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Maude
In 1906, I was barely over fourteen years old, and it was my wedding day. My older sister, Helen, came to my room, took me by the hand, and sat me down on the bed. She opened her mouth to say something, but then her face flushed, and she turned her head to look out the window. After a second, she squeezed my hand and looked back in my eyes. She said, “You’ve always been a good girl, Maude, and done what I told you. Now, you’re going to be a married woman, and he will be the head of the house. When you go home tonight after your party, no matter what he wants to do to you, you have to let him do it. Do you understand?"
I didn’t understand, but I nodded my head anyway. It sounded strange to me, the way so many things did. I would do what she told me. I didn’t have a choice, any more than I had a choice in being born.
I didn’t understand, but I nodded my head anyway. It sounded strange to me, the way so many things did. I would do what she told me. I didn’t have a choice, any more than I had a choice in being born.
497 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 16, 2014
4230 people are currently reading
10432 people want to read
About the author
Donna Foley Mabry
45 books211 followersA Michigan native who studied writing in school, Donna first came to Vegas to make costumes and soon was weaving the stories she heard in the back of the girls' dressing room into her first novel. Now she is the author of The Alexandra Merritt Mysteries, which include 'The Last Two Aces in Las Vegas', 'The Las Vegas Desert Flower', 'The Las Vegas Special', 'Rough Ride in Vegas', 'M.I.A. Las Vegas' and 'The Las Vegas Sophisticate'. Her latest novel, 'The Vegas Tycoon' is also set in Las Vegas
Donna has written several other stand-alone novels, recent releases 'Kaleigh McKenna' and 'The Russell House', as well as 'Desperate Ambition', 'The Right Society', 'The Other Hand', 'Conversations with Skip', and an anthology, 'Killer Coffee and a Batch of Cookies'.
In addition to those stand-alones and others, Donna has a popular series of historical romances, 'The Manhattan Stories', and a series of female detective stories 'The Case Files of Molly Evers".
Her most popular novel, 'Maude', the story of her Grandmother, is a #1 best-seller on Amazon and spent 16 weeks on the Wall Street Journal's Top-10 list. 'Maude' is available as an audiobook, and is published in Italian, Russian and German. Donna is actively working on the screenplay for 'Maude'.
She has also written three screenplays, a stage play, poetry, short stories, and a children's story.
Donna lives in Henderson, Nevada, sharing her home with two cats and her dog, Abigale, all three shelter rescues. She has two children, a daughter in Las Vegas and a son in New York and a grandson who is the light of her life!
Donna still takes occasional classes at UNLV and at writer's conferences and is an active member of the Anthem Author's in Henderson, NV.
donnafoleymabry.com
facebook.com/donnafoleymabry
twitter.com/donnama12
Donna has written several other stand-alone novels, recent releases 'Kaleigh McKenna' and 'The Russell House', as well as 'Desperate Ambition', 'The Right Society', 'The Other Hand', 'Conversations with Skip', and an anthology, 'Killer Coffee and a Batch of Cookies'.
In addition to those stand-alones and others, Donna has a popular series of historical romances, 'The Manhattan Stories', and a series of female detective stories 'The Case Files of Molly Evers".
Her most popular novel, 'Maude', the story of her Grandmother, is a #1 best-seller on Amazon and spent 16 weeks on the Wall Street Journal's Top-10 list. 'Maude' is available as an audiobook, and is published in Italian, Russian and German. Donna is actively working on the screenplay for 'Maude'.
She has also written three screenplays, a stage play, poetry, short stories, and a children's story.
Donna lives in Henderson, Nevada, sharing her home with two cats and her dog, Abigale, all three shelter rescues. She has two children, a daughter in Las Vegas and a son in New York and a grandson who is the light of her life!
Donna still takes occasional classes at UNLV and at writer's conferences and is an active member of the Anthem Author's in Henderson, NV.
donnafoleymabry.com
facebook.com/donnafoleymabry
twitter.com/donnama12
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,996 reviews
January 10, 2015
What a tragic tale. This reads like a transcript of an oral story, which on some level it is. It's rife with details of American history, but the relentless sadness sometimes made me want to hurl the book across the room in anger, jump through time, and throttle several of the people depicted (sometimes Maude herself). It left a harrowed feeling, and while I truly appreciated the experience of reading it, I need to read something light and ridiculous now to get it out of my system. (The fact that it got into my system that deeply is a testament to the story's power.)
