"Saying Grace" is a novel published in 1995, written by Beth Gutcheon. The story follows the life of Rue Shaw, a middle-aged woman who serves as the head of a progressive private school in suburban Southern California.
In the professional aspect of Rue's life, she is dedicated to the educational philosophy of the school, which emphasizes exploratory learning and multidisciplinary research projects over rote learning and standardized tests. However, the school faces increasing pressure to adopt a more competitive approach.
On the personal side, Rue experiences a tragedy when her daughter, Georgia, faces a devastating event that impacts her life and the dynamics of Rue's happy marriage with her husband, Henry, a brain surgeon. The shocking and devastating tone of this part of the story contrasts with the initially lighthearted and humorous tone of the earlier narrative.
Some readers have noted a disconnect between the two narrative tracks, feeling as if they are reading two different books merged together without a cohesive resolution. The first part portrays Rue's daily challenges as a school administrator, while the second delves into the aftermath of the tragedy and its effects on Rue's personal life.
Overall, "Saying Grace" explores themes of identity, loss, the challenges of midlife, and the clash between personal and professional spheres. It examines the pressures faced by individuals in their careers and the impact of personal tragedy on their relationships and sense of self.
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