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The Painted Table: Honoring Mother - by Not Becoming Her
Saffee Quimbly has always sensed her normal Quimbly household was far from normal. A television? No need. Having friends over? A mistake not to be repeated. Unreasonable expectations and criticism? Painfully expected. And all part of normal. But her mother s unpredictable spells of arguing with imaginary tormentors, a Norwegian heirloom table subjected to countless layers of paint during such fits, and her father s refusal to seek help for his unstable wife these too are normal. Saffee meets the wide-open world with these secrets stowed away, and she plans to keep things that way. Jack, a blind date gone right, helps Saffee gain victory over the past, and connect to spiritual moorings.
286 pages, Paperback
First published June 9, 2011
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July 20, 2018
3.5 review soon.
December 18, 2013
About the Book:
A beautiful heirloom ingrained with family memory has become a totem of a life Saffee would rather forget-a childhood disrupted by her mother's mental illness.
Saffee does not want the table. By the time she inherits the object of her mother's obsession, the surface is thick with haphazard layers of paint, and heavy with unsettling memories.
After a childhood spent watching her mother slide steadily into insanity, painting and re-painting the ancient table, Saffee has come to fear that seeds of psychosis may lie dormant within her. But as an adult with a family of her own, Saffee must confront her mother's torment if she wants to defend herself against it.
Traversing four generations over the course of a century, The Painted Table is an epic portrait of inherited memory, proclivity, and guilt. It is a sprawling narrative affirmation that a family artifact-like a family member-can bear the marks of one's entire past . . . as well as intimations of one's redemption.
About the Author:
Suzanne Field, a graduate of the University of Minnesota, has taught English as a Second Language in China, Ukraine, and Hawaii. She has also been a magazine editor and home-school teacher. She and her husband have five children and divide their time between Kansas and Hawaii where she is a tutor and mentor.
My Review:
Saffee's life was always enjoyable, that is until her father had to join the navy. She loved her father a great deal, and fussed constantly when he wasn't home. But with her father leaving that meant her mother had to find work. Saffee's life was about to change but is it for the good?
Joann had never pictured herself as a mother, but now that's the one thing she wants to be. Having to leave her daughter, Saffee, years ago, with her own mother, seems to be the hardest thing she's done. Now finding out her mental health is failing , she tries everything in her power to hold on to the life she had and to be there for her daughter. But is it enough?
Nels had went in the Navy to help his country. But when he came home and many years after,his wife and daughter were never the same. His wife having mental issues and his daughter not able to cope with all that has happened over the years, he feels he's failed as both a father and a husband. But when something tragic happens, Nels is right there with them ,through thick and thin.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Litfuse Publicity.
A beautiful heirloom ingrained with family memory has become a totem of a life Saffee would rather forget-a childhood disrupted by her mother's mental illness.
Saffee does not want the table. By the time she inherits the object of her mother's obsession, the surface is thick with haphazard layers of paint, and heavy with unsettling memories.
After a childhood spent watching her mother slide steadily into insanity, painting and re-painting the ancient table, Saffee has come to fear that seeds of psychosis may lie dormant within her. But as an adult with a family of her own, Saffee must confront her mother's torment if she wants to defend herself against it.
Traversing four generations over the course of a century, The Painted Table is an epic portrait of inherited memory, proclivity, and guilt. It is a sprawling narrative affirmation that a family artifact-like a family member-can bear the marks of one's entire past . . . as well as intimations of one's redemption.
About the Author:
Suzanne Field, a graduate of the University of Minnesota, has taught English as a Second Language in China, Ukraine, and Hawaii. She has also been a magazine editor and home-school teacher. She and her husband have five children and divide their time between Kansas and Hawaii where she is a tutor and mentor.
My Review:
Saffee's life was always enjoyable, that is until her father had to join the navy. She loved her father a great deal, and fussed constantly when he wasn't home. But with her father leaving that meant her mother had to find work. Saffee's life was about to change but is it for the good?
Joann had never pictured herself as a mother, but now that's the one thing she wants to be. Having to leave her daughter, Saffee, years ago, with her own mother, seems to be the hardest thing she's done. Now finding out her mental health is failing , she tries everything in her power to hold on to the life she had and to be there for her daughter. But is it enough?
Nels had went in the Navy to help his country. But when he came home and many years after,his wife and daughter were never the same. His wife having mental issues and his daughter not able to cope with all that has happened over the years, he feels he's failed as both a father and a husband. But when something tragic happens, Nels is right there with them ,through thick and thin.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Litfuse Publicity.
February 23, 2014
In 1858, a tree is felled that will become a table. In 1921, widowed immigrant Knute Kirkeborg is trying to eke out a living farming the harsh North Dakota prairie, supporting seven daughters and two sons. Daughter Joann hides under the huge kitchen table as she mourns her mother, who died in a Hospital for the Insane.
In 1943, Joann is left at home with her toddler, Sapphire Eve, while husband Nels serves in the navy, yet Joann has no idea how to be a mother, because her own mother was always too busy with the baby. Her parenting style is detached to the point of emotional neglect, because she never learned otherwise. As a result, Saffee doesn’t learn either.
The Painted Table isn’t a conventional novel. Rather, it is selecting vignettes through Joann and Saffee’s lives that show the family story. As a result, at times it feels as though nothing is happening. It’s a curious technique, more literary than genre and sometimes it’s difficult to tell whether the main character in the story is Joann, Saffee, or mental illness. This lack of clarity around plot and character did mean the story dragged in places, as I was wondering when something was going to happen.
