Carolina Comments: On Halloween & Books

GREEN GIANTS AND CITRUS TWINS

Jolly Green Giant (pinterest.com)

Yesterday was Halloween, and while the Chief Penguin and I attended a party here, we didn’t dress up.  Next year perhaps.  As a kid, my mother was good at helping my sisters and me put together an acceptable costume.  She claimed not to be a particular fan of Halloween, but she always came through for us.  

I was a gypsy a number of times–a colorful skirt, fancy blouse, some jewelry and perhaps a head scarf—back when being a gypsy wasn’t questionable.  Also, a witch in black with a pointed hat and broomstick.  Most other costumes I’ve long forgotten except for the one I wanted my senior year in high school.  

In a punning or ironic way, I declared that I would be the Jolly Green Giant.  The Green Giant was a popular brand mascot, initially for large tender peas in a can, but later for other canned and frozen vegetables including asparagus spears.  In TV ads in the 1960s, the Green Giant belted out a ready, “Ho, ho, ho!”

At barely 5 ft tall, I was anything but a giant!  For my costume, I wore green tights and a long-sleeved green sweater.  For the Giant’s tunic of green leaves, my wonderful mother crafted a kind of short skirt out of crepe paper, I believe, which I added over the tights.  I thought it was my most original costume and only wish I had a photo of me wearing it.

In later years, our son was a hazardous waste bin, our older granddaughter an English dictionary, and the younger one a lemon paired with a lime.  

All fun and some requiring real creativity.  And in downtown Cary this week, you can see a pumpkin man. Hope you had a good Halloween however you celebrated!

RECENT READING

Gilded Age: Money, Class & Love:

Peregrine Hill by Nina de Gramont (publication date, Nov. 10)

de Gramont (billanddavescocktailhour.com)

Peregrine Hill is partly inspired by Nina de Gramont’s great grandmother’s marriage to a man over 50, when she was just seventeen.  It is the story of three women:  mother, daughter, and grandmother, living in New York at the turn of the 20thcentury.  When Isabelle Bishop’s husband and three children die in a shipwreck, she and daughter Mariah are left bereft and poor.  Although Isabelle aspires to marry wealthy widower John Whitten, the 63-year-old man prefers to wed Mariah.  As his third wife, chosen to provide him an heir, Mariah is watched over and isolated; she struggles to find respite and freedom for herself.  

Add in Mariah’s resourceful and spunky maid Hetty, Mariah’s former beau Jay Hopkins, an attractive grandson, a handsome coachman, and you have complications and some odd and questionable alliances and love affairs.  Class, money, and the tantalizing beginnings of new rights for women are all entwined in this multi-faceted historical novel.  

At times, the novel feels crammed with too many characters, but it is, nonetheless, a lively romp in the Gilded Age.    Note: An earlier version of this review appeared on NetGalley. (~JWFarrington)

Riveting Nonfiction:

London Falling: A Mysterious Death in a Gilded City and a Family’s Search for Truth by Patrick Radden Keefe

Keefe (wikipedia.com)

A New Yorker staff writer, Patrick Radden Keefe is the author of two other award-winning works I have read: Say Nothing about the Troubles in Northern Ireland, and Empire of Pain about the Sackler family and opioids.  Both are excellent, meticulously researched compelling reads.

London Falling is an equally immersive book.  When a 19-year-old young man seemingly falls from a balcony and ends up in the Thames, the immediate response is that it was suicide.  But there are complicating factors, and his parents, Matthew and Rachelle Brettler want answers.  When they learn that Zac had a secret life doing deals with Russian oligarchs and their minions, they are both puzzled and mystified.  The lead detective from Scotland Yard initially seems willing to be helpful and answer their questions, but he isn’t following up on some obvious suspects or characters of interest. 

In ferreting out what may have really happened to Zac, Keefe provides an in depth look at the role of Russian oligarchs in London society in recent years along with background research on the criminal activity of some of the unsavory individuals with whom Zac is friends.  There are no definitive answers, but thanks to the openness and cooperation of Zac’s parents and Keefe’s journalistic approach, a plausible explanation for some of the events emerges.

 I found this book a fascinating read with an amazing set of characters.  It is packed with details, and possibly more than some readers might want, but I highly recommend it.  (~JWFarrington)

Note: Unattributed photos ©JWFarrington (some rights reserved.)

Carolina Comments: 19th century Oberlin & Treasures from the Nile

RECENT READING: BLACK WOMEN PIONEERS AT OBERLIN

The Ladies Hall by Vanessa Miller

Author Miller (ourstate.com)

In her latest historical novel, The Ladies Hall, Vanessa Miller chronicles the college years of three Black women who enrolled at Oberlin College in 1880.  Oberlin was one of the earliest colleges to accept Black students along with women.  Most women students then did the two-year program, but these women signed on for the 4-year “gentlemen’s course” which ended with a bachelor’s degree.  

