NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The bestselling author of Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe is at her superb best in this fun-loving, moving novel about what it means to be truly alive.WINNER OF THE SOUTHERN BOOK PRIZE Elmwood Springs, Missouri, is a small town like any other, but something strange is happening at the cemetery. Still Meadows, as it’s called, is anything but still. … Meadows, as it’s called, is anything but still. Original, profound, The Whole Town’s Talking, a novel in the tradition of Thornton Wilder’s Our Town and Flagg’s own Can’t Wait to Get to Heaven, tells the story of Lordor Nordstrom, his Swedish mail-order bride, Katrina, and their neighbors and descendants as they live, love, die, and carry on in mysterious and surprising ways.
Lordor Nordstrom created, in his wisdom, not only a lively town and a prosperous legacy for himself but also a beautiful final resting place for his family, friends, and neighbors yet to come. “Resting place” turns out to be a bit of a misnomer, however. Odd things begin to happen, and it starts the whole town talking.
With her wild imagination, great storytelling, and deep understanding of folly and the human heart, the beloved Fannie Flagg tells an unforgettable story of life, afterlife, and the remarkable goings-on of ordinary people. In The Whole Town’s Talking, she reminds us that community is vital, life is a gift, and love never dies.
Praise for The Whole Town’s Talking
“A witty multigenerational saga . . . [Fannie] Flagg’s down-home wisdom, her affable humor and her long view of life offer a pleasant respite in nerve-jangling times.”—People
“Fannie Flagg at her best.”—The Florida Times-Union
“If there’s one thing Fannie Flagg can do better than anybody else, it’s tell a story, and she outdoes herself in The Whole Town’s Talking. . . . Brilliant . . . equally on the level as her famous Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe.”—The Newport Plain Talk
“Delightful.”—The Washington Post
“A ringing affirmation of love, community and life itself.”—Richmond Times-Dispatch
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If only the dead could talk to the living.
One of two books that I could not finish
Fanny Flagg is a great author, good clean stories that you will think about long after you finish the book.
I love everything Fannie Flagg, easy to read and intertwining. The Whole Town is Talking seemed the usual fare until a twist was introduced. I won’t spoil the unique twist but it is certainly worth the read.
Loved this book
A book with characters who seem like someone I could meet. These characters spend energy and time doing regular things, talking about their neighbors and being proud of themselves. I loved them.
A variation of the play “Our Town”. Interesting timeline and unique characters.
The Whole Town’s Talking is an interesting tale about the creation and growth of a small mid-western community, in Missouri. It begins with Lordor Nordstrom, a Swedish dairy farmer, that settles in the area and decides to try to get other men and their families to move there too. The reader is privy to the lives (and deaths) of a diverse cast of characters in the town; from the late 1890’s up through the 1st quarter century of the new millennium. As with any group of people, things aren’t always pleasant nor are they unpleasant it is a mix of those and all things in between.
I liked the author’s portrayal of dying and the “hereafter”. There is humor and tidbits of wisdom woven into the story. To me, this was an “every day” novel where there was no cataclysmic occurrence; but, a reflective journey through the human condition and all it’s many facets.
Unique view of death, dying and afterlife
I loved this book! Every time I pass the cemetery in out town, I smile. It gave me some positive thoughts on the after life.
This book was just okay. I have liked several of the books in the Elmwood Springs series, but this one was just a little wonky. Granted it gave you the opportunity to learn a lot of the history of Elmwood Springs and that was interesting.
A lot of the story revolves around the cemetery and the people who have passed on from their lives in Elmwood Springs. And there are time when I think it would be interested to be able to celebrate the relationships you enjoyed during your time on earth in the cemetery, but I couldn’t imagine having to endure interacting with those who you didn’t enjoy while you were alive.
Oh well! It was an interesting read, just not one of my favorites.
Story exceeded my expectations! Quick chapters, well-drawn characters, great prose. A positive take. Enjoy !
You expect humorous insight in Fanny Flagg’s all too human characters and she doesn’t disappoint in this generation spanning tale of the evolution of a town and its inhabitants. The unexpected and provocative premise will bring a tear to your eye and immeasurable speculation about the hereafter. Well worth the purchase as you will want to reread more than once.
Very nostalgic and a fun read.
A fun read but left you wanting more. Fannie Flagg is a great author.
Absolutely charming book. It has a sad conflict, as it should, and many delightful characters. The very, very end is not wondercul, but just before the very, very end it is wonderful!
Ah, Fannie Flagg, you make me laugh, happy, and think about things in a new way! I thoroughly enjoyed this story about a town, how it develops, how its citizens live and die, and a look at the highlights of decades past. You’ve given me pause to look at nature differently, but mostly, you made me laugh! You write like we talk, which is so comforting. You write the turn of a phrase, just when and how we would say it.
Such a wonderful story! I want to actually meet the characters. The story spans generations with some unexpected plot twists.