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Chattanooga
Set against the backdrop of World War II and growing racial tension in Tennessee, Chattanooga finds Mamie Buffon, her seven daughters, two son-in-laws, granddaughter, bed-ridden brother, and two black housekeepers packed together in a highly dysfunctional household fraught with marital, sexual and racial tension. None of them could possibly imagine what the summer of 1944 had in store for them as the novel hurtles towards its dramatic conclusion.
209 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1996
66 people are currently reading
653 people want to read
About the author
Chet Raymo
30 books62 followersChet Raymo (born September 17, 1936 in Chattanooga, Tennessee) is a noted writer, educator and naturalist. He is Professor Emeritus of Physics at Stonehill College, in Easton, Massachusetts. His weekly newspaper column Science Musings appeared in the Boston Globe for twenty years, and his musings can still be read online at www.sciencemusings.com.
His most famous book was the novel entitled The Dork of Cork, and was made into the feature length film Frankie Starlight. Raymo is also the author of Walking Zero, a scientific and historical account of his wanderings along the Prime Meridian in Great Britain.
Raymo was the recipient of the 1998 Lannan Literary Award for his Nonfiction work.
His most famous book was the novel entitled The Dork of Cork, and was made into the feature length film Frankie Starlight. Raymo is also the author of Walking Zero, a scientific and historical account of his wanderings along the Prime Meridian in Great Britain.
Raymo was the recipient of the 1998 Lannan Literary Award for his Nonfiction work.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
January 24, 2024
This book will stay with me a very long time. I love the way it is organized. We get to hear the story told in the voice of each character. It's set during World War II, and this extended family is living under the same roof. There's the house's owner, Mamie, her seven daughters, two sons-in-law, a granddaughter and a bed-ridden brother. In addition, there are two black housekeepers, one of which has a few chapters of her own in the book.
Imagine sitting around a campfire and having this cast of characters telling you what their lives were like. They all get a turn to tell you the story the way they see it, from their own point of view. That's how the story is told. Sometimes we hear different stories; sometimes they overlap a little and you get to hear the same story told from someone else's perspective.
This is not for the lighthearted, that's for sure! One of the characters in the book is a dirty old man who kind of reminds me of Si Robertson from Duck Dynasty. There's another guy in the book who is just a downright pervert. You may not agree with or even like the things they say, but they really do add to the story and give it a good bit of depth.
Because there are so many characters, it can be a little tough to keep track of them all, particularly if you set the book down for too long. That wasn't a problem for me, though, because I couldn't wait to pick it up and keep reading.
There's so much going on that it really is just like listening to a family talk about their day-to-day lives. Sex and romance, political turmoil, racism, beauty, child rearing, job hunting...you won't get bored!
Imagine sitting around a campfire and having this cast of characters telling you what their lives were like. They all get a turn to tell you the story the way they see it, from their own point of view. That's how the story is told. Sometimes we hear different stories; sometimes they overlap a little and you get to hear the same story told from someone else's perspective.
This is not for the lighthearted, that's for sure! One of the characters in the book is a dirty old man who kind of reminds me of Si Robertson from Duck Dynasty. There's another guy in the book who is just a downright pervert. You may not agree with or even like the things they say, but they really do add to the story and give it a good bit of depth.
Because there are so many characters, it can be a little tough to keep track of them all, particularly if you set the book down for too long. That wasn't a problem for me, though, because I couldn't wait to pick it up and keep reading.
There's so much going on that it really is just like listening to a family talk about their day-to-day lives. Sex and romance, political turmoil, racism, beauty, child rearing, job hunting...you won't get bored!
April 28, 2013
I can't recall a time I have wanted to give a book no stars. Until now.
This is hands down the worst book I have ever read (and, seriously, I've read some stupid books). Each chapter is told by a different character, but that isn't even the problem. Plenty of authors pull off the multiple narrator thing quite well. The problem is the book has zero climax, zero plot, zero anything. I wish I could say that it is more in the way of Steinbeck's Cannery Row - an examination of characters where plot is secondary. Unfortunately it isn't even that.
The only reason I finished it was because I kept hoping that something...anything would happen. It didn't, and so I was left with wasted time on this book. The worst part is the concept probably could have been pulled off by a different author. I kept thinking that had Faulkner been a WWII author he could have done this well.
