This is the story of Arthur Moses. It's 1947 in fictional Mason, Missouri; a time where the boys carry the girls' books for them and the girls wear saddle shoes. This is a story in which a tragedy takes place, but the love story takes dominance. And what a love story it is. I'm not sure which I adored more: the love story itself or the character of Arthur Moses. I envy you if you haven't read this book yet.
Arthur is sixteen years old and develops feelings for classmate Nola McCollum. Arthur's big brother Frank counsels him through this and the two of them spend many a night whispering about girls and philosophizing about life over the edge of their bunkbeds. Gentle Arthur loves nature over sports and doesn't see himself ever wanting to leave his friendly, comfortable, small town. For him, it's home and always will be. Frank warns him about being too sweet. But it seems to Arthur that "what you had to watch out for was the opposite: a kind of ready meanness that seems easier to achieve than kindness; Arthur didn't know why". Arthur doesn't want for much except for one day having someone to say goodnight to so that he may see her again in the morning. He knows that the best thing in life is to have someone that you can't wait to share your news with.
Arthur and Nola cull a relationship but for Nola it's platonic. Arthur is lovesick but patient, as he must be. Throughout their high school years, the two of them forge a deep friendship, and traverse not only typical ups and downs for their age but a devastating event for Arthur as well.
At one point when Arthur is pining over Nola his mother says to him, "I don't think I've ever met anyone as kind as you. Don't you think that's worth something?" Indeed, Arthur's character demonstrates this as he goes about doing odd jobs for the lonely and the elderly around the neighborhood. He finds himself being more of a sounding board and a friend than a handy man.
I adore this author's ability to bring a character to life and tell a story with incredible depth and beauty. There were several times while reading this book that I simply had to put it down, stare out the window and weep. Elizabeth Berg's most recent novel is wise and moving; I can't recommend it highly enough. Prepare to be charmed.
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