Kate & Frida by Kim Fay

KATE & FRIDA by Kim Fay is a novel told in letters between a Seattle area bookseller and a wannabe war correspondent living in Paris, France. Set in the 1990s, the musings reflect the time period (war in Yugoslavia) as well as the life stage of the writers (twenty-something women with plenty of insecurities). These two connected accidentally and have never met, but they share impressions of family (including a beloved grandfather, Bumpa), career goals, and significant others; throughout, readers are able to share in their growing maturity (“We owe people who are suffering to savor everything good and beautiful we have in our lives. Not that we should deny bad things or turn our backs on them. But if suffering is contagious, then why isn't joy?”). This is a very quick and largely comforting read – like having a couple of close friends sharing happenings and memories, plus questions and even favorite foods, that are important to them. The illusions to many books and authors (just a sampling: Laurie Colwin (Happy All the Time), Mary Oliver, Judy Blume, Ramona books by Beverly Cleary, Madeline L’Engle (A Circle of Quiet), Wallace Stegner) is an added pleasure. Booklist describes KATE & FRIDA as an “immensely wise and enjoyable novel,” I concur and here is a brief example: bookseller Kate says, “I think being able to recommend the right book at the right time is one of the most important things I can do with my life.” Or “Every book is a conversation we can have around the world. Every book is a conversation we can have with ourselves.” 

Please also look for Fay’s Love & Saffron which is also told through letters, although set in the 1960s.