Friendship Bread: A Novel -

Darien Gee

Ballantine Book

2011

402 páginas

13h 24m

ISBN-10: B004J4WM36

In the tradition of Kate Jacobs and Lolly Winston comes a deeply felt, utterly charming novel of three newfound friends and the unexpected gift that will change their lives.

In the quiet community of Avalon, Illinois, Julia Evarts wonders how to move on with her life. Though her husband and five-year-old daughter give her an abundance of love, Julia still reels from a tragedy that has left her estranged from the sister who was once her best friend. Meanwhile, across town, widow Madeleine Davis takes great pleasure in serving up delectable treats and cozy comforts at her tea salon—now, if only she had some customers to enjoy them. And famed concert cellist and recent Avalon transplant Hannah de Brisay finds herself at a crossroads when her career and marriage come to abrupt ends. The three strangers forge a friendship at Madeleine’s Tea Shop, and soon their camaraderie extends to everyone in Avalon in the guise of a unique and wonderful gift. But even as Julia becomes ever closer to her new friends, she realizes the profound necessity of confronting the painful past she shares with her sister.

Life and loss, friendship and community, food and family: Friendship Bread tells a spirited, remarkably moving tale about the triumph of hope.

Praise for Friendship Bread

“The novel traces the effect of the friendship bread on a small town, jumping from neighbor to neighbor, but focuses on a small group of women whose lives need mending…Gee admirably weaves the various lives together…and demonstrates that simple companionship is a powerful balm…A satisfying first novel by Gee; perfect for the book-club circuit and beyond.”—Kirkus Reviews

“This entertaining series debut by Gee (who also writes as Mia King) will appeal to fans of tearjerkers like Kristin Hannah’s Winter Garden or novels dealing with the loss of a family member, such as Lolly Winston’s Good Grief. It’s also ideal for book clubs and readers who like stories about small-town life; it expertly weaves together numerous characters and narratives and even includes recipes and directions for making friendship bread.”—Library Journal

“Deliciously entertaining! You'll root all the way as these characters stumble toward forgiveness, understanding, and, ultimately, celebration. A perfect book club selection, Friendship Bread is a treat worth sharing with all the women in your life."—Kate Jacobs, New York Times bestselling author of The Friday Night Knitting Club

Resenhas (40)

5 (Perfeito)

A primeira pergunta que me fiz quando peguei "O Pão da Amizade" para ler foi: Como um pão vai mudar a vida das pessoas? Com a leitura desse livro maravilhoso, eu descobri como, e ainda tive muito no que pensar.

"O Pão da Amizade" é dividido em capítulos "normais", onde narra a história dos protagonistas (Julia, Hannah, Mark, Livvy, Eddie e Madaleine), e em capítulos "especiais", onde abre um parêntese para contar a história de um outro personagem que pode ou não aparecer posteriormente na história principal. Isso parece cansativo, mas na verdade confere um bom ritmo ao texto, que por si só já é ótimo.

Os personagens também são muito bons: carismáticos e envolventes. A princípio, fiquei me perguntando como a autora faria para trabalhar tantos personagens, mas ela o faz, e de forma bastante íntima até. Em menos de 20 páginas, nos flagramos já completamente envolvidos com a trama de cada um. E é fácil transportar as lições que cada personagem apreende com nossas próprias vidas, algo como "Escola dos Sabores". Será que isso pode ser uma característica de livros sobre comida?

Aliás, acredito que para quem goste de cozinhar, o livro tem um tempero a mais. Há várias receitas do Pão da Amizade no final, a quem possa interessar.

Amei o livro. Ele é mais que diversão, é um livro que nos faz crescer como fermento. Recomendo totalmente!