October 3, 2016
Donna Foley Mabry, author, and granddaughter of 'Maude', shares her grandmother's
story with compassion, dignity, sensitivity, and love.
Donna was just a little girl herself when she remembers Maude telling her bedtime stories.....of her own life. Maude was raised in Tennessee, later moved to Kennet, MO, later Detroit during the Great Depression --
Maude never told Donna stories in any chronological order - but would share whatever came into her thoughts - on any given night. Donna was fascinated. Her grandmothers stories made a permanent impact on her life.
It wasn't until Donna had a daughter of her own -passing down the same stories that her grandmother told her... that the idea to write book about Maude's life came about. Donna's daughter said to her mom.... "Why don't 'you' write a book about my great grandmother"?
Donna says this book is a dedication to 'her' daughter.
I was reminded - once again- the value of passing down family stories.
I listened to the audiobook. Kept me walking!!!
Donna Foley Mabry does the narration. She covers the years of Maude's life between the years of the early 1900's to the 60's.
Maude had a very difficult life. Her parents died in a fire - in their own house which burned down. Maude then went to live with her sister - who was married and pregnant. My god... nothing was easy. At one point, 'little' Maude was looking after her older sister - bedridden during her pregnancy -- (her sister had a stillborn baby before and was ordered to bed) . Maude was only a child. She worked hard at her sisters house taking of all the major house responsibilities....cooking, cleaning, mending, milking the cow, gardening, and looking after her older sister in bed.
By 15 years old ..she was told she must marry. Maude shares about her choices at the time -- they were heartbreaking choices. Can you imagine you sister telling you...."on your wedding night, you MUST do ANYTHING your husband wants to do to you". Her sister asked if she understood. She didn't, but said yes.
Maude was soon a widow at a young age-- later re-married.... gave birth to 6 children. It wasn't a marriage with love - but she stayed married for 40 years. Several of her children died before her. The story goes into details about her relationships with each of her different children: it's not all a pretty picture.
Small towns life in 1906: want to trade in your smart phone and busy life and step back in time?
EVERYONE went to Church. There were no Jews and no atheist. ... Most people owned chickens, had vegetable gardens, no restaurant in town, 1 store, home births, one doctor for the entire town, wood stoves, and out houses. ( no heated toilets)
Tragedy, loss, deaths, loneliness, many family hardships, deep sadness. Maude lived through two wars, the dust bowl, the depression, the Spanish influenza, and the rise of the automobile.
She lost both parents as a child - and lost children of her own.
With so much grief in this one women's life--she also demonstrated a sturdy strength. A fighter - when she saw an opening.....including fighting for the right of the women's vote. Maude was a woman with flaws. Given that Maude became clear in her older years that everything she learned growing up wasn't enough-- she was able to share her life with Donna in such a way...that Donna 'could' begin to see that her life - and her daughter's life - 'was' good enough!
A memorable biography that worked nicely as an audiobook. Really WONDERFUL...
Heartbreaking as can be -- but on the audiobook- was delivered in such a way -we felt it .... 'deeply'... yet not in a way I cried. Mostly I was left with admiration.
SOME PEOPLE ARE SIMPLY AMAZING!!! --- so many of *You*!!!!
SUPER HUGS TO MY FRIENDS! ..... these stories are touching and make us get that
touchy-feely-feeling!
story with compassion, dignity, sensitivity, and love.
Donna was just a little girl herself when she remembers Maude telling her bedtime stories.....of her own life. Maude was raised in Tennessee, later moved to Kennet, MO, later Detroit during the Great Depression --
Maude never told Donna stories in any chronological order - but would share whatever came into her thoughts - on any given night. Donna was fascinated. Her grandmothers stories made a permanent impact on her life.
It wasn't until Donna had a daughter of her own -passing down the same stories that her grandmother told her... that the idea to write book about Maude's life came about. Donna's daughter said to her mom.... "Why don't 'you' write a book about my great grandmother"?