Don't read it. Just don't.
This is hands down the worst book I have ever read (and, seriously, I've read some stupid books). Each chapter is told by a different character, but that isn't even the problem. Plenty of authors pull off the multiple narrator thing quite well. The problem is the book has zero climax, zero plot, zero anything. I wish I could say that it is more in the way of Steinbeck's Cannery Row - an examination of characters where plot is secondary. Unfortunately it isn't even that.
The only reason I finished it was because I kept hoping that something...anything would happen. It didn't, and so I was left with wasted time on this book. The worst part is the concept probably could have been pulled off by a different author. I kept thinking that had Faulkner been a WWII author he could have done this well.
Don't read it. Just don't.
October 12, 2018
Review Coming Soon 3 Stars
May 3, 2012
I almost rated this book 3 stars but then reviewed the guidelines and definitely decided that while the book was "ok" I did not like it. This is particularly sad because it has a lot of potential, the time period alone is just ripe for the picking when it comes to great stories. Unfortunately I think "Chattanooga" bit off more that it could chew. There are way too many characters to get a good read on any of them, and most of them are completely unlikeable so you really don't care what they are doing or why. Then there are multiple plotlines, adultry, kidnapping, child abuse, POW, racism, disabilities, etc that you just become overwhelmed trying to figure out what's going on. The author hisself does have an easy style, I just wish he would have trimmed down the storylines and wrote multiple books rather than cramming it all into this one thin novel.
April 14, 2013
This wasn't a bad book, by any means, but it just wasn't my cup of tea. The author(s) had a knack for giving each character their own distinct personalities and the writing was clear and descriptive. I was instantly sucked in when I first started reading, falling in love with the way each chapter is devoted to a different character and their thoughts in the story. I loathe the "n" word, which is used more times than I could count in this novel, but it kept with the prejudices of that particular time period so I appreciated it for its accuracy, at least. As page after page went by with little happening I began to tire of some of the characters (especially Buddy). I found it to be a bit repetitive... By the end I felt as though I had read the same thing at least 10 times.
NOTE: I won a copy of this book through the Goodreads First Read program.
NOTE: I won a copy of this book through the Goodreads First Read program.
February 7, 2017
Disappointing
Each character narrates a chapter of personal dysfunction. This book reads like a beginning textbook for abnormal psych rather than a novel.
Each character narrates a chapter of personal dysfunction. This book reads like a beginning textbook for abnormal psych rather than a novel.
September 11, 2018
WWII novel like no other
The story is told by a variety of the characters, each in his or her own voice, so if you hate multiple points of view, it may not be the book for you. I am not sure how else the authors could have revealed the family members' characters so vividly; I really felt I was getting to know the narrators, their views and their misconceptions about the other inhabitants of the house. Without the multiple point of view technique, I suspect that the characters would have become a series of weird cardboard cut-outs, since they all had there own ideosyncracies and/or problems. Another reviewer has indicated s/he would have loved to have joined all the characters in the house; personally, I am SO glad that I can't - they are such a disparate, dysfunctional group, I'd be crazy in no time!
I guess the colloquial language / dialect, which varies from character to character, giving each their own voice, may not be to the liking of all, so maybe try a sample.
Warning: one of the characters, Buddy, is obsessed with sex and there is sexual and racial language which you may find offensive, though the latter is in keeping with the period in which the novel is set.
The story is told by a variety of the characters, each in his or her own voice, so if you hate multiple points of view, it may not be the book for you. I am not sure how else the authors could have revealed the family members' characters so vividly; I really felt I was getting to know the narrators, their views and their misconceptions about the other inhabitants of the house. Without the multiple point of view technique, I suspect that the characters would have become a series of weird cardboard cut-outs, since they all had there own ideosyncracies and/or problems. Another reviewer has indicated s/he would have loved to have joined all the characters in the house; personally, I am SO glad that I can't - they are such a disparate, dysfunctional group, I'd be crazy in no time!
I guess the colloquial language / dialect, which varies from character to character, giving each their own voice, may not be to the liking of all, so maybe try a sample.
Warning: one of the characters, Buddy, is obsessed with sex and there is sexual and racial language which you may find offensive, though the latter is in keeping with the period in which the novel is set.
