Big Stone Gap / Big Cherry Holler : Book Review

The novels "Big Stone Gap" and its sequel "Big Cherry Holler" by Adriana Trigiani are truly heartwarming and enchanting stories. They take place in the small town of Big Stone Gap, Virginia and follow the life of the main character, Ave Maria Mulligan, as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and love.

In "Big Stone Gap," we are introduced to Ave Maria, a thirty-five-year-old spinster and the town pharmacist. Her peaceful existence in Big Stone Gap is about to be completely upturned when a long-held family secret is revealed. Ave Maria is forced to confront her past and make decisions that will shape her future. Trigiani's exquisite descriptions of the town and its eccentric inhabitants bring this story to life, and readers will be captivated by Ave Maria's charming and relatable personality.

"Big Cherry Holler" continues Ave Maria's story, picking up where the first book left off. This time around, she faces new challenges in her marriage to Jack, as they navigate through a rough patch. Trigiani's storytelling prowess shines through once again as she delves into the complexities of marriage and explores themes of love, forgiveness, and personal growth. Through Ave Maria's experiences, the author paints a realistic and heartfelt portrayal of the intricacies of relationships.

What sets Trigiani's writing apart is her remarkable ability to create a strong sense of place. The small town of Big Stone Gap and its inhabitants feel like living, breathing characters themselves. Readers will be transported to this quaint Appalachian community, thanks to Trigiani's vivid and evocative descriptions. The author's deep love for her hometown is apparent, and she adds depth and authenticity to the story by incorporating the stunning natural surroundings and rich cultural heritage of the region.

Overall, Adriana Trigiani's "Big Stone Gap" series is a delightful and heartwarming read. The engaging characters, beautiful setting, and exploration of themes such as love and self-discovery will leave readers captivated and uplifted. Whether you're seeking a touching love story, a journey of self-discovery, or simply a cozy and charming read, "Big Stone Gap" and "Big Cherry Holler" are sure to satisfy.

What are readers saying?

"Big Stone Gap" and its sequel, "Big Cherry Holler," both authored by Adriana Trigiani, have generated a range of opinions from readers. The majority of readers praise Trigiani's descriptive writing style and her skill in capturing the essence of small-town atmospheres. Many appreciate the vivid descriptions of the Appalachian town and its peculiar inhabitants, finding the characters endearing and relatable. Ave Maria Mulligan, the protagonist, is especially beloved by some readers. Trigiani's engaging and immersive writing allows readers to connect with the story on a personal level.

However, there are also criticisms of the books. Some readers express disappointment with the lack of plot development in "Big Stone Gap." They found the story to be meandering and uneventful, lacking conflict and tension to drive the narrative forward. A few reviewers were also unimpressed with the depth and complexity of the characters, which made it challenging to fully engage with their journeys.

The sequel, "Big Cherry Holler," continues Trigiani's captivating style, drawing readers in with her descriptive writing and authentic portrayal of small-town life. The continuation of Ave Maria's story and her struggles within her marriage resonated with many readers, evoking emotions and forming connections with the characters.

However, similar to the first book, some readers found "Big Cherry Holler" to be slow-paced and lacking in plot progression. They felt that the story meandered and became repetitive, hindering their enjoyment of the book. Additionally, a few reviewers noted that the characters' development seemed stagnant, leading to a lack of investment in their personal struggles.

In summary, opinions on Adriana Trigiani's "Big Stone Gap" and "Big Cherry Holler" are varied. While many readers appreciate Trigiani's descriptive writing style and her ability to transport readers into immersive small-town settings, others found the storylines slow-paced and lacking in depth. Ultimately, personal preferences and expectations play a significant role in determining readers' overall enjoyment of these books.

BigStoneGap BigCherryHoller BookLover