I wanted to like The Painted Table. The writing is different to what we normally see in Christian fiction, and part of me wanted to like the more literary style. And I wanted to like it because it’s different, not the typical western or Amish romance that makes up so much of Christian fiction. I wanted something that was a little more challenging, but that I would find ultimately rewarding. It had potential, but in the end I didn’t enjoy it because there was too little plot, too little character development, and too much theme.
Thanks to Thomas Nelson and Booksneeze for providing a free ebook for review.
In 1943, Joann is left at home with her toddler, Sapphire Eve, while husband Nels serves in the navy, yet Joann has no idea how to be a mother, because her own mother was always too busy with the baby. Her parenting style is detached to the point of emotional neglect, because she never learned otherwise. As a result, Saffee doesn’t learn either.
The Painted Table isn’t a conventional novel. Rather, it is selecting vignettes through Joann and Saffee’s lives that show the family story. As a result, at times it feels as though nothing is happening. It’s a curious technique, more literary than genre and sometimes it’s difficult to tell whether the main character in the story is Joann, Saffee, or mental illness. This lack of clarity around plot and character did mean the story dragged in places, as I was wondering when something was going to happen.
I wanted to like The Painted Table. The writing is different to what we normally see in Christian fiction, and part of me wanted to like the more literary style. And I wanted to like it because it’s different, not the typical western or Amish romance that makes up so much of Christian fiction. I wanted something that was a little more challenging, but that I would find ultimately rewarding. It had potential, but in the end I didn’t enjoy it because there was too little plot, too little character development, and too much theme.
Thanks to Thomas Nelson and Booksneeze for providing a free ebook for review.
February 4, 2014
Let me first take a few moments to wipe my tears and take a few deep breaths. This is a well written story. The Painted Table represents both an obsession and healing place. Watching Joann's life deteriorate, where it affects her marriage and children is heartbreaking. Saffee (Sapphire), Joann's oldest daughter, goes through her own challenges but finds through Love, God, prayer and taking risks, help her overcome the anger and frustrations she feels toward her mother.
Only until I reached chapter 54 'Redeemed' did my emotion start to flow. What better way to help a loved one through grief but to give them a wonderful gift. In this case, Saffee shares a beautiful dream with her father. Oh 'JOY!'
You must read this book! You will experience all types of emotions while reading this wonderful book.
**sorry, no spoilers here. **
Only until I reached chapter 54 'Redeemed' did my emotion start to flow. What better way to help a loved one through grief but to give them a wonderful gift. In this case, Saffee shares a beautiful dream with her father. Oh 'JOY!'
You must read this book! You will experience all types of emotions while reading this wonderful book.
**sorry, no spoilers here. **
January 25, 2015
I was worried that I wouldn't connect with this book. I'd read several reviews from readers who didn't enjoy it or "couldn't get into it". I, however, found the writing to be gorgeous, the story compelling, the characters grew of me. This is a character driven story, so if readers are accustomed to plot pushing a story along, this might not be the book for them.
This, for my taste, was a beautiful story of redemption and I'm so glad I gave it a chance.
This, for my taste, was a beautiful story of redemption and I'm so glad I gave it a chance.
June 24, 2019
I LOVED this book!! Alternating point of views from the mother (Joann) growing up and into adulthood and her daughter (Saffee), you experience the slow deterioration of the mother’s mental health and how it effects her family, specifically her daughter. It isn’t a climatic or dramatic book, but rather thoughtful and intentional, a series of
vignettes that take the time to examine family dynamics and the amount of impact our past has on our present. Each chapter skips forward in years, sharing glimpses into the Kvaale family, highlights and trials. I was pleasantly surprised to find a Christian underlying theme woven throughout the book that did Christianity justice. The way the book was written was unique to any book I have read and as I have mentioned before, I found it an intriguing approach and a fascinating read. Had I not had responsibilities (like keeping my toddler alive ) I would have finished this in a day. 10/10 would recommend.
vignettes that take the time to examine family dynamics and the amount of impact our past has on our present. Each chapter skips forward in years, sharing glimpses into the Kvaale family, highlights and trials. I was pleasantly surprised to find a Christian underlying theme woven throughout the book that did Christianity justice. The way the book was written was unique to any book I have read and as I have mentioned before, I found it an intriguing approach and a fascinating read. Had I not had responsibilities (like keeping my toddler alive ) I would have finished this in a day. 10/10 would recommend.
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October 3, 2019Suzanne Fields explores how dementia affects the family in her debut novel The Painted Table. Fields employs an omniscient present tense narrative style which at times is disconcerting, yet emphasizes the fragmentation and even the isolation of each character.
The story revolves around how Joann, a singular child raised in a large family, finds solace hiding from childhood fears under the family's heirloom table. As Joann becomes an adult, the table reminds her of those fears and as the fears begin to take over her rational thinking, she begins painting the table as a way to suppress the ever growing fears. As time goes by Joann loses her grip on reality as the table gains increasing haphazard coats of paint.
Nels, her long-suffering husband remains faithful to Joann, yet remains in denial about Joann's mental health. As the story switches to Safee, Joann's oldest daughter, there is another focus on insanity: is it truly inherited or is it brought on by learned patterns? Safee struggles with the results of her marred childhood. She eventually finds the missing love and need for redemption through her belief that God is always there for her.
Fields presents a fascinating generational story of how insanity can disrupt a family. Unfortunately, the disjointed narrative technique prevents establishing a true connection with the characters. Overall, it feels as if we are observing instead of connecting, which, in a way, serves the purpose of emphasizing how mental instability can fragment and isolate people.
The story revolves around how Joann, a singular child raised in a large family, finds solace hiding from childhood fears under the family's heirloom table. As Joann becomes an adult, the table reminds her of those fears and as the fears begin to take over her rational thinking, she begins painting the table as a way to suppress the ever growing fears. As time goes by Joann loses her grip on reality as the table gains increasing haphazard coats of paint.