April 8, 2023
I did not finish this book which is a rarity for me, but I just couldn't stand reading any more. An old man lives in a house with his sister and her daughters. I stopped reading since the characters were so negative. One of the men beat his wife, another had horrible prejudice towards blacks. Vincent's language was despicable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2020
3.5 Stars
May 26, 2012
Chattanooga uses a clever format in which each chapter is told through the eyes of a different character, and each character is an essential part of the mosaic which makes up a unique and dysfunctional household. As we weave through the story, we witness the same events through varying viewpoints, and realize just how much our rendition of things is based upon selective memory.
The characters each have a distinct, unique flavour, accentuated by differing dialects, accumulated baggage and a clearly separate way of looking at the world. The strength in the depiction of the characters is in the stark appraisal of their humanity. Some characters are more favourably portrayed than others, yet none are spared a harsh revelation of their weaknesses. But we are also witness to their strengths, no matter how frail they appear at times.
We learn that the most intricate ties are not solely based on the physical structures in which we are housed, but still carry on, even when these physical edifices are torn down, albeit differently. The ending is a simple and fitting testimony to the subtle manner in which we touch each other at times.
It is not easy interweaving the testimonies of the individual characters and maintaining the momentum of the unravelling plot, at times. Although I felt myself carried along during the first half of the book, I found that things struggled through the next few chapters, but was caught up again as things began to come together towards the end.
If you enjoy character driven plots and an unusual approach to story telling, I think this is a book you will want to read.
The characters each have a distinct, unique flavour, accentuated by differing dialects, accumulated baggage and a clearly separate way of looking at the world. The strength in the depiction of the characters is in the stark appraisal of their humanity. Some characters are more favourably portrayed than others, yet none are spared a harsh revelation of their weaknesses. But we are also witness to their strengths, no matter how frail they appear at times.
We learn that the most intricate ties are not solely based on the physical structures in which we are housed, but still carry on, even when these physical edifices are torn down, albeit differently. The ending is a simple and fitting testimony to the subtle manner in which we touch each other at times.
It is not easy interweaving the testimonies of the individual characters and maintaining the momentum of the unravelling plot, at times. Although I felt myself carried along during the first half of the book, I found that things struggled through the next few chapters, but was caught up again as things began to come together towards the end.
If you enjoy character driven plots and an unusual approach to story telling, I think this is a book you will want to read.
April 4, 2013
I really enjoyed this book but I so despised some of the characters in it! I guess that's the main reason I'm not giving it 5 stars, even though I guess that shows what a great writer the author is.
I found myself dreading reading some of the chapters, especially the ones by Buddy. Again, this shows the writer's ability to flip back and forth between characters with such ease and believability but because certain characters irritated me, I just couldn't enjoy those chapters as much.
I definitely recommend this book and would love a follow up to find out what happens to the characters I really loved!
I found myself dreading reading some of the chapters, especially the ones by Buddy. Again, this shows the writer's ability to flip back and forth between characters with such ease and believability but because certain characters irritated me, I just couldn't enjoy those chapters as much.
I definitely recommend this book and would love a follow up to find out what happens to the characters I really loved!
April 11, 2013
I came across this on Amazon.com and had to purchase it (cost only $4.99). It's a novel set in Chattanooga during WWII. I started it right away and so far, it's pretty good.
* * * * *
This book was tripe, mostly about sexual fantasies and dysfunction in a large family of pure idiots. The authors, a father and son, I believe, have written a score of other books. I wouldn't waste my time with any of them. Many place names from Chattanooga were used, and it's obvious the authors are familiar with the area, but I felt the setting was gratuitous, plot was rife with prejudice (which of course did exist), and the story did not do any justice to "our fair city."
* * * * *
This book was tripe, mostly about sexual fantasies and dysfunction in a large family of pure idiots. The authors, a father and son, I believe, have written a score of other books. I wouldn't waste my time with any of them. Many place names from Chattanooga were used, and it's obvious the authors are familiar with the area, but I felt the setting was gratuitous, plot was rife with prejudice (which of course did exist), and the story did not do any justice to "our fair city."
