A Redbird Christmas

A Redbird Christmas is a cozy read by Fannie Flagg, who also wrote Welcome to the World Baby Girl! It takes place in Lost River, Alabama, where everyone knows everyone else's business. Flagg wisely decided to put her setting in a place she understands perhaps better than anyone else.

When Oswald T. Campbell is told by his doctor that he either needs a change from the harsh cold and dampness of the arriving Chicago winter or perhaps not make it until Christmas, the news comes as a shock. After some discussion, a decision is reached as to what to do.

Campbell's second generation doctor remembers a pamphlet that his father used to keep around. It talked about a place in which those of despondent spirits can go to recover from the realities of life. However, a phone call does not present much hope. So many years have passed that the operator does not have a listing for the hotel. In an effort to try and be helpful, though, Oswald is connected to the one listing the operator does have, the Lost River Community Hall.

Readers are soon introduced to the townspeople of Lost River. Typical of a small town, there are more than a few colorful characters. Frances Cleverdon wants Oswald to come down to Alabama so her sister Mildred can stop thinking about a lost love who Frances feels was not right anyhow. Roy Grimmitt runs the grocery store, which is also the hub of the community. The "redbird" that the book is named for is known as Jack.

Small towns need a bit of drama every so often, so Flagg added in a young girl named Patsy whose plight brings the town together. Another bit of drama comes from Oswald's landlady's mother, who used to bake sweet treats but now appears to have gone over the edge.

If you enjoy reading about life in small Southern towns, you are going to enjoy this book.

Article Author: NancyGail

NancyGail writes from her home in Georgia.

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