Quindlen hits home in Miller’s Valley

Quietly shattering work reveals penetrating truths about society, writes Tracy Sherlock.

The day a new Anna Quindlen novel arrives on my pile is a happy day for me. In some ways, it’s like going home — I know what to expect and I know I will be satisfied.

In her latest novel, Miller’s Valley, Quindlen explores the theme of home and family in a thoughtful, insightful way. Quindlen has written eight novels and had a long career before that as a columnist for the New York Times. She’s a wonderful writer and this time her story includes several interesting themes, such as the intentional flooding of a valley that has been home to many for generations; the Vietnam War; abortion; women’s rights; and more.

Miller’s Valley is the story of the Miller family, who have lived in the valley for generations. It focuses on Mimi Miller, who is a young girl when the novel opens in the 1960s. She lives in the farmhouse where her father was also raised. She grows up with her two brothers: Tommy, who is beloved and charming; and Eddie, who is more steadfast and practical. Mimi’s mother is a nurse and her father is a farmer. Her mother’s sister, Ruth, lives in another house on the property and never leaves her home.

The story grows with Mimi — it begins when she is just a young girl and ends when she is a grandmother — although the vast majority of the action takes place during Mimi’s teen years.

Tommy has a baby out of wedlock and goes to Vietnam. Eddie works hard and begins to raise a family of his own. Mimi is a smart, but sometimes lonely, young girl, who hangs out with Donald, a steadfast but slightly boring young boy, and LaRhonda, an only child whose life is louder than most.

For much of the novel, it appears things are happening to Mimi, rather than having her influence events around her. I guess that’s the way it mostly is for children, until at some point, they seize their own day and start making choices that create their own life’s path. Mimi is a strong, responsible girl for the most part; readers know she will ultimately be a success.

Quindlen’s work is always quietly shattering. She builds up a nice, convincing and gentle story, full of deeply considered characters that reveals penetrating truths about our society. Long after you finish reading a Quindlen novel, you will remember ideas and undercurrents she has explored.

Some of Quindlen’s most affecting writing has been her non-fiction work, which includes the memoir Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake; A Short Guide to a Happy Life; and three books of her columns.

Her novels have been made into movies including One True Thing and Black and Blue.

Miller’s Valley is an exploration of the theme of home — what is a home? Is it a place or the people in it? Can it change and should we want it to?

Mimi figures out her own answer to that question as she grows up, uncovers family secrets and creates her own life. Readers will enjoy being along for the ride.