Home to Big Stone Gap: A Novel

Adriana Trigiani is the originator of the Big Stone Gap series as well as many other novels. The little town of Big Stone Gap in Virginia actually exists and Trigiani lived there. The town celebrates her literary recognition and the film she directed on location. Following the themes of love and work that she pursues in all of her books, she conjures every bit of family, friendship, betrayal, and small-town hominess in her stories one can imagine. In “Home to Big Stone Gap,” Ave Maria Mulligan is now married to Jack MacChesney, but plagued with sorrow over their young son who died of leukemia, and sorely distressed over their daughter’s marriage and new life far away in Italy. Ave’s entire being seems centered around these two events as well as struggling with her husband’s heart trouble and unrequited love for a former man friend. Doesn’t sound much like a comedy as some reviewers have called it. But it actually promotes some hilarity in places.Trigiani doesn’t let sorrow defeat her purpose of presenting an entertaining book jam-packed with vignettes of life in the Appalachians. Her cast of characters is immense and entertaining, her environmental visions are gorgeous, and the reader is drawn into a humdrum world that now and then produces big doings.Ave has a falling out with her best friend that unsettles her. She is selected to direct a community playhouse presentation that challenges her. She constantly thinks about her childhood, her departed family members, her lost loves, her husband’s heart problems, her job, and her friends. Trigiani is as adroit as a high-wire performer as she guides her readers through each incident, keeping the focus balanced and fixated on her work.This is a book selected by my book club and, while I’m not usually fond of “women’s literature,” as this book is labeled, I find the author to be engaging and able to hold my interest. We also read another of her books and I was intrigued with it as well. So, I guess, Trigiani has my attention. I seem to enjoy her books.Schuyler T WallaceAuthor of TIN LIZARD TALES

So I read the 4 book series. I was so disappointed when I was done and still find myself thinking about the main characters as if they were family! The only thing I will complain about is that the author had too much dialogue of what the main character, Ave Maria (what a name), was thinking. It was a great book and great story ant wish there were a few more books in the series. It kind of left you hanging.

Adriana Trigiani is a master storyteller. Her characters seem like friends we've always known. Like her others, this book is a page turner. I didn't want to put it down.

This book is not my usual read but it is very relevant . I haven't experienced loss or much tragedy in my life but I am suffering from empty nest syndrome. All my babies have moved on in their lives and its just me and my husband. Some of Ava's thoughts and worries are my own. I appreciated the simplicity of the story. Not a whole lot happens in this story but it still kept my attention. The characters were real. I think I have someone in my life that reflects the people in this book. I felt like I was home. Good book for us all.

The four books in the Big Stone Gap series are well worth your time. This series was recommended to me by several librarians. You'll want to begin from the beginning with Big Stone Gap, Big Cherry Holler, Milk Glass Moon, Home to Big Stone Gap as it is one continuous story taking the characters through a good portion of their adult lives. There is romance, laughter, tears, and a feeling these people are family. You become invested in their story from the middle of book one and you don't want it to end. I think it would make a wonderful mini-series and hope someone does at some point. There is too much story to cover in just one movie.

This series was recommended by a friend and on the Today Show. It took me a minute to get into this first book. It definately picked up in the middle to end. The 2nd in the series was the best!! The characters evolve and the story line heats up. Definately worth getting through the first. I became attached in the 2nd book and read straight through all 4 in a matter of 2 months. Couldn't put them down. I have also heard the author has written the screenplay and will be directing the movie sometime soon. Looking forward to seeing the story unfold on the big screen. Perfect series to curl up by the fire on a cold winter day. :-)

We found a lot to discuss after the movie and for many days after.

I have recently read the original three books and enjoyed them. This book tidies things up, almost. It feels as if it was written to fit in with the film of the series and done in a hurry, as some characters are no longer together, or with other people, and with no explanation! But if you've read the other three, this book is a must.

I bought this book from serenity bookshop. It arrived within two days . It was in excellent condition. I would definitely buy from them again.As all of Adriana Trigiana books it was a pleasure to read. I have read all of this series and I feel that I am part of the family. I await the next one which I am sure will be just as good.

I love Adriana Trigiani's Big Stone gap range and this is no exception. It's a lovely continuation and conclusion to the life of Ave Maria. Having four books in the series prolongs the enjoyment so I highly recommend starting at book one - Big Stone Gap.It's a lovely story, great escapism, definitely a good bed time read or curl up with a cuppa type book.

I loved the fourth book in this series. Actually I've never read no.1 but 2-4 and LOVED them all. The book takes you to small town America and then to other parts of the world through small-town American eyes. So well written. A pleasure for middle-aged mothers especially :)

Loved this series of 4 books about big stone gap