Donna says this book is a dedication to 'her' daughter.
I was reminded - once again- the value of passing down family stories.
I listened to the audiobook. Kept me walking!!!
Donna Foley Mabry does the narration. She covers the years of Maude's life between the years of the early 1900's to the 60's.
Maude had a very difficult life. Her parents died in a fire - in their own house which burned down. Maude then went to live with her sister - who was married and pregnant. My god... nothing was easy. At one point, 'little' Maude was looking after her older sister - bedridden during her pregnancy -- (her sister had a stillborn baby before and was ordered to bed) . Maude was only a child. She worked hard at her sisters house taking of all the major house responsibilities....cooking, cleaning, mending, milking the cow, gardening, and looking after her older sister in bed.
By 15 years old ..she was told she must marry. Maude shares about her choices at the time -- they were heartbreaking choices. Can you imagine you sister telling you...."on your wedding night, you MUST do ANYTHING your husband wants to do to you". Her sister asked if she understood. She didn't, but said yes.
Maude was soon a widow at a young age-- later re-married.... gave birth to 6 children. It wasn't a marriage with love - but she stayed married for 40 years. Several of her children died before her. The story goes into details about her relationships with each of her different children: it's not all a pretty picture.
Small towns life in 1906: want to trade in your smart phone and busy life and step back in time?
EVERYONE went to Church. There were no Jews and no atheist. ... Most people owned chickens, had vegetable gardens, no restaurant in town, 1 store, home births, one doctor for the entire town, wood stoves, and out houses. ( no heated toilets)
Tragedy, loss, deaths, loneliness, many family hardships, deep sadness. Maude lived through two wars, the dust bowl, the depression, the Spanish influenza, and the rise of the automobile.
She lost both parents as a child - and lost children of her own.
With so much grief in this one women's life--she also demonstrated a sturdy strength. A fighter - when she saw an opening.....including fighting for the right of the women's vote. Maude was a woman with flaws. Given that Maude became clear in her older years that everything she learned growing up wasn't enough-- she was able to share her life with Donna in such a way...that Donna 'could' begin to see that her life - and her daughter's life - 'was' good enough!
A memorable biography that worked nicely as an audiobook. Really WONDERFUL...
Heartbreaking as can be -- but on the audiobook- was delivered in such a way -we felt it .... 'deeply'... yet not in a way I cried. Mostly I was left with admiration.
SOME PEOPLE ARE SIMPLY AMAZING!!! --- so many of *You*!!!!
SUPER HUGS TO MY FRIENDS! ..... these stories are touching and make us get that
touchy-feely-feeling!
September 2, 2020
3.5 Stars
Some books are just grounding. Maude was quite the reality check that life just ain’t that hard and we have so much to be grateful for compared to the women folk going back through the years.
Either these women were made of stronger stuff or I am just a total wuss but what a heartbreaking and tough life women like Maud endured, rarely having a say from the beginning of their lives to the end one the biggest monuments for me in this book was Maud’s conversation with her husband when in her 70s. After a long life of hardship she asks “ When do I get to retire” that above everything else alter all she endured really brought a tear to my eye. Some women never had/have the opportunity to retire from work.
This is the inspiring true story Of Maude and her life. It’s the history of a lot of our ancestors and their hardships and struggles just to provide the basics for their families. The story is set in the early part of the 20th century in rural America.
I enjoyed the story and the way it was written. I listened to this one on audible and I wasn't a fan of the narration but did enjoy the story.
Some books are just grounding. Maude was quite the reality check that life just ain’t that hard and we have so much to be grateful for compared to the women folk going back through the years.
Either these women were made of stronger stuff or I am just a total wuss but what a heartbreaking and tough life women like Maud endured, rarely having a say from the beginning of their lives to the end one the biggest monuments for me in this book was Maud’s conversation with her husband when in her 70s. After a long life of hardship she asks “ When do I get to retire” that above everything else alter all she endured really brought a tear to my eye. Some women never had/have the opportunity to retire from work.
This is the inspiring true story Of Maude and her life. It’s the history of a lot of our ancestors and their hardships and struggles just to provide the basics for their families. The story is set in the early part of the 20th century in rural America.
