Anna Quindlen

From the bestselling author of "Still life with bread crumbs." This story begins in the 1960s, and explores how Mimi Miller comes of age, over and over again. As the years go by, the unthinkable starts to seem inevitable. Anna Quindlen's novel takes us through the changing eras of Mimi and her family, as secrets are revealed, and the heartbreaks of growing up and falling in love with the wrong man are overcome.

A Novel

Miller's Valley

Melissa Palmer

Book #52 Read in 2016
Miller's Valley by Anna Quindlen

This book is a family saga book....Millers have owned property for generations and the state wants to buy it but the Millers want to keep farming. Mimi is the youngest child of three. Her brother Eddie was an academic success and moved away from his home town quickly. Tommy served in Vietnam and came home and fell into bad behavior and ways. Mimi wants more out of life....but will she be able to get it or will the family drama tie her down. This book was well written and the characters were interesting and complex. This was a good read. I borrowed this book from the public library.

Jan Talkington

Miller’s Valley is a small town that if the government has its way will be even smaller. The goal of the government is water management – aka relocation of the people so the valley can be flooded and become a lake. It begins in the 1960’s and is told by Mimi, a lifelong resident and one of the Millers of Miller’s Valley.

With the backdrop of the plans for the valley, this story is really about family and community. I enjoyed getting to know each person and stayed engaged with the story, even though I knew where it was headed. I do wish that at the end there had been a little more told of how the current day story unfolded. In other words, it was a little too short for me. There is also a little surprise near the end that some may not like as it is not fully addressed. I personally like some open ended storylines. It lets me use my imagination and leaves me thinking about the people and their story after the book is put down. 

This was my 3rd Anna Quindlen book having read “Still Life with Bread Crumbs” and “Blessings”. I have enjoyed them all and recommend her as an author to read.

Miller's Valley A Novel

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