Nels, her long-suffering husband remains faithful to Joann, yet remains in denial about Joann's mental health. As the story switches to Safee, Joann's oldest daughter, there is another focus on insanity: is it truly inherited or is it brought on by learned patterns? Safee struggles with the results of her marred childhood. She eventually finds the missing love and need for redemption through her belief that God is always there for her.
Fields presents a fascinating generational story of how insanity can disrupt a family. Unfortunately, the disjointed narrative technique prevents establishing a true connection with the characters. Overall, it feels as if we are observing instead of connecting, which, in a way, serves the purpose of emphasizing how mental instability can fragment and isolate people.
February 3, 2014
The table, a family heirloom, holds deep meaning for both Joann and her daughter Soffee. For Joann, the table was a place of refuge for a lonely little girl, who was shown so little love. The table also represented fearful and horrifying memories for Joann. In her madness she paints the table, trying to exorcise her demons. Soffee's childhood in many ways is defined by her mother, and this often isolated her from others. Yet, her mother possessed some qualities that Soffee could embrace. Soffee's father, Nels, loves Soffee and her sister April, but is too often consumed in concern and care of his wife, and the gradual descent of her mental illness. For Soffee, she finds redemption in removing the many layers of paint in restoring the table to it's original beauty. Soffee finds role models in special teachers, her faith, and in friendship and her beloved husband, Jack. She slowly emerges from her cocoon to blossom into a beautiful butterfly. Interspersed with bible verses and the redemption found in faith, but in a wonderfully subtle way.
April 25, 2018
I was intrigued by this book mainly because my own family history. With that said, I would recommend this book to anyone who have an unpleasant family history. The theme of the book is centered around the worry of negative attributes being past down through the bloodline. Do you follow in your parents' and grandparents' and great-grandparents' footsteps? It is a real concern. If your mother developed breast cancer, aren't you warn to prepare yourself for developing breast cancer too? In this story, it is mental illness. The story begins with Joann as a little girl cowering under a family heirloom table and ends with her daughter, Saffee, becoming a mother. Joann watched her mother die an early death from unclear reasons to Joann's innocent eyes. As Joann grew up, her mother's death and a prairie fire tortures her consciousness. The story gradually switches over to young Saffee's perspective as Joann loses her mind after receiving the family heirloom table. Joann obsessively paints that table over and over again.
The book has religious overtones, since it is published by a Christian publisher, but it doesn't spoil the story line. In fact, Joann begins to have twisted, radical viewpoints about everything, including God and religious things. This confuses Saffee, making her want to reject anything religious. Her mother's nonsensical behavior gives her a detached feeling of loneliness. But one evening...
"Saffee lives within a colorless present that has evolved from her lackluster past. She has never been creative enough to imagine a future that would be any different. But tonight she dares to think God has." (Chapter 21)
Just to dare to think that your life might be different. Just to watch, listen, and learn. Is there something true about the phrase "evolutionary lineage", or a predestined genetic makeup to be like the ones before you? Or is it possible to think "I am not my mother. I am different."
The book has religious overtones, since it is published by a Christian publisher, but it doesn't spoil the story line. In fact, Joann begins to have twisted, radical viewpoints about everything, including God and religious things. This confuses Saffee, making her want to reject anything religious. Her mother's nonsensical behavior gives her a detached feeling of loneliness. But one evening...
"Saffee lives within a colorless present that has evolved from her lackluster past. She has never been creative enough to imagine a future that would be any different. But tonight she dares to think God has." (Chapter 21)
Just to dare to think that your life might be different. Just to watch, listen, and learn. Is there something true about the phrase "evolutionary lineage", or a predestined genetic makeup to be like the ones before you? Or is it possible to think "I am not my mother. I am different."
December 16, 2021
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I saw this and it sounded pretty awful. I was expecting it to be this cheesy, over-dramatic, and over the top modern version of One Hundred Years of Solitude (which I pretty much hated). I don’t know why I picked this up to be honest.
The book follows the story of four generations of women. The first woman was the woman who gave birth to the main character, Saffee’s mother. She was in the story as the woman who was institutionalized after her husband made her give away her daughter because he couldn’t afford another girl. Saffee’s mother (can’t remember her name) was terrified of ever being like her mother, but started to slowly lose her mental stability. She completely started to melt down at the time she inherited the table.
Saffee watched as her mother went downhill. That was fascinating. It was interesting to be in a spectator seat to the mental illness by someone who clearly saw it from almost the beginning. It felt like Saffee was was overly observant for a child. She noticed things like her father and mother being tense through letters. While I enjoyed the way the story at times, it didn’t always do justice to the plot (mostly when Saffee was a child).
The years that Saffee was in college were pretty boring. The guy she ended up marrying is super boring. What is the appeal in that guy? He wasn’t a bad guy, but he didn’t really have anything that made him special. I am pretty sure that the Good Christian Man is hard to write with any excitement. The Good Christian Woman is much more varied. I did however like that Saffee was awkward and clearly messed up about her childhood. I did not like that praying and finding a good husband was the answer.
I saw this and it sounded pretty awful. I was expecting it to be this cheesy, over-dramatic, and over the top modern version of One Hundred Years of Solitude (which I pretty much hated). I don’t know why I picked this up to be honest.
The book follows the story of four generations of women. The first woman was the woman who gave birth to the main character, Saffee’s mother. She was in the story as the woman who was institutionalized after her husband made her give away her daughter because he couldn’t afford another girl. Saffee’s mother (can’t remember her name) was terrified of ever being like her mother, but started to slowly lose her mental stability. She completely started to melt down at the time she inherited the table.