I enjoyed the story and the way it was written. I listened to this one on audible and I wasn't a fan of the narration but did enjoy the story.
December 20, 2014
Wow. Reading Maude reminded me of those Little House on the Prairie books I used to read as a kid. Only this is the reality version.
This is a book everyone should read. How many of us could have championed a life during Maude's period of life in America? Can you imagine if any of us had to wait 4 hours for an ambulance or er visit - today we'd be screaming injustices and suing everyone possible! Or - worse - what if the bank one day just decided to shut down with all of our $ in it??? There would be a national rage - looting, burning... We have become people who take no personal responsibility. Maude lived in a time where that is all they had - each other and their own two hard working hands. If you couldn't take care of your own family, you were pretty much screwed. There were no gov't programs to bail you out. No welfare programs to help you get by. This was also a time period of SO much change. Changes in technology, politics... Maude actually got to vote in the first election women were allowed to vote in. That wasn't all that long ago, really. 1920. And still, voting wasn't easy or entirely socially acceptable in those days either, even if it was made legal.
Maude's story is such an eye opener for those of us who have been lucky enough to have lived during relatively peaceful times. We also have conveniences we take for granted, such as indoor plumbing, furnaces and A/C, transportation, communication, appliances that do the work for us, refrigeration, etc etc etc. Things for women were difficult in the early 1900's, having nearly no rights whatsoever. Women HAD to get married to ensure their own livelihood, and it wasn't strange to marry someone you barely knew or to be forced into marriage at age 14.
My own Grandmother is gone now and I wish I could ask her what her life was like without bathrooms and cars and telephones and tv when she was young. Thank you Donna Mabry for sharing your Grandmother's story. You were very fortunate that she was willing to express her stories to you. What a gift. I appreciated the honesty and sincerity in your writing. It made me giggle sometimes - Maude's frustration with George and her urges to smack him. It's not funny, but - he deserved it at times! It also made me groan quite a bit - the times I knew something bad was coming or already had and Maude had to figure out how to deal with it. It was an emotional read, particularly knowing that most of it really happened. The author states in the foreword that some events were made up but most of it, I'm assuming the big events, really happened the way she writes it. Heartbreaking in so many ways, too. Just...wow.
Definitely a five star read and one I would not just recommend, but highly encourage others to read. Though almost 500 pages long, it doesn't feel like it and didn't take me long to get through since I wanted to be reading as much as possible and thought about it during times in between. This will not be a book I will have devoured and then forget - for probably a long time to come. Very powerful. Every moment of it.
This is a book everyone should read. How many of us could have championed a life during Maude's period of life in America? Can you imagine if any of us had to wait 4 hours for an ambulance or er visit - today we'd be screaming injustices and suing everyone possible! Or - worse - what if the bank one day just decided to shut down with all of our $ in it??? There would be a national rage - looting, burning... We have become people who take no personal responsibility. Maude lived in a time where that is all they had - each other and their own two hard working hands. If you couldn't take care of your own family, you were pretty much screwed. There were no gov't programs to bail you out. No welfare programs to help you get by. This was also a time period of SO much change. Changes in technology, politics... Maude actually got to vote in the first election women were allowed to vote in. That wasn't all that long ago, really. 1920. And still, voting wasn't easy or entirely socially acceptable in those days either, even if it was made legal.
Maude's story is such an eye opener for those of us who have been lucky enough to have lived during relatively peaceful times. We also have conveniences we take for granted, such as indoor plumbing, furnaces and A/C, transportation, communication, appliances that do the work for us, refrigeration, etc etc etc. Things for women were difficult in the early 1900's, having nearly no rights whatsoever. Women HAD to get married to ensure their own livelihood, and it wasn't strange to marry someone you barely knew or to be forced into marriage at age 14.
My own Grandmother is gone now and I wish I could ask her what her life was like without bathrooms and cars and telephones and tv when she was young. Thank you Donna Mabry for sharing your Grandmother's story. You were very fortunate that she was willing to express her stories to you. What a gift. I appreciated the honesty and sincerity in your writing. It made me giggle sometimes - Maude's frustration with George and her urges to smack him. It's not funny, but - he deserved it at times! It also made me groan quite a bit - the times I knew something bad was coming or already had and Maude had to figure out how to deal with it. It was an emotional read, particularly knowing that most of it really happened. The author states in the foreword that some events were made up but most of it, I'm assuming the big events, really happened the way she writes it. Heartbreaking in so many ways, too. Just...wow.
