Early Comments on "The Book of Marie"

St. John Flynn, host of Georgia Public Broadcasting's Cover to Cover:

"This is a major event in Georgia letters as Terry Kay is arguably Georgia’s greatest living writer. . . ."

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Jackie Cooper, Author and Reviewer (Fridays with Jackie, Georgia Public Broadcasting):

The Book of Marie is the novel Terry Kay was created to write. With all of his success in the past, this book is the ultimate Kay story. It is a book about the South and the cataclysmic event of integration, as well as a love story that spans decades. Being part history and part romance the book involves us in a way few stories can. It is told with an eye for the truth and could only be written by a son of the South such as Terry Kay.

The book focuses on the relationship between Cole Bishop and Marie Fitzpatrick. Cole is a native son of Georgia and lives in the small town of Overton. He is the brightest person in his class as well as a star athlete. In his senior year Marie Fitzpatrick moves to town. She is from the North and finds everything about Overton silly and idiotic. Still she is drawn to Cole since he is the one smart person in the class. She is smarter, but he is smart.

The story of Cole and Marie seesaws through different time periods in their lives. There are events that take place in their senior year of high school, others take place when Cole is in graduate school, and still others take place in the present tense of the story. Each time period blends to make the story of Cole and Marie complete.

Cole and Marie are much like the characters of Hubbell and Katie found in the movie "The Way We Were." Cole and Hubbell are both men for whom things come too easily. Katie and Marie are the ultimate outsiders. Katie was the best thing to ever happen to Hubbell, and the same is true for Marie and Cole's relationship.

Kay's book also describes perfectly those among us for whom things take over their lives. Cole is not a seeker, but rather a responder. He is shaped and shifted by events that come to him and affect those around him. Marie on the other hand is a doer. She careens headfirst through life grabbing people and events and molding them her way. Cole is her greatest disappointment but also her greatest achievement.

Kay's genius is in his use of words. He can enfold you in his story with passages so beautiful they take your breath away. Then he adds a romantic story so tender that it hurts your heart. Add in a time in our history when people were at their best and their worst and you have the glory that is The Book of Marie.

Terry Kay has written many, many good books. Most came from his head and his heart. The Book of Marie comes from his soul. The words are etched on the pages of the novel with total clarity of purpose. It is a story that will touch you, educate you and enlighten you. It should not be missed.


Dana Wildsmith, poet:

"I don't know what the rest of your readers may say, but I think this may be your finest book. I love the way you seamlessly handle the three-fold themes of a changing society, a changing person, and an enduring love. The language is liquidly poetic, while being true to the rawness of a southern boyhood. It evokes a time gone, while not being at all nostalgic or sentimental . . . . I'm glad you wrote this book. . . ."



James Stevens, Author; from his review on Amazon.com:

Terry Kay has crafted a beautiful, realistic look at the people of his native state of Georgia and their reactions to the arrival of integration and the many changes it brought to their lives. The citizens of Overton, GA, a small rural community with a class C high school, are seen as teenagers in the 1950s, and again at their 50th high school reunion.

Marie, an outsider from the North who joins the senior class in 1954, is an outspoken critic of all things Southern, and is shunned by her class members except for Cole, the popular football quarterback and very traditional Southern male. Despite their cultural differences, an unexplained attraction emerges.

After their graduation and separation, their strange friendship is continued and revealed through the letters they exchange as the years pass. The arrival of the 50th Reunion vividly shows the changes that have occurred in Overton because of integration and civil rights, and the direct effect it has had on the lives of the class of 1954.

Through his many brilliantly developed characters Kay also addresses the issues of male aging, and the importance of place and friendship in creating a satisfactory life.

The Book of Marie has captured a sometimes forgotten generation and its role in history. It is a stunning discovery.



Jennifer Frisch, Teacher:

I just finished The Book of Marie this morning and wanted to thank you immediately. I am in awe. Loved it. Loved the way you capture the truths of the cultural changes in the south respectfully but honestly, loved the way you make the bonds between men and women feel precious and honor intelligent, spirited women, and loved your definition of teaching.

I was a blubbering idiot by page 49, and read the last pages in spurts of tears and smiles. Finished thinking I'll read it again soon.

You are a fine writer who has honed his craft.