Both Mary Church and Ida Hall came from wealthy backgrounds, while Anna Cooper was a widow and a schoolteacher from Raleigh who had been born into slavery.  They were the only Black women in their class and were frequently dismissed as less than, taunted, and just shunned in some situations.  Initially, Mary and Anna’s wildly different backgrounds meant that they had little common ground and seemed to be at cross purposes.  Over time, they, along with ida, became strong friends.  

The novel focuses on Mary and Anna, but all three were ambitious and determined and strived not only for personal excellence, but to somehow demonstrate that they should be treated fairly and seen as equals to the white students.  It’s an invigorating account of struggle and achievement against great odds. The epilogue and an afterword showcase their many individual accomplishments toward greater equality and recognition. 

 The title, The Ladies Hall, refers to the dormitory for women where two of them lived.  Mary Church died in 1954 at the age of 90 or 91, while Anna Cooper lived to be 105 and died in 1964!  Cooper earned her PhD and was a lifelong educator and activist for equal rights.

For more about Vanessa Miller’s works, check out this article in the North Carolina state magazine.  (~JWFarrington)

NOTEWORTHY EXHIBIT

Lion, Wall inlay on a Tomb

Ancient Nubia (North Carolina Museum of Art)

Last week, I happened to be at the North Carolina Museum of Art on preview day for this new exhibit, Ancient Nubia.  I had never heard of Nubia before, but this historic civilization was located in the S curve of the Nile River, sort of between Egypt and Sudan.  Developed and curated by the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, it includes artifacts and other materials from early 20th century expeditions and excavations from the tombs of the Kingdom of Kush.   

Here are a few more images.  

Ram statuette of sandstone, 500-300 BCE

One of the most important gods of that time was Amun, who appeared as a ram; some Kushite temples at that time were dedicated to Amun.

A viceroy and his wife, ca. 1184-1153 BCE
Large alabastron jug, 743-712 BCE
Entrance, Tomb of King Tanwetamani

Being able to walk into the recreation of a king’s tomb and experience the quiet and its art-decorated walls was a highlight of the exhibit for me. The exhibit runs until early January 2027 and is definitely worth a visit.

Note: Unattributed photos ©JWFarrington (some rights reserved.)

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Carolina Comments: Reading, Eating, Watching

COMPELLING 9-11 NOVEL

Hollow Bones by Jodi Picoult

Picoult (tvinsider.com)

Anyone who has read a novel by Jodi Picoult knows that this author likes to tackle big issues, generally societal or medical ones.  Her latest book, Hollow Bones, is no exception and packs a big punch.  It is compelling, tough to read at points, and yet remarkably humane.  There is much I could say about it, but it is risky to give too much away, so I will stick to more general info to avoid spoilers.

In the present day, Molly Fitzgerald is the young head of the Emergency Preparedness Department for the state of Rhode Island.  She lost her mother, Eloise, on 9-11, but is happily married to Jesse, a police detective 15 years her senior.  Devoted to her job, Molly is surprised by an unplanned pregnancy which brings up memories and reflections on her childhood.  Her father and her mother’s best friend Evie raised her.

Picoult skillfully resurrects the events of September 11 in a story that deals with grief, loss, lies, friendship, love in several guises, and how one moves forward.  The novel is related in separate sections by Molly, Jesse, and Eloise, going back and forth in time.  The characters are richly drawn and complex, and while one might question the aptness or neatness of a detail here and there, it all hangs together and is ultimately a satisfying read.  I’m finding that these characters have stayed with me and likely will for some time.  Highly recommended!

LUNCH OUT

Shinmai Kumo (Cary)

Shinmai Kumo is a relatively new Japanese Italian restaurant and the second location in Cary.  Yes, that’s Japanese cuisine with an Italian twist.  It sounds strange, but it works, and the food is good to very good.  

The Chief Penguin and I were there with a group.  We sampled a wide range of dishes. There was miso soup (excellent, he said) and miso soup with clams; a curly noodle dish with chicken, cabbage and carrots; a flatbread with avocado and eel; smoked salmon carbonara; tagliatelle with tonkatsu pork in tomato meat sauce, and Japanese vegetable croquettes.  

In addition, the menu includes some tempting-sounding salads and sandwiches.  Lots to choose from with friendly service. Several of us were already contemplating a return visit!