Saffee watched as her mother went downhill. That was fascinating. It was interesting to be in a spectator seat to the mental illness by someone who clearly saw it from almost the beginning. It felt like Saffee was was overly observant for a child. She noticed things like her father and mother being tense through letters. While I enjoyed the way the story at times, it didn’t always do justice to the plot (mostly when Saffee was a child).
The years that Saffee was in college were pretty boring. The guy she ended up marrying is super boring. What is the appeal in that guy? He wasn’t a bad guy, but he didn’t really have anything that made him special. I am pretty sure that the Good Christian Man is hard to write with any excitement. The Good Christian Woman is much more varied. I did however like that Saffee was awkward and clearly messed up about her childhood. I did not like that praying and finding a good husband was the answer.
July 19, 2022
Many people think that the Christian fiction genre consists of nothing more than Amish stories, Hallmark-style romances, and end times novels akin to Left Behind...but this book defies that stereotype! While there is a bit of lovey-dovey content here, the main focus is Sapphire aka Saffee's troubled relationship with her mentally disturbed mother. Though I don't have a history of such disorders in my family, I've had to deal with such people, such as a guy around my age who undid the snaps on the sides of another guy's pants and thought it was hilarious, or someone who kept leaving such non-sensical comments on a friend's blog, I thought they were from a spambot. So, while this was hard to read at times, that was kind of the point. It may be too much for some people; I can think of some readers I know for whom this would hit too close to home. Still, though it was disturbing at times, not only did I enjoy it, I think we need more Christian fiction that doesn't shy away from difficult issues such as mental illness.
February 6, 2019
There are some good quotes and ideas for dealing with a dysfunctional childhood, but it’s a bit didactic. It’s also a find joy in serving your husband type of books, which works great if you have a husband who delights in serving you.
I found the idea of honoring a parent by living a better life a good message, but in the case of mental illness, you don’t get to pick if you will get it or not. The table was a nice metaphor for the theme but it bugged me that Jack was so insistent that Saffee inherit it and refinish it. It felt heavy handed. Maybe has he worked on with her to strip it, it would have felt better to me.
I found the idea of honoring a parent by living a better life a good message, but in the case of mental illness, you don’t get to pick if you will get it or not. The table was a nice metaphor for the theme but it bugged me that Jack was so insistent that Saffee inherit it and refinish it. It felt heavy handed. Maybe has he worked on with her to strip it, it would have felt better to me.
September 26, 2022
Picked up the book for the mental illness aspect, but the Christian part was not overbearing as I thought it would be (I'm Christian but don't like reading Christian novels...)
Living in the area this book was set in was interesting. The towns were mostly fictional (I think), but I know generally where it was set.
The story is in little glimpses into Joann's and later Saffee's lives, but the glimpses were inconsistent in my opinion. Because there would be sections of glimpses and then the last few chapters of the book were a continuous story except the last chapter.
All in all, okay book. Probably won't read again though.
Living in the area this book was set in was interesting. The towns were mostly fictional (I think), but I know generally where it was set.
The story is in little glimpses into Joann's and later Saffee's lives, but the glimpses were inconsistent in my opinion. Because there would be sections of glimpses and then the last few chapters of the book were a continuous story except the last chapter.
All in all, okay book. Probably won't read again though.
October 18, 2019
Saffee's childhood is unconventional and isolated. Mom is mentally ill and Dad is in denial. Mom obsessively paints and repaints the 'Norway table' built by her grandfather and a symbol of safety to her as a child. When Saffee leaves the family for college, she slowly finds her self. Family dynamics, mental illness.
June 12, 2017
I found this to be quite enjoyable...the author took an unpleasant subject... mental illness...and through this story demonstrated the challenges that can bloom as a result, yet also wove in the growth, redemption and forgiveness that can be experienced even while coping with it...
August 26, 2017
This gives us a look into what it is like to grow up with a mother that is different and the challenges that come with it.
November 9, 2017
I did not like it but can't figure out why!
November 21, 2017
The painted table gave me insight on some of my own demons and behaviours
March 30, 2019
Excellent for me....generations of family dynamics...dysfunctional family
V.g.
V.g.
October 30, 2020
Challenging material but so good.
January 18, 2024
Other than the religious theme throughout the book, I thought this was an interesting take on mental illness and how it effects different generations.
August 6, 2024
The first half was rough, but once it got into Saffees story it was beautiful.
April 8, 2014
Suzanne Field’s debut novel, The Painted Table is a skilfully crafted, moving story by an obviously gifted author. Written in an unusual first-person, present-tense style this book immediately stands out. Delving into the story reveals a poignant, heartrending tale driven by strong themes and character development.
The Painted Table begins with Joann, the daughter of a Norwegian migrant who settled in America. Joann’s childhood is difficult, having lost her mother at a young age, and labelled ‘crazy’ by her many siblings. When destructive fires provoke crushing fear Joann’s future is sealed. Joann’s daughter Saffee grows up under the shadow of Joann’s fear and subsequent mental illness. As a child she learns to avoid confrontation with her unpredictable mother as a way of protecting herself. Saffee’s childhood, like Joann’s, is coloured by circumstances beyond her control or understanding and it is not until adulthood and her college experience that she begins to blossom into the woman she was destined to be. My heart constricted as I journeyed with Saffee through the difficult years of a mostly-absent father and a mother who was so bound up by her own problems she was emotionally and practically unavailable to Saffee.