February 28, 2012
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway, and I have to say that reading the back, I was a little intrigued. But it did not deliver what I was hoping for. Instead we have a story from far too many different perspectives with far too many characters and far too many different stories rolled into one. It could have been an entire series with the number of various tangents, and maybe would have been more successful overall that way. I would have liked to see thoughts from Alma or even Emma Sue, to be honest. Also, there is a typo on page 171 that is fairly obvious. :)
February 24, 2012
I won this book on goodreads giveaways and really was delighted by the smooth story line about a troubled family during the end of world war II. The tone of the book would lean towards adult language but needed to make the story flow. I found myself trying to remember some of the stories from that time period my parents had told and felt I could relate to the feelings of the characters in this novel...
January 7, 2012
If I could rate this book higher, I definately would. It was written very well and it was like listening to different peoples side of the story. I enjoyed reading it very much. Some parts were funny and some you end up asking yourself, did that really happen back then?. Would have loved to have had Lynette and Becca's stories in the book though. Definately worth the time to read.
August 15, 2012
I received this book as a free first reads copy. I am glad I had the opportunity but was disappointed. This book was challenging to get into. I found myself easily swayed to read other books so much so that after several attempts, I still haven't finished. I hope to try again to fully grasp the characters.
April 23, 2013
This may be the most dysfunctional family ever -- and they never figure out how to get themselves out of it. There really are no resolutions to any of the plot lines. It's not a terrible book, and I hate tidy endings, but I did leave the book feeling a little wanting. I guess the good news is that I don't care that much about any of the characters, so I'm not angry, just puzzled.
May 30, 2013
what a pack of idiots! I kept waiting for something to HAPPEN, which didn't really occur until the last 30 pages. I couldn't like any of the characters, with the possible exception of Tometta. the rest of the book was pretty much Buddy's raging hormones. good potential, but it needed to be developed more.
April 3, 2013
James Thurber meets The Waltons meets Shameless. There are some genuinely laugh out loud moments, but overall, it's a book that takes a humorous tone toward some serious subject matter. It's tough sledding at first because of the large cast of characters and how each chapter is told from a different character's POV, but this reader quickly adjusted. I really enjoyed this book!
January 6, 2014
Too many perspectives, no real plot, no real resolution. I probably would have given up, but was hoping that the story ended with resolution. It was disappointing that there was not, as it took me a bit longer to get through than with other books. Although I thought it was ok, I would not recommend this book.
October 26, 2014
Chattanooga is a novel in which each chapter is told from the point of view of a different character. I like the style of writing. It is set in WWII era Chattanooga and addresses civil rights, women's rights, violent abuse, and chauvinism. I read this one on a vacation trip to Chattanooga; I enjoyed references to all the local landmarks. Recommended.
June 12, 2012
This is the kind of book I LOVE reading in the summertime. 1940s, WWII, racial tension, crazy family. Awesome! Fast read. Interesting and entertaining. I enjoyed the characters and how it was told. Borrowed from the Kindle Lending Library.
January 18, 2014
Pleasant read
Interesting characters provide insight into your life and how being mismatched in a marriage can lead to a life of unhappiness. no real drama but a nice escape into another family's world and all its problems.
Interesting characters provide insight into your life and how being mismatched in a marriage can lead to a life of unhappiness. no real drama but a nice escape into another family's world and all its problems.
July 8, 2014
I so wanted to like this book. It had potential, but suffocated under the weight of cliche characters and hastily written interior monologues. I remember enjoying The Dork of Cork, also by Chet Raymo.
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March 21, 2015ugg!
I have been reading this book for a year and have never not finished a book. But it started out interesting but quickly became boring for me. I guess that's why it's been a year. Over forcing myself to finish. I just don't care.
I have been reading this book for a year and have never not finished a book. But it started out interesting but quickly became boring for me. I guess that's why it's been a year. Over forcing myself to finish. I just don't care.
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February 12, 2012**This book was given to me for free through Goodreads First Reads**
December 26, 2011
Kablooie! That's what happens in when you have have a house full of sexual tension, racial tension and family tension.
February 20, 2013
A wonderful read! Living in Chattanooga now, it was fascinating to read what this city was like in the 40s. Plus the characters were all hilarious in their own ways. Definitely time well spent!
November 9, 2012
With several narrators, this "ensemble" novel is an entertaining and telling portrait of a conflicted family during the Second World War in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
December 27, 2014
This book had too much bad language and sexual content for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews