After spending almost half an hour in Hell, 45 minutes in Heaven, and being reassured that both are real in recent books, I was ready for a lighter touch on the subject. Serious subjects with just the right light touch usually mean a book by Fannie Flagg. Sure enough, her CAN'T WAIT TO GET TO HEAVEN was just what I was looking for.
Elner Shimfissle had promised her niece Norma that she would not climb the fig tree again. But she had wanted to make some fig preserves and knew that she could be up the ladder, gather the few figs that she needed, and be back down making the preserves before Norma’s husband could get there to pick them for her. She had not counted on the wasps’ nest and now she is watching herself in the emergency room at the hospital.
Elner’s death has an impact on everyone in the small town of Elmwood Springs. The whole town is thrown in a loop with some touching and some humorous results. As word spreads we hear the stories of how Elner had made a difference in each life.
No one is more surprised than Elner. She finds herself in Heaven getting a chance to meet some of her favorite people, including her hero Thomas Edison. Heaven is not quite what she expected; it might be even better than anyone could imagine.
Fanny Flagg has the talent to give us our lessons with a spoonful of humor. This is not to say that she overlooks the dark moments of life; it is that she believes that most things can be handled if kept in perspective.
One of my favorite themes in literature deals with the impact that each of us has on those around us and Fanny Flagg uses Elner to show the difference one person can make.
Any time that you need a funny, charming, feel-good, testament to the joys of life, may I suggest Fanny Flagg. Her characters are a delight and will help you to look at life in the best, possible manner.
Oh, this book also contains recipes for Aunt Elner’s liver and onions, neighbor Dorothy’s heavenly caramel cake, and Mrs. McWilliams’ corn bread.
Enjoy.
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