Throughout this story Suzanne Field addresses a number of relevant themes. Through Joann and Saffee’s experience Field allows the reader to understand a little deeper the challenges facing a family who must manage mental illness and the perception it has in society. A theme which weaves itself into that one is the loyalty to marriage displayed by Saffee’s father, Nels. He is a beautiful example of “in sickness and in health…til death do us part”. Saffee’s story, particularly, offers a beautiful picture of overcoming generational illness through God’s grace, promise and victory. What I loved about this theme is that Saffee’s relationship with God begins realistically, with faltering, uncertain beginnings. It is a relationship that has not been modelled to her and one she must discover on her own in the midst of all the difficulties of her home life. Yet despite this unlikely relationship Saffee clings to a clear promise that her life will be different and she intentionally begins to make choices that enables God to work His healing power in her life.
There is so much woven into this story that it would be impossible to examine it all in one review. The Painted Table is one of those stories with many layers that command attention and will leave readers thinking deeply well beyond the end of the story. Suzanne Field is definitely an author to look out for, if this exquisite and complex debut is an example of her future as an author.
The Painted Table begins with Joann, the daughter of a Norwegian migrant who settled in America. Joann’s childhood is difficult, having lost her mother at a young age, and labelled ‘crazy’ by her many siblings. When destructive fires provoke crushing fear Joann’s future is sealed. Joann’s daughter Saffee grows up under the shadow of Joann’s fear and subsequent mental illness. As a child she learns to avoid confrontation with her unpredictable mother as a way of protecting herself. Saffee’s childhood, like Joann’s, is coloured by circumstances beyond her control or understanding and it is not until adulthood and her college experience that she begins to blossom into the woman she was destined to be. My heart constricted as I journeyed with Saffee through the difficult years of a mostly-absent father and a mother who was so bound up by her own problems she was emotionally and practically unavailable to Saffee.
Throughout this story Suzanne Field addresses a number of relevant themes. Through Joann and Saffee’s experience Field allows the reader to understand a little deeper the challenges facing a family who must manage mental illness and the perception it has in society. A theme which weaves itself into that one is the loyalty to marriage displayed by Saffee’s father, Nels. He is a beautiful example of “in sickness and in health…til death do us part”. Saffee’s story, particularly, offers a beautiful picture of overcoming generational illness through God’s grace, promise and victory. What I loved about this theme is that Saffee’s relationship with God begins realistically, with faltering, uncertain beginnings. It is a relationship that has not been modelled to her and one she must discover on her own in the midst of all the difficulties of her home life. Yet despite this unlikely relationship Saffee clings to a clear promise that her life will be different and she intentionally begins to make choices that enables God to work His healing power in her life.
There is so much woven into this story that it would be impossible to examine it all in one review. The Painted Table is one of those stories with many layers that command attention and will leave readers thinking deeply well beyond the end of the story. Suzanne Field is definitely an author to look out for, if this exquisite and complex debut is an example of her future as an author.
January 7, 2014
The Painted Table looked like an interesting book when the opportunity came up for me to review it. it is the story about a family and an heirloom Norwegian table. A story of pain, mental illness, emotional abuse, and healing.
Safee inherits her mother’s antique Norwegian table. She remembers when it first came to them in a beautiful natural wood. However, the state the table is in when she first gets it (against her wishes) is anything but of beauty. It has layer upon layer of paint plastered upon it, and is an ebeneezer to the emotional crippling she received as a child. Yet, with the persistence of her husband, she starts the process of restoring the table to it’s natural beauty and in the process finds peace and healing over her past.
This book is a hard read. Especially for anyone who has suffered through abuse as a child, or seen the ravages of mental illness close hand. However, this book is well worth the difficulty in reading. Suzanne Field takes the reader on a journey that brought me to tears as memories of my upbringing came to the surface, I so identified with Saffee as she went off to college and learned to have a life of her own that wasn’t controlled by her mother. I also identified with her mother’s upbringing which is how the book starts. It wasn’t ideal either and while the first half of the book seems a bit choppy in moving through time, those parts are desperately needed to see how and why everyone turned out the way they did. By the end of the book, I was a blubbering mess as I realized how similar I was to Saffee in regards to my emotions and how I reacted to things. And as she learned a better way of living, I found myself cheering her on to a life of normalcy and of breaking the patterns set by the generations before her. (I too am breaking patterns that were set for me in previous generations, and it is hard, and this book doesn’t sugar coat it at all).
This review, is honestly, very hard for me to write. This book impacted me so profoundly that I am having a very difficult time seperating myself from the review. Just suffice it to say, I think that everyone needs to read this book, especially counselors and pastors. This is a good book to give to someone struggling with the abuse and mental illness that they grew up with or have in their family. It shows a shining example of how with faith and a great support system, we can overcome the pain of the past in story form. Stories teach sometimes better than a lecture can and are less threatening. This book is terrific for that.
Safee inherits her mother’s antique Norwegian table. She remembers when it first came to them in a beautiful natural wood. However, the state the table is in when she first gets it (against her wishes) is anything but of beauty. It has layer upon layer of paint plastered upon it, and is an ebeneezer to the emotional crippling she received as a child. Yet, with the persistence of her husband, she starts the process of restoring the table to it’s natural beauty and in the process finds peace and healing over her past.
This book is a hard read. Especially for anyone who has suffered through abuse as a child, or seen the ravages of mental illness close hand. However, this book is well worth the difficulty in reading. Suzanne Field takes the reader on a journey that brought me to tears as memories of my upbringing came to the surface, I so identified with Saffee as she went off to college and learned to have a life of her own that wasn’t controlled by her mother. I also identified with her mother’s upbringing which is how the book starts. It wasn’t ideal either and while the first half of the book seems a bit choppy in moving through time, those parts are desperately needed to see how and why everyone turned out the way they did. By the end of the book, I was a blubbering mess as I realized how similar I was to Saffee in regards to my emotions and how I reacted to things. And as she learned a better way of living, I found myself cheering her on to a life of normalcy and of breaking the patterns set by the generations before her. (I too am breaking patterns that were set for me in previous generations, and it is hard, and this book doesn’t sugar coat it at all).
