Slow Poison: A Novel

by Sheila Bosworth

Rory Cade is summoned home from her book tour in New York by the housekeeper's cryptic Miss Cade passing. On the turbulent flight back to south Louisiana, Rory finds herself relating her family's past and its particular, poisonous brew of money, passion, infidelity, alcohol, religion, and Irish insanity. The Cades of Covington -- a dashing, drunken father; a mother and stepmother both dead at an early age; three young daughters raised in genteel chaos; a live-in grandmother and fiery maiden aunt. This broken, brave ménage and their attendant circle of friends, lovers, and servants are realized with amazing penetration and deftness in a stirring, stinging survey of the cruel, humorous, unpredictable human heart.

Genres: Fiction, Literature

336 pages, Paperback

First published February 25, 1992

Reviews

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was difficult going from Grau to this, as Grau's writing is so much more lyrical. Plus, the emblematic statement in the prologue and at the end, about only being able to get a proper old-fashioned in the South, and repetition of its composition of "some bourbon, some bitters, some sugar" was too heavy-handed for me. And while this novel was less romantic about the ramifications of heavy drinking and alcoholism, it still provided the leitmotif of the novel.
To be fair, though, I liked the main character, and I did generally care what happened to the characters. So I did want to read to the end.

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a great read. The story is narrated by the middle sister in a quirky southern family. She has a gift for describing life in the south, family relations, the eccentricities of the characters, and their interactions and situations within that family and those in their orbit. She also nails the whole culture of living in the south, right down to the climate, on the head. Loved this book and one I have on my bookshelf and re-read yearly.

[Laurean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crying and laughing

It's going to take me awhile to get over this sweet, bitter, harrowing tale of love, family, and lose. As a New Orleanian, I love books set in Louisiana with characters who, to others, seem exaggerated but absolutely are not. Sheila Bosworth's characters live and breath in and around New Orleans. Read this heartgrabbing book for a wild ride .

[Kschott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classic modern Southern novel. The name says it all.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was it comedy? Yes
Was it tragedy? Yes
Was it one of the most realistic and fascinating books I ever read? Yes!

[Della Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have had this on my shelf for several years--probably got it at a library book sale. The first time I tried to read it, I put it aside after a few pages, but then went back to it. After a few chapters I was hooked.

[Jennie Ridley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a southern book by a southern author. Quirky/crazy family of 3 girls who are so endearing but also infuriating at times. A few men play key roles as well but it’s really about the Cade women, their strength and handling of the messy life they’ve been given.

[Sally Loper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wish she had written more books. Truly a masterpiece. GreatWrter.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

The magnificent Sheila Bosworth has only written two books. Both are wonderful New Orleans slices of life. Each sentence is a treasure and I wish she would write more. But I guess that’s not gonna happen since these were written so long ago. I love this book and re-read it every three or four years. It never disappoints.

[Virginia Stapleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another treasure

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

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