SERIES UPDATE

East of Eden (Netflix)

Charles, Adam, & Cathy (joblo.com)

I was hasty in my earlier comments on this new production of East of Eden.  We have now watched five of the seven episodes, and overall, it’s powerful and very well done.  The characters are boldly drawn, sometimes searingly so. 

Adam Trask leaves the family farm to his half brother Charles and heads to California with his reluctant wife Cathy in tow.  With no real plans, he develops a friendship with Sam Hamilton, an older man.  After Cathy leaves, Sam continues to be helpful, while occasionally delivering blunt advice to Adam.  Bereft and aimless, Adam is mostly not present to his twin boys Cal and Aron.  He relies on and just expects Lee, his hired man of many talents, to feed and care for them while also running the household.  What the future holds for this mixed-up family group is yet to be revealed.  Recommended!

Bethlehem: Town & Gown et al

MORAVIANS –TUCKED IN

As one wanders the quiet streets of historic north Bethlehem, the Central Moravian Church and the residences for the sisters and brethren are a presence prominently on view.  Go down to the Colonial Industrial Quarter behind Hotel Bethlehem, and you will discover a somewhat hidden creekside park.

Monocacy Creek

Take a narrow alleyway off Main Street, and you may find yourself tucked in midst the buildings of Moravian University.  (In our day, it was Moravian College with its main north campus a mile away.)

Building on downtown Moravian University campus

Here we explored the downtown Priscilla Payne Hurd (south) Campus and learned some things we did not know.  First off, Moravian University was founded in 1742 (very soon after Bethlehem itself) and claims to be the first college to educate women.  It’s also a part of the recently designated World Heritage Moravian Church Settlements.  

The Chief Penguin and I knew Prill Hurd, an active local philanthropist, and for me an occasional lunch date at the country club.  She was smart, gracious, forceful when needed, but didn’t suffer fools.  I always enjoyed her company.  

Choir offices nestled behind Main Street

Also set back behind Main Street is the office of the Bach Choir. Bethlehem’s Bach Choir is noted and venerable and annually presented a series of spring concerts in the Lehigh church. Recently, the choir was the subject of an article in the Financial Times which stated that despite differing views, the singers leave their politics at the door.

LEHIGH ON THE MOUNTAIN

Lehigh campus in the distance from downtown

Lehigh University was founded in 1865 by entrepreneur and philanthropist Asa Packer.  

Standing with Asa Packer in front of Alumni Hall

Across the Lehigh River from Moravian Bethlehem, Lehigh sits on the side of a mountain.  Living here, it helps to be part mountain goat as the terrain is steep and everywhere, there are steps and stairs to climb.

Staircase adjacent to Lehigh’s business school

Last week, the Chief Penguin and I cheered on the football team and walked a lot of the campus.  When we arrived in 1998, town and gown were not close or well-integrated.  Physically, an empty macadam parking circle and drop-off area were between Lehigh and the Southside business district.  Like a moat separating the two, he declared, and as president, he worked to change that.  Over the next couple years, Campus Square was constructed.  

It’s a residence hall for students, but equally important, a retail center with the campus bookstore and several restaurants including the beloved local ice cream shop, The Cup.  The Chief Penguin also initiated regular breakfasts with the mayor and invited the members of city council to the President’s House.  Gradually, the breech between gown and town lessened.  

In a reflection of the times, the bookstore is now the Lehigh Store

In 2015, Campus Square was renamed and dedicated as Farrington Square in honor of the president and me. This visit, we were in Farrington Square during the weekly farmer’s market.  Students lined up for coffee and sweet treats, while townspeople checked out the local produce. Nearby tables offered a place to sit.

We also toured the current exhibits at the Lehigh University Art Galleries, “This Land: Reimagining the United States of America on its 250th Anniversary,” and an impressive study by a Lehigh student about the color and chemistry of ceramic bowls and vases in the collection.  

On our last night, we had dinner at the President’s House with the current president and his wife.  We were warmly welcomed, and it was a treat to see again the beautiful spaces we inhabited for 8 years.  Memories of events and good times flooded back.

WATCHING

East of Eden (Netflix)

Charles cutting Adam’s hair (ew.com)

John Steinbeck’s novel, East of Eden, was published in 1952, and a movie version made in 1955 starred James Dean as Cal and Raymond Massey as their father.  This new 7-part East of Eden series is based on the book, but it gives the manipulative Cathy a bigger role.  It’s a story of the Trask family, half-brothers Charles and Adam and their descendants, inspired by the Biblical story of Cain and Abel. 

We have watched the first two episodes of the series.  I never read the book, but I’m finding the series dark and brutal and am waiting to see how it all plays out.  We will continue watching so, I’ll hold back on a recommendation for now. 

Note: Unattributed photos ©JWFarrington (some rights reserved.)