I know some authors who write memoirs. In my opinion, it's a tricky genre unless the author is gifted, because unless the reader has some connection to the author's experience, the reader may not get too far into the text.
That is not the problem here. I explain a little about that in my Amazon review, which follows my remarks. I wonder what my son would write about growing up in a Lutheran parsonage/family home.
The concept of simul iustus et peccator- being both saint and sinner- permeates the memoir even if Lockwood does not use the term herself. Her father by all appearances is a dedicated priest but spends money on things like electric guitars instead of his daughters' college educations. Her mother obsesses and rants about all sorts of things yet will move heaven and earth to help her children no matter what.
At times Lockwood's writing made me laugh out loud, and at times I shook my head in sadness. Several sections, especially about the charismatic teenagers' group she attended, were riveting. Her character descriptions made me feel that I knew them.
Full disclosure from the outset: I am a Lutheran pastor who was in the same denomination as Fr. Lockwood. He swam the Tiber; I swam the Mississippi (i.e. he converted to Roman Catholicism, I went to another branch of Lutheranism.) I know St. Louis well, so the author's descriptions of life in and around that city resonated with me. In addition, I know and know of colleagues who have swum the Tiber. Most of them did not have families.
Lockwood paints a realistic picture of her upbringing, especially of family life. She does not hesitate to depict the negative sides, which in time led to her abandoning religion. However, her love for her family is quite evident, even when they disagree and lack understanding of their actions, especially her life decisions.
Those looking for a scandal within the family will be disappointed. Lockwood mentioned scandals involving others. Her writing is sharp, often funny, and pulls no punches. Most of all, it is honest and engages the reader.
---
Lately, I notice more hits than usual on the blog. That's wonderful! some are bots, but not everyone. How about leaving a comment? some do, and I welcome others to do so! Thanks.
---
My books:
https://www.amazon.com/Books-Arthur-Turfa/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3AArthur+Turfa
https://www.blurb.com/b/10799783-the-botleys-of-beaumont-county
I love reading your reviews, you are very good at it. I almost wish I had something worthy of a review, just so I could ask you do it. My poetry book however is not up to standard, spelling errors etc. I hope to write a new one this year, complete with art too. Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words and encouragement, Kmberly. You know you can revise your first book? I admire those of you who are multi-talented. "Priestdaddy" was referenced in a book I reviewed, and I was immediiately interested in reading it because of what it's about and also delighted that some of it takes place in st. Louis, where I lived for the first two years of my seminary education. So keep reading, and revise!
ReplyDelete