"Cold Sassy Tree" is a novel written by Olive Ann Burns, published in 1984. It is a coming-of-age story set in the fictional town of Cold Sassy, Georgia, during the early 20th century. The novel explores themes of family, love, societal norms, and the passage of time.
The story is narrated by Will Tweedy, a young boy growing up in Cold Sassy. The narrative centers around the events that unfold after his grandfather, E. Rucker Blakeslee, a widower and general store owner, marries a much younger woman, Miss Love Simpson, shortly after the death of his first wife. The town is scandalized by the rapid remarriage, and the novel delves into the reactions and consequences that this union has on the family and the community.
As the story progresses, Will navigates the complexities of growing up, dealing with family dynamics, societal expectations, and the changing world around him. The novel captures the charm, humor, and challenges of life in a small Southern town, as well as the tensions between tradition and progress.
Olive Ann Burns infuses the novel with a strong sense of time and place, drawing from her own Southern heritage and upbringing. Sadly, Burns passed away in 1990, shortly after the publication of "Cold Sassy Tree," which was her only completed novel. The book was met with positive reviews and has been praised for its vivid characters, engaging storytelling, and its portrayal of the South during a transformative era.
"Cold Sassy Tree" continues to be enjoyed by readers who appreciate its portrayal of Southern life, its exploration of generational differences, and its poignant reflection on the passage of time and the impact of change on a close-knit community.
1