Definitely a five star read and one I would not just recommend, but highly encourage others to read. Though almost 500 pages long, it doesn't feel like it and didn't take me long to get through since I wanted to be reading as much as possible and thought about it during times in between. This will not be a book I will have devoured and then forget - for probably a long time to come. Very powerful. Every moment of it.
January 1, 2015
A sad story
I gave this book three stars because I wanted to set it down several times. It was plain white rice for most of the way through but I kept reading nonetheless. It's just a sad story, much like many people's lives suppose. If I can take away anything it would be to never settle for just existing. Live, love, take chances, accept change and challenge. Never ever settle.
I gave this book three stars because I wanted to set it down several times. It was plain white rice for most of the way through but I kept reading nonetheless. It's just a sad story, much like many people's lives suppose. If I can take away anything it would be to never settle for just existing. Live, love, take chances, accept change and challenge. Never ever settle.
December 31, 2014
Worth more than you paid!
I'm not one to write reviews or even choose books with a more historical setting. One day I was just looking for a well-rated cheap book and the excerpt for Maude caught my attention. I bought the book and was in for a wonderful surprise. This book is one of the best books I've read in awhile. Maude's life not only brings to life the woman's role and culture but how technology, medicine, and culture changed through time. Maude's life is also so compelling that you develop an admiration for her will to keep going and remain hopeful and faithful. I can't imagine going through what this woman encountered. I recommend this book to any person looking for something to read. You won't be disappointed.
I'm not one to write reviews or even choose books with a more historical setting. One day I was just looking for a well-rated cheap book and the excerpt for Maude caught my attention. I bought the book and was in for a wonderful surprise. This book is one of the best books I've read in awhile. Maude's life not only brings to life the woman's role and culture but how technology, medicine, and culture changed through time. Maude's life is also so compelling that you develop an admiration for her will to keep going and remain hopeful and faithful. I can't imagine going through what this woman encountered. I recommend this book to any person looking for something to read. You won't be disappointed.
January 2, 2015
I wanted to like the book and I did in some ways. I just wondered if some of Maude' s children's behavior was related to her self confessed rejection of them even in infancy. I hate to think that Bud or Paul ever knew how she really felt about them though I suspect they knew. I don't think she made any effort to hide her favoritism. I kept hoping for some redemptive qualities to develop but for me, they did not. It was a tragic life that never improved and actually accelerated downhill at an amazing fast pace. I feel sad now that the book has ended but not because it has ended but rather that an entire family can suffer such great loss and tragedy...it's depressing.
January 8, 2015
I loved Maude
I devoured this book. Hard to put down. Maude is a powerhouse of strength and fortitude. Her pioneer spirit rings so true, and her reactions to events in history are priceless. Would we all be so blessed with a Maude in our ancestry. The author treated Maude with the utmost respect and love in writing this hard scrabble life, including events from the depression, women's right to vote, war, marriage, birth and death. Bravo, Ms. Mabry, one more devoted fan of your writing.
I devoured this book. Hard to put down. Maude is a powerhouse of strength and fortitude. Her pioneer spirit rings so true, and her reactions to events in history are priceless. Would we all be so blessed with a Maude in our ancestry. The author treated Maude with the utmost respect and love in writing this hard scrabble life, including events from the depression, women's right to vote, war, marriage, birth and death. Bravo, Ms. Mabry, one more devoted fan of your writing.
February 23, 2015
Oh, I think it's a book everyone should read. I do. It's a simply-written book and reads very fast. So much of Maude's life is unthinkable to us now... an early marriage at 14, a second marriage to avoid gossip, walking across a state to be near family, or sewing your own underwear. It was barely a hundred years ago, but you feel like you are learning about a different world. A world where you can't simply buy a new jacket for winter or refuse the wealthy older neighbor's proposal.
We live a life of quiet (or not so quiet) convenience and the hardships- the normality- of this book are completely foreign to us now. It's an honest book and it forces one to look at their own abilities and blessings as Maude gives thanks for hers throughout.
We live a life of quiet (or not so quiet) convenience and the hardships- the normality- of this book are completely foreign to us now. It's an honest book and it forces one to look at their own abilities and blessings as Maude gives thanks for hers throughout.
December 2, 2014
Maude is a MUST read!
I loved this story! It is for anyone who is familiar with or who has family or friends who grew up during this time. I couldn't put it down and read it in two days _ just reading at bedtime. Fantastic!
I loved this story! It is for anyone who is familiar with or who has family or friends who grew up during this time. I couldn't put it down and read it in two days _ just reading at bedtime. Fantastic!
February 20, 2015
This book is based on the true story of the life of the author's grandmother, Maude Foley, who was born in 1892, and died during the 1960's. While most of the story is true, it is classified as fiction because the author states that there were instances that she had to fictionalize, such as gaps in memories, or recounting conversations that she was not a witness to.
The story opens on Maude's wedding day, when she was only 14 years old. Maude did not have an easy life, but she was a true survivor, and a strong woman who gave of herself to others. It also spans the lives of her children. I thought it was very interesting to read how she went from using a horse and buggy for transportation, and having to use an outhouse, to living with indoor plumbing and electricity and riding in automobiles. We also see the social changes that happened during that time through her eyes, such as women winning the right to vote, and going through two world wars.
This was a fascinating story, and I really enjoyed it. The author's writing style really reminded me of the Little House on the Prairie series, especially the parts of the story set in the 1890's and early 1900's.
The story opens on Maude's wedding day, when she was only 14 years old. Maude did not have an easy life, but she was a true survivor, and a strong woman who gave of herself to others. It also spans the lives of her children. I thought it was very interesting to read how she went from using a horse and buggy for transportation, and having to use an outhouse, to living with indoor plumbing and electricity and riding in automobiles. We also see the social changes that happened during that time through her eyes, such as women winning the right to vote, and going through two world wars.
This was a fascinating story, and I really enjoyed it. The author's writing style really reminded me of the Little House on the Prairie series, especially the parts of the story set in the 1890's and early 1900's.
January 22, 2018
This is one of those stories that stays with you long after the last page is finished.
I was hooked almost from the start. The story resonates because of its an honest appraisal of the events Maude endured. Her life was fraught with challenges and each time she faced her situation with courage and persistent tenacity. This woman had great character but she was also human and though her thoughts or actions may not seem be the most acceptable (at the moment but you would probably have the exact same reaction), she consistently sees herself with great clarity and her flaws and tries to atone for behavior she finds unacceptable in herself. The challenges she endured would make most people bitter and angry. It is her faith in God (not religion but her personal faith), kept her sane and kind, even toward those who misused her. Though faith is key component in her actions, it is by no means preachy or off putting to the reader.
I listened to the audio book, I found the reader, Shana Gannon participation enhanced the story. I was so enthralled by her depictions of people by using different inflections and pace to be a bonus to an already great book. She brought the characters to life!
I read more than 200 books a year, I don't remember details unless the story is exceptional. It is rare for me to listen to an audio book, though it has been more than a year after listening, this story is more vivid in my recollection than many books I read a month ago, I suspect it will be one which will stay with me for a long time to come.
I was hooked almost from the start. The story resonates because of its an honest appraisal of the events Maude endured. Her life was fraught with challenges and each time she faced her situation with courage and persistent tenacity. This woman had great character but she was also human and though her thoughts or actions may not seem be the most acceptable (at the moment but you would probably have the exact same reaction), she consistently sees herself with great clarity and her flaws and tries to atone for behavior she finds unacceptable in herself. The challenges she endured would make most people bitter and angry. It is her faith in God (not religion but her personal faith), kept her sane and kind, even toward those who misused her. Though faith is key component in her actions, it is by no means preachy or off putting to the reader.
I listened to the audio book, I found the reader, Shana Gannon participation enhanced the story. I was so enthralled by her depictions of people by using different inflections and pace to be a bonus to an already great book. She brought the characters to life!
