The story behind Emmalee's experiences is quite different from Susan Gregg Gilmore's other works of fiction. I mean that in a good way.

Life happens & you will be reminded throughout the book. A strong will, a loving heart & a touch of innocence motivate Emmalee to live; although, she doesn't know it at the onset. While youth may be on her side, her elders clash over what is right & wrong. As they bicker, Emmalee grows up faster than she ever thought she could. ( )

After hearing Susan Gregg Gilmore as a guest on the Southern fiction episode of the Books on the Nightstand podcast, I realized that my love for the genre had been limited to the Gothic side. I had assumed novels like this would be too sweet for my taste, but thankfully I was won over by Gilmore’s discussion and encouraged to expand my horizons.

“She knew the sound of death, its tone and rhythm, as well as she did that of a popular song played over and over on the radio. At her father’s house, death never acted hesitant or shy. It came barreling out of nowhere, walking straight up to the front door and announcing itself with a bold and repetitive rap.”

The most striking thing about The Funeral Dress is how real Gilmore’s characters feel. From the first page, I was pulled into Emmalee’s life as her early moments in the Tennewa Shirt Factory are detailed and the stories of those around her established. As the novel progresses, the harsh realities of life in the small Tennessee town make it easy to feel sympathetic toward both Emmalee and Leona. Still, there are multiple dimensions to the characters Gilmore has created, which are revealed in the alternating narrative of the story and come together in a touching end.

Blog: www.rivercityreading.com ( )

I really was moved by this book. Although the book skips around in time, thankfully, Ms. Gilmore labels the chapters. She said she took sewing lessons to be able to provide the detailing of the sewing, but I wouldn't have minded if she left that out. I guess it did help show the toil of work that it was. I will be looking for more of her books. ( )

This was a lovely story that is told between two women and also two different time periods. It starts out in 1970s Tennessee while also giving glimpses of 1950s Tennessee. Although the story is mostly about young Emmalee we also get to know what made Leona the woman she was.

Emmalee didn't have much of a life living in Red Chert with her father who spent most of his days in a drunken state. Her life was cast in a new direction when she took a job at the Tennewa Shirt Factory. Most of the women worked there for years, but they took Emmalee under their wings, teaching her the ropes and becoming one of them. She needed to earn money to support her new baby because her father certainly wasn't any help in that department. She didn't expect to develop such close friendships with her co-workers, but working side-by-side next to Leona created a relationship similar to a mother and daughter.

Leona has lived a hard life up on Old Lick mountain and has had more than her share of heartache. She and her husband, Curtis, live in a small trailer on the mountain, nothing fancy but they get by fine with their love of the Lord and each other. They don't have much, but never having children of their own they decide to take Emmalee and her new baby into their home. They know Emmalee doesn't receive any form of support at home and they have enough love to help both of them get a start in life.

A turn of event puts a crimp in the plans to move Emmalee into Leona's home, setting Emmalee on a new path of self-discovery. Emmalee doesn't know much about mothering, but expects Leona to help her in this area. I have to tell you that Emmalee is not a good mother throughout the book and that was quite disturbing for me. I know she was young, but I do believe that some things just come natural for mothers. But I also know that if there isn't anyone to offer assistance parents can make big mistakes.

Although I was often frustrated with Emmalee, I also couldn't help wanting her to come out on top. I enjoyed reading this story and couldn't help but read certain parts over again that made me smile. With themes of motherhood, friendship, and losses, I'm sure many of you will enjoy this book as much as I did. I don't hesitate in recommending this novel for personal leisure or as a book club discussion. ( )

The Funeral Dress is a story of growing up poor in the South and a story of strong women. The book brings the time period and the place to life. Strong female characters in a book are always promising. I just waited for something unexpected that would make the book stand out, but that did not come.

Read my complete review at: http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2014/03/the-funeral-dress.html

*** Reviewed based on a copy received through a publisher’s giveaway *** ( )