'The Moonflower Vine' by Jetta Carleton is a novel that delves into the lives of the Soames family in rural Missouri during the early 20th century. The story unfolds through the perspectives of each family member, exploring their relationships, challenges, and secrets. The narrative is divided into sections, with each chapter focusing on a different character, providing depth and dimension to the family dynamics. The writing style is described as gentle and flowing, slowly revealing the complexities of the characters and their interconnected lives.

Characters:

The characters are richly developed, each portraying unique experiences and moral struggles that are relatable and human.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by its attention to detail, emotional honesty, and graceful storytelling.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative centers on the Soames family, depicting their interconnected lives, struggles, and emotional depth across generations.

Setting:

The story is rooted in a historical setting, reflecting the challenges of farm life in early 20th-century Missouri.

Pacing:

The pacing is deliberate, focusing on gradual character development rather than fast plot progression.

My father had a farm on the western side of Missouri, below the river, where the Ozark Plateau levels to join the plains. This is a region cut by creeks, where high pastures rise out of wooded valleys...

Notes:

The Moonflower Vine was first published in 1962 and is the only novel written by Jetta Carleton.

The story revolves around the Soames family, consisting of Matthew, Callie, and their four daughters.

The narrative spans over fifty years, covering the late 19th century to the early 20th century in Missouri.

Matthew is portrayed as a farmer who also becomes a school superintendent, showcasing his love for learning.

Callie, Matthew's wife, is nearly illiterate, yet fiercely loyal and dedicated to her family.

Each daughter has a distinct personality and experiences unique challenges throughout the story.

The novel has been compared to classics like To Kill a Mockingbird but is noted for its more flawed and human characters.

The book explores themes of love, loss, family dynamics, and secrets.

It emphasizes the importance of everyday moments and emotional complexities in family life.

Carleton's writing style is described as rich with detail, making scenes come alive for readers.

Despite being a rediscovered classic, many readers found it surprisingly relevant and relatable to contemporary themes of family and morality.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains themes of infidelity, loss, and moral complexities that may be triggering for some readers.

Has Romance?

There is a significant presence of romance, exploring complex relationships, both successful and strained, among family members.

From The Publisher:

A timeless American classic rediscovered-an unforgettable saga of a heartland family

On a farm in western Missouri during the first half of the twentieth century, Matthew and Callie Soames create a life for themselves and raise four headstrong daughters. Jessica will break their hearts. Leonie will fall in love with the wrong man. Mary Jo will escape to New York. And wild child Mathy's fate will be the family's greatest tragedy. Over the decades they will love, deceive, comfort, forgive-and, ultimately, they will come to cherish all the more fiercely the bonds of love that hold the family together.

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The Moonflower Vine

Jetta Carleton