This review, is honestly, very hard for me to write. This book impacted me so profoundly that I am having a very difficult time seperating myself from the review. Just suffice it to say, I think that everyone needs to read this book, especially counselors and pastors. This is a good book to give to someone struggling with the abuse and mental illness that they grew up with or have in their family. It shows a shining example of how with faith and a great support system, we can overcome the pain of the past in story form. Stories teach sometimes better than a lecture can and are less threatening. This book is terrific for that.
January 3, 2014
Source: Free copy from Litfuse Publicity Group for the purpose of review.
Summary:
Saffee grew up in a home with a mother tormented by painful childhood memories and psychosis. Saffee's mother Joann, is from a large Norwegian family living in the upper Midwest. Life is harsh, poor, and without tenderness and compassion. When Saffee became an adult a family member gave her a dining table that has been in the family for generations. Saffee is both angry and frightened by it. She identifies the table as being a source of obsession for her mother. The Painted Table begins a journey of sorts for Saffee, in working through her own whispers from the past.
Thoughts:
In the last few years several books both fiction and non-fiction have been published in the Christian market with the theme of mental health issues. These books bring to light a topic that was for too long hushed and kept behind a securely locked door. Families did not deal with it, not really, they didn't even talk about "it" amongst themselves. The lack of education of mental health in previous generations was a huge problem, as well as the stigma and shame that was attached to having a family member with a mental health problem. Mental health issues affect all families, no one is excluded or immune. Just as a person can have high blood pressure or high cholesterol; a person can also have anxiety disorder, attention deficit hyper activity, depression, or obsessive compulsive disorder. I'm thankful for writers who write real life events, even in a work of fiction, the theme brings education and hopefully a response of empathy.
The Painted Table, brings to light other themes, for example:
unresolved anger and unforgiveness over multiple generations,
aggression and abuse from older siblings over younger siblings, because they are looking for a scapegoat,
mental decline in a person who is not treated for a mental disorder,
a child's fear of becoming mentally ill because their parent is sick.
The author uses symbolism in the ancestral table. The table is not a person, it's an object without emotion or thought or soul; however, the family is affected by it as if it is a living breathing entity. I thought this was a brilliant point for the story.
I read the story in ONE day. The story of Joann and Saffee evokes a strong response. I felt swept away with feelings of injustice, empathy, anger.
Summary:
Saffee grew up in a home with a mother tormented by painful childhood memories and psychosis. Saffee's mother Joann, is from a large Norwegian family living in the upper Midwest. Life is harsh, poor, and without tenderness and compassion. When Saffee became an adult a family member gave her a dining table that has been in the family for generations. Saffee is both angry and frightened by it. She identifies the table as being a source of obsession for her mother. The Painted Table begins a journey of sorts for Saffee, in working through her own whispers from the past.
Thoughts:
In the last few years several books both fiction and non-fiction have been published in the Christian market with the theme of mental health issues. These books bring to light a topic that was for too long hushed and kept behind a securely locked door. Families did not deal with it, not really, they didn't even talk about "it" amongst themselves. The lack of education of mental health in previous generations was a huge problem, as well as the stigma and shame that was attached to having a family member with a mental health problem. Mental health issues affect all families, no one is excluded or immune. Just as a person can have high blood pressure or high cholesterol; a person can also have anxiety disorder, attention deficit hyper activity, depression, or obsessive compulsive disorder. I'm thankful for writers who write real life events, even in a work of fiction, the theme brings education and hopefully a response of empathy.
The Painted Table, brings to light other themes, for example:
unresolved anger and unforgiveness over multiple generations,
aggression and abuse from older siblings over younger siblings, because they are looking for a scapegoat,
mental decline in a person who is not treated for a mental disorder,
a child's fear of becoming mentally ill because their parent is sick.
The author uses symbolism in the ancestral table. The table is not a person, it's an object without emotion or thought or soul; however, the family is affected by it as if it is a living breathing entity. I thought this was a brilliant point for the story.
I read the story in ONE day. The story of Joann and Saffee evokes a strong response. I felt swept away with feelings of injustice, empathy, anger.
January 11, 2014
Saturday, January 11, 2014
The Painted Table by Suzanne Field, ©2013
This story follows four generations in America ~ the first being the eldest son of Anders and Maria Kirkeborg, the recipient of a Norwegian father's crafting. As heir, the family table now belongs to emigrated son, Knute, in America. The Painted Table, not only being actual but symbolizing covered layers, extended into the hearts of each family member. The original table-gifted family, Knute and Clara Kirkeborg, lived on the harsh prairie. A farming family, the father was distraught that out of nine children only two are boys to further help him in the fields. As the story opens, there is a prairie fire that almost consumes them. The children flee to protection under the sturdy kitchen table. One of the daughters, Joann, has long sought refuge under this table from a young child, seeking its shelter at night and a place of comfort by day. So commonplace, she is forgotten and hears conversations and observes what was meant to be hidden.
As the young wife of Nels Kvaale, Joann becomes the recipient of the Norway table. It brings back the horrors of the fire and voices replaying in her mind bringing her torment. As she seeps deeper into sinking darkness, mental illness overtakes her.
A third generation daughter, Sapphire Eve (Saffee), tells of their family life during her childhood and leaving home as a young adult in college. As newlyweds, Saffee and her husband are told they can choose from furnishings left in the house her parents are selling. Her new husband chooses a couple lamps, and the painted table.
