Reviewed
by Rita
Recently, I had the opportunity to read The
Martha Odyssey by Bonny Gable for the Radio Bristol Book Club. From the very
first paragraph, I found myself captivated by the narrative, which is set
against the beautiful backdrop of Abingdon, Virginia, circa 1915. The story
unfolds through the perspective of the young and somewhat awkward Beatrice
Earle Damron, known as Bea, as she embarks on her journey at Martha Washington
College for the first time. Bea has traveled to Abingdon from Clintwood,
Virginia, where her father has reluctantly permitted her to attend one year of
college before returning to their family farm.
While nervous about being away from home, Bea is
excited to further her musical education in hopes of finding a more fascinating
life outside of her Appalachian hometown. Bea has played piano from a very
young age and is looking forward to the opportunities that a Martha College
education will afford.
Upon getting her room assignment, Bea meets her
next door neighbor, Ruby Pearl Atkins. Ruby is a drama student from Galax,
Virginia with big dreams of her own, and enough spunk and confidence for her
and Bea. This will come in handy throughout Bea's time at Martha College. I
immediately related to Ruby and her charming over eagerness to befriend Bea and
become her cheerleader from day one.
All incoming freshmen are assigned an
upperclassman "mother" to guide them through their first year. Bea is
paired with Varina Armstrong who is from an affluent Abingdon family and not
thrilled being assigned to a "mountain girl" from Dickenson County. I
could sense right away that there was going to be tension and drama between the
two young ladies and I was not disappointed.
One the first day of class, there is a recital
where Bea surprises every one with her performance of Chopin's
"Fantaisie-Impromptu" without sheet music. It is soon all over campus
that Bea can play circles around Varina. Varina does not take this very well,
especially since it has been announced that there will be a competition at the
end of the semester where a full scholarship to the Peabody Conservatory of
Music in Baltimore, Maryland will be awarded. This sets up a rivalry between
Bea and Varina that plays out throughout the semester.
I enjoyed the layers of suspense and mystery that
was so prevalent in the story. There are social society initiations that
explore the ghostly aspects of Martha College and Sinking Spring Cemetery. I
don't want to give too much away, but some of the students may have used these
rituals to torment their foes.
Another important character is a striking Native
American blacksmith named Jonah, whom Bea encounters at a nearby stable during
a stroll on a chilly Saturday morning. Visiting the stable becomes a regular
distraction from the drama of the highly competitive atmosphere at the school.
Initially visiting to spend time with the horses and ease her feelings of being
homesick, but soon it is more than just the horses that draws her there. I
really enjoyed watching these characters grow to trust one another. I also
enjoyed the interactions between Bea and the horses which always gave her a
sense of home.
There was so much to love about this book. From
the well-developed characters to the immersive descriptions of the area, I felt
transported to the world of Beatrice Earle Damron. This is by far my favorite
book I have read this year. I look forward to more from this debut author.