Plot summary, “The Tiffany Box” by Kathleen Buckstaff in 5 Minutes - Book Review
0"The Tiffany Box" by Kathleen Buckstaff is a poignant memoir that offers a heartfelt exploration of the author's life as a young mother and her responsibilities as a caregiver for her ailing mother. Published in 2013, the book utilizes a collection of letters, emails, diary entries, and essays that were originally published during Buckstaff's time as a columnist for The Arizona Republic.
The memoir is divided into four major sections, each with a floral theme, and spans the years 1995-2002. In "Lavender Roses," Buckstaff reflects on her relationship with her late Grandmother Forest, depicting her struggles as a writer and a full-time mother living in Arizona with her husband Dan and their two young children, Sunshine and Sweetness. The narrative delves into the challenges of motherhood, touching on themes of loneliness, the ups and downs of pregnancy, and the juggling act of balancing familial and professional responsibilities.
The second section, "The Garden," focuses on Buckstaff's children, particularly Sunshine, and highlights various moments in their growth. The author candidly shares her inner conflicts and emotions as a mother, grappling with her daughter's choices and the evolving dynamics of family life.
In "Delphiniums," the third section, the memoir takes a poignant turn as Buckstaff recounts her mother's battle with uterine cancer. The family's move into her parents' home creates a close-knit support system during Francie's illness, echoing the care that Francie provided to her own mother, Forest. The narrative explores the emotional challenges, multiple surgeries, and rounds of chemotherapy faced by Francie, ultimately leading to her decline.
The final section, "White Cyclamen," includes notes of condolence from Francie's friends, and Buckstaff concludes the memoir with an essay on her mother's use of Post-it notes to remember significant family events and details. The author expresses gratitude for the love in her life and includes a photograph of Francie as a touching conclusion to "The Tiffany Box." Throughout the memoir, Buckstaff weaves a narrative that celebrates the complexities of family, the enduring bonds between generations, and the profound lessons learned through love, loss, and the passage of time.