The story begins in 1858 to 1976. Very well written, Suzanne Field has categorized the events in chapters of their lives. One thing that stood out to me was fathers feeling their support in supplying the family's basic needs was enough. Taking an active roll in the family could have opened the door to conversation, acceptance and inclusion of each one in the family. Unaware of emotional support, neglect and isolation caused silence, walls, and guardedness in lives. I especially like how the remnants of the second and third generation are turned for the fourth, where the story concludes, and begins anew.
***Thank you to Litfuse Publicity Group for sending me a copy of Suzanne Field's The Painted Table to review. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***
The Painted Table by Suzanne Field, ©2013
This story follows four generations in America ~ the first being the eldest son of Anders and Maria Kirkeborg, the recipient of a Norwegian father's crafting. As heir, the family table now belongs to emigrated son, Knute, in America. The Painted Table, not only being actual but symbolizing covered layers, extended into the hearts of each family member. The original table-gifted family, Knute and Clara Kirkeborg, lived on the harsh prairie. A farming family, the father was distraught that out of nine children only two are boys to further help him in the fields. As the story opens, there is a prairie fire that almost consumes them. The children flee to protection under the sturdy kitchen table. One of the daughters, Joann, has long sought refuge under this table from a young child, seeking its shelter at night and a place of comfort by day. So commonplace, she is forgotten and hears conversations and observes what was meant to be hidden.
As the young wife of Nels Kvaale, Joann becomes the recipient of the Norway table. It brings back the horrors of the fire and voices replaying in her mind bringing her torment. As she seeps deeper into sinking darkness, mental illness overtakes her.
A third generation daughter, Sapphire Eve (Saffee), tells of their family life during her childhood and leaving home as a young adult in college. As newlyweds, Saffee and her husband are told they can choose from furnishings left in the house her parents are selling. Her new husband chooses a couple lamps, and the painted table.
The story begins in 1858 to 1976. Very well written, Suzanne Field has categorized the events in chapters of their lives. One thing that stood out to me was fathers feeling their support in supplying the family's basic needs was enough. Taking an active roll in the family could have opened the door to conversation, acceptance and inclusion of each one in the family. Unaware of emotional support, neglect and isolation caused silence, walls, and guardedness in lives. I especially like how the remnants of the second and third generation are turned for the fourth, where the story concludes, and begins anew.
***Thank you to Litfuse Publicity Group for sending me a copy of Suzanne Field's The Painted Table to review. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***
April 17, 2012
This was a very excellent book. There is a concept in Buddhism that our parents--and all their suffering, talent, etc.--are within us. Whether your father was a workaholic, alcoholic, or fun-loving guy, the seeds of those characteristics are also within you, and if watered and nurtured, will manifest. We cannot simply look at those aspects of our parents that we dislike or even resent and reject them--they are already a part of who we are. It is simply up to us to practice "selective watering", and choose whether or not we want those things to manifest in our own lives.
The Painted Table follows a girl through her life with a mother whom she never understood and never could get close to for various reasons, and as she grew up, she tried to hide the reality of the situation. It wasn't until someone very special entered her life to push her boundaries and comfort zone in an encouraging way that she began to accept her past and stop dreading that any similarity to her mother meant she was destined to become her.
The book is written from a Christian perspective, but studying Buddhism myself, the concepts struck home even more clearly. By trying to understand the past and view her mother with compassion, Saffee recognizes what a tortured soul her mother was, which allows her to heal and in some regards, bring peace to her mother as well.
I am quite sure that we all have "painted tables" in our lives, both our own demon(s) and the thing(s) that tortured our parents and have in some way affected us. The question after reading this book is what you will do about it. Do you keep closing the door so you don't have to look at it? Do you slap on another coat of paint to try to pretty it up like 'lipstick on a pig'? Or do you delve into it, one small step at a time, analyzing from every angle and asking questions until the puzzle unfolds itself?
This was such an enlightening book, touching, and a very easy, accessible read. I could have devoured it in a weekend if I had not paced myself, reading a chapter or two every morning after meditating. I encourage you to take your time reading it so you can fully absorb it, and when you look inside yourself to find the painted tables in your own life, be sure to look for the positive ones as well as the challenging ones. They may even be connected more closely than you realize.
The Painted Table follows a girl through her life with a mother whom she never understood and never could get close to for various reasons, and as she grew up, she tried to hide the reality of the situation. It wasn't until someone very special entered her life to push her boundaries and comfort zone in an encouraging way that she began to accept her past and stop dreading that any similarity to her mother meant she was destined to become her.
The book is written from a Christian perspective, but studying Buddhism myself, the concepts struck home even more clearly. By trying to understand the past and view her mother with compassion, Saffee recognizes what a tortured soul her mother was, which allows her to heal and in some regards, bring peace to her mother as well.
I am quite sure that we all have "painted tables" in our lives, both our own demon(s) and the thing(s) that tortured our parents and have in some way affected us. The question after reading this book is what you will do about it. Do you keep closing the door so you don't have to look at it? Do you slap on another coat of paint to try to pretty it up like 'lipstick on a pig'? Or do you delve into it, one small step at a time, analyzing from every angle and asking questions until the puzzle unfolds itself?
This was such an enlightening book, touching, and a very easy, accessible read. I could have devoured it in a weekend if I had not paced myself, reading a chapter or two every morning after meditating. I encourage you to take your time reading it so you can fully absorb it, and when you look inside yourself to find the painted tables in your own life, be sure to look for the positive ones as well as the challenging ones. They may even be connected more closely than you realize.
