I love Anne Tyler’s characters and stories about human relationships. Though her books have gotten shorter as Tyler has aged, that doesn’t mean she has less to say. She spoke volumes in this 256-page novel, and the conciseness beautifully supports the theme of omissions in family discussions.
Robin and Mercy Garrett, protagonists of French Braid, married in 1940. The story follows them, not necessarily in chronological order, to their fiftieth wedding anniversary and beyond, including a story segment set during the 2020 pandemic. We meet the next generations of their family in life situations that are relatable and thought-provoking.
Both obvious and subtle family secrets and divisions were resounding themes. There were numerous questions for the reader to consider as the characters revealed their thoughts and life decisions. Was it unusual that Mercy or any woman of her generation separated from her husband without notifying the family? Should we be surprised when one of the grandchildren is unsure whether she’s spotting her cousin at a train station? Would all of us recognize a relative if we unexpectedly ran into one? Do we assume that families invite siblings and other close relatives to a wedding? Would your aunts know that you are gay if you haven’t told them? Can a descendent have his ancestor’s mannerisms if they never met? How well do families communicate? What information and perceptions survive the generations?
