Book Club December 1

 About a dozen members of the Book Club convened on Zoom to discuss Angle of Repose, a long, complex novel dealing with a marriage and the struggles of an engineer and an artist in the harsh environment of the western states.  Some found it “depressing” or even “confusing.” while others admired Stegner’s skills in structure and style, finding his characters sympathetic and the narrative engaging.  Some of these differences centered on Stegner’s use of a limited narrator, Lyman Ward, who researches and recounts the life of his grandmother Susan; especially in view of Lyman’s strong opinions and the dream fantasy at the end of the novel, we might distrust some of his judgments.  Readers’ responses to Susan ranged from impatience with her social snobbery and her decision to marry Oliver Ward (a “consolation prize?”) to sympathetic admiration for her strength and courage in the difficult circumstances of western life.  Lyman views her sympathetically but never defends or excuses her possible involvement with Frank; he is notably evasive about the nature of their relationship and perhaps also condescending towards her work as an artist.

 Several readers were interested in Stegner’s use of the Foote family letters and noted that many letters were used almost verbatim; perhaps these added to the sense of history, of real life, in the novel.  There was general agreement that Stegner’s narrative style was eloquent, particularly in rendering the visual splendor and the harsh reality of life in the western states.   One reader added that the novel’s treatment of life in the small town and cities of Idaho and California revealed that the exploration and settlement of the West was not only the work of brave individualists, but was controlled and exploited by large Eastern corporations and unscrupulous lawyers and investors—like the lawyer who cheats Oliver out of a homestead.  Altogether, the novel’s scope and style help to explain Stegner’s literary awards and staying power, even if some readers “admired rather than loved” the novel.  Despite its multiple stories,  Angle of Repose makes a determined march towards tragedy; after Agnes’s death Oliver and Susan can never recover their trust and happiness, and even their son appears withdrawn and cold.  One reader pointed out that Lyman’s final lines consider forgiveness, something greater than his grandfather was capable of, and thus end the novel with the possibility of redemption or healing.

Our next book will be John LeCarre's memoir The Pigeon Tunnel: Stories of my Life. Next meeting willbe Wednesday, February 2, still on Zoom. Discussion starts at 11 am, with link open at 10:30 for log on and chat. Please contact Kathryn DeGraff or Helen Marlborough with any questions.

In Memoriam - Frank Sherman

 OCTOBER 4, 1927 – NOVEMBER 22, 2021

Frank Sherman passed away November 22, 2021, at home attended by his wife, Barbara, daughter, Emily, and grandson, Ian Koller.

Frank Eugene Sherman was born October 4, 1927 in Lakeview Michigan. His childhood was spent in Lakeview until the Great Depression forced his parents to place him in an orphanage in Ohio. He moved to Chicago and lived on his own at age 16. Frank enlisted in the Army in January 1946, serving until discharged June 22, 1947. He attended the University of California at Berkeley on the GI bill, graduating Phi Beta Kappa. He continued at Berkeley to earn a PhD in English Literature. While in graduate school, Frank met and married Barbara Hope. They had two daughters, Celia and Emily. His teaching career began at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, continued at Roosevelt College, and DePaul University, from which he retired as Professor Emeritus of American Literature in 1987.

Frank's enthusiasm for education transcended his career. He was an early supporter and proselytizer for KPFA, the pioneering Bay Area radio station. He took his family for a European tour for most of 1965. He mentored many student groups on trips to England and Europe. Frank also enjoyed travelling on his own or with Barbara, primarily to London, Paris, Vienna, and Bayreuth. During retirement, he continued his dedication to, and support of, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and local theater. Chicago audiences and his many friends in the Arts community will be a little poorer because of his absence.

Frank is survived by his wife, Barbara; daughters, Celia Roe and Emily Sherman; grandchildren: Francesca Hugueny, Alexander Roe, and Laurel and Ian Koller; and great-granddaughter, Beatrice Hugueny.

Memorial donations in Frank’s name may be made to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association, Development Department, 220 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60604 or at: https://cso.org/support/make-a-gift/

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Source: Neptune Society: https://obituaries.neptunesociety.com/obituaries/rolling-meadows-il/frank-sherman-10458924

Photo credit: Elaine Beaudoin