The Whole Town's Talking: A Novel

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER The bestselling author of Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe is at her superb best in this fun-loving, moving novel about what it means to be truly alive. WINNER OF THE SOUTHERN BOOK PRIZE Elmwood Springs, Missouri, is a small town like any other, but something strange is happening at the cemetery. Still Meadows, as its called, is anything but still. Original, profound, The Whole Towns Talking, a novel in the tradition of Thornton Wilders Our Town and Flaggs own Cant Wait to Get to Heaven, tells the story of Lordor Nordstrom, his Swedish mail-order bride, Katrina, and their neighbors and descendants as they live, love, die, and carry on in mysterious and surprising ways. Lordor Nordstrom created, in his wisdom, not only a lively town and a prosperous legacy for himself but also a beautiful final resting place for his family, friends, and neighbors yet to come. Resting place turns out to be a bit of a misnomer, however. Odd things begin to happen, and it starts the whole town talking. With her wild imagination, great storytelling, and deep understanding of folly and the human heart, the beloved Fannie Flagg tells an unforgettable story of life, afterlife, and the remarkable goings-on of ordinary people. In The Whole Towns Talking, she reminds us that community is vital, life is a gift, and love never dies. Praise for The Whole Towns Talking A witty multigenerational saga . . . [Fannie] Flaggs down-home wisdom, her affable humor and her long view of life offer a pleasant respite in nerve-jangling times.People Fannie Flagg at her best.The Florida Times-Union If theres one thing Fannie Flagg can do better than anybody else, its tell a story, and she outdoes herself in The Whole Towns Talking. . . . Brilliant . . . equally on the level as her famous Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe.The Newport Plain Talk Delightful.The Washington Post A ringing affirmation of love, community and life itself.Richmond Times-Dispatch