January 6, 2014
The Painted Table is the debut book by author Suzanne Field and WOW.....what a debut book! When I received the information on this book, I felt drawn to read it and I am very glad I did. Joann grew up in a large family and lost her mother at a very young age. Her mother died of mental illness in an asylum, something that haunts Joann from the time she can remember. Joann spends her childhoon hiding under "The Norwegian Table" as her safe place including to keep her safe from a fire. Joann meets and marries Nels. They have a daughter Saffee when Nels is drafted. During leave time Joann gets pregnant again and by the time he is back they have another daughter, April. Saffee is quiet, reserved, and stays to herself. April is the opposite and their mother, Joann is drawn to that. Saffee has always known there was something different about her mother but anytime she asked her dad, he said she was fine so to Saffee this was normal. Eventually "The Norwegian Table" finds its way back into Joann's life and she becomes obsessed. Painting and repainting trying to cover it up and make it new.
The Painted Table is a fantastic story about family and mental illness. The Painted Table is a book that shows the effects of mental illness on the whole family and how it affects everyone involved throughout their lives. Our family has history of mental health issues and this book really spoke to me on many levels. Suzanne Field's wrote a beautiful story about something that affects many families for generations. I was drawn into this book from the start, I could not put it down. The Painted Table is a book that takes the reader through an emotional rollercoaster. I found myself laughing in parts and sobbing in others. Suzanne Field's gives readers a real look into mental illness, a topic that has been taboo for a long time. She writes with authority on mental illness, Norway, Norwegian culture, and the world from the Late 1800's -1973. I really felt like I was there watching the story unfold as I read. This is not an easy book to read but it is definitely worth the read! I can't say enough good about it! I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Fiction or books on mental illness, you will not be disappointed. I cannot wait to read more from Suzanne Field!
I give this book 5 STARS. *****
The Painted Table is a fantastic story about family and mental illness. The Painted Table is a book that shows the effects of mental illness on the whole family and how it affects everyone involved throughout their lives. Our family has history of mental health issues and this book really spoke to me on many levels. Suzanne Field's wrote a beautiful story about something that affects many families for generations. I was drawn into this book from the start, I could not put it down. The Painted Table is a book that takes the reader through an emotional rollercoaster. I found myself laughing in parts and sobbing in others. Suzanne Field's gives readers a real look into mental illness, a topic that has been taboo for a long time. She writes with authority on mental illness, Norway, Norwegian culture, and the world from the Late 1800's -1973. I really felt like I was there watching the story unfold as I read. This is not an easy book to read but it is definitely worth the read! I can't say enough good about it! I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Fiction or books on mental illness, you will not be disappointed. I cannot wait to read more from Suzanne Field!
I give this book 5 STARS. *****
December 24, 2014
The Norwegian Table, a century - old heirloom ingrained with family memory, has become a totem of a life Saffee would rather forget - a childhood disturbed by her mother's mental illness.
This table has a long history in Saffee's family, it sheltered Saffee's mother when she was a little girl, even during a horrible time in her life. As her mother grows up, this table is full of unsettling memories. After a childhood of watching her mother slide into insanity, painting and re - painting the table, Saffee has come to loath it and comes to fear that the psychosis gene lies dormant within her.
As Saffee grows older she looks forward to leaving her home and her mother's embarrassing mental issues. Saffee's sister also longs to get away but she is much younger and must stay
home with her parents. April was once her mother's favorite, Saffee thought, now has to deal with her mother's issues alone while their father works. As their moms mental illness progresses so does her attitude change toward April. She starts calling her names and etc. It scares them to see her going deeper into this mental illness. Things soon change for the worse and Saffee must confront her mothers torment if she wants to defend herself against it.
I thought this was a good book and also it brought back some of my childhood memories.
My mom had Bi-polar,real bad nerves and on top of that she was an alcoholic. Like April I was the youngest child, there is nine years between my brother and I. When my older brother went off to college and his own life I was left to deal with my mothers illness and at the time we did not know about Bi -polar. When my mother went through her manic states, I was scared to death and alone because there was no father figure in the home to rely on. I witnessed a lot of scary things, even my mom trying to commit suicide. I myself, like Saffee, could not wait to get away from it and not feel alone.
This is a real issue some people must face, thank God there is more help now to diagnose and treat these illnesses. I could totally relate to this book.
** I received this complementary copy from BookSneeze for my review and opinions. **
This table has a long history in Saffee's family, it sheltered Saffee's mother when she was a little girl, even during a horrible time in her life. As her mother grows up, this table is full of unsettling memories. After a childhood of watching her mother slide into insanity, painting and re - painting the table, Saffee has come to loath it and comes to fear that the psychosis gene lies dormant within her.
As Saffee grows older she looks forward to leaving her home and her mother's embarrassing mental issues. Saffee's sister also longs to get away but she is much younger and must stay
home with her parents. April was once her mother's favorite, Saffee thought, now has to deal with her mother's issues alone while their father works. As their moms mental illness progresses so does her attitude change toward April. She starts calling her names and etc. It scares them to see her going deeper into this mental illness. Things soon change for the worse and Saffee must confront her mothers torment if she wants to defend herself against it.
I thought this was a good book and also it brought back some of my childhood memories.
My mom had Bi-polar,real bad nerves and on top of that she was an alcoholic. Like April I was the youngest child, there is nine years between my brother and I. When my older brother went off to college and his own life I was left to deal with my mothers illness and at the time we did not know about Bi -polar. When my mother went through her manic states, I was scared to death and alone because there was no father figure in the home to rely on. I witnessed a lot of scary things, even my mom trying to commit suicide. I myself, like Saffee, could not wait to get away from it and not feel alone.
This is a real issue some people must face, thank God there is more help now to diagnose and treat these illnesses. I could totally relate to this book.
** I received this complementary copy from BookSneeze for my review and opinions. **
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