. Then things get entertaining!
September 25, 2012
Well, not going to finish this book either. Life's too short to read books that I don't want to finish. I thought this book had potential, but it lost me. Too sloooow. And that means a lot coming from me.
June 5, 2022
I dislike this book because it contains white women getting away with murder, casual use of the n-word, attitudes of superiority towards homeless migrants, and communication that relies heavily on implications rather than explicit thoughts and feelings.
April 22, 2013
Women in a small Kansas town, get together to quilt, and share their pain, sorrows, and triumphs. This Sandra Dallas book isn't as good as some of her others..
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