I read more than 200 books a year, I don't remember details unless the story is exceptional. It is rare for me to listen to an audio book, though it has been more than a year after listening, this story is more vivid in my recollection than many books I read a month ago, I suspect it will be one which will stay with me for a long time to come.
Read
December 29, 2014Whew. It is kind of hard to believe that one person's life could be so very tragic.
May 4, 2015
I have so many horrible thoughts about this book and I'm going to write a bad review. I'm hesitating just because I think it's an incredible skill to write a book and get it published, I'm sure the author worked very hard and I hate to be the voice of doom telling her that it wasn't good enough. But, I wouldn't want someone to read it without knowing that they were headed down a dark dark path. I can only hope this the compilation of these stories means something to the family.
Maude is the story of a young woman growing up in a different time. These apparently are stories that were told to the author by her grandmother over time. It starts off with Maude becoming an orphan after a house fire takes both of her parents. She then lives with her much older sister who is not really well enough to do all the work that keeping a house in the late 1800-early 1900s involves. Oh yeah, and the man of the house doesn't really want her there. She's 7. I thought it was going to be a book about growing up in her time, about learning to help her loved ones, the skills that she had to possess, the limited amount of learning that was available to her...the culture. It wasn't. It was one woman's horror story.
*SPOILER*...kinda.
Maude moves through 2 marriages, death of loved ones, 5 kids, 2 mother-in-laws, a couple towns, the Depression, and all kinds of struggles along the way. And here's the spoiler part...none of it is good. Everyone dies, there is disease, poverty, mean people, hard work, death, a bad marriage, more death, drinking, another death...blah!
End Spoiler.
I understand that our lives are a great combination of ups and downs and no one is all one thing or the other. However, I couldn't tell you what blessings this woman had in her life other than the birth of each and every child her in life. But those kids grow up and bring disappointment in one way or another. She had her faith, which was barely touched on in this book, but apparently guided her life.
In the end, Maude dies. (sorry, that's not a spoiler, right?) Our author tells about wanting to take a couple of mementos from her grandmother's home only to find out that some horrible ex-relation has already scavenged the goods. Not many family members remain alive and the author touches on the poor endings that they find...but as an aside because clearly she had no interest in following up with them. Things didn't come to a conclusion. There was no "despite the struggles that my grandmother endured, she faced them all with strength of character and love for mankind. she relied on her faith which saw her through at the end. she will be mourned greatly and remembered by many whose lives she touched"...or such. It's just like falling off a cliff.
I didn't even think that Maude was all that interesting. Sure, the tale told of a century that few of us will be able to grasp and THAT was interesting. But Maude was judgemental and unforgiving. She allowed life to happen TO her, not taking control of her own role. She cooked and cleaned apparently with extreme skill, but she didn't love or communicate or try to improve her world.
When I finished this book, I was seriously depressed. I ranted to my book friend, took a long walk in the sunshine and ate a whole bar of chocolate. Then I watched a movie with a sappy-happy ending and tried to let the disappointment lift. As you can tell, I'm not over it yet.
Maude is the story of a young woman growing up in a different time. These apparently are stories that were told to the author by her grandmother over time. It starts off with Maude becoming an orphan after a house fire takes both of her parents. She then lives with her much older sister who is not really well enough to do all the work that keeping a house in the late 1800-early 1900s involves. Oh yeah, and the man of the house doesn't really want her there. She's 7. I thought it was going to be a book about growing up in her time, about learning to help her loved ones, the skills that she had to possess, the limited amount of learning that was available to her...the culture. It wasn't. It was one woman's horror story.
*SPOILER*...kinda.
Maude moves through 2 marriages, death of loved ones, 5 kids, 2 mother-in-laws, a couple towns, the Depression, and all kinds of struggles along the way. And here's the spoiler part...none of it is good. Everyone dies, there is disease, poverty, mean people, hard work, death, a bad marriage, more death, drinking, another death...blah!
End Spoiler.
I understand that our lives are a great combination of ups and downs and no one is all one thing or the other. However, I couldn't tell you what blessings this woman had in her life other than the birth of each and every child her in life. But those kids grow up and bring disappointment in one way or another. She had her faith, which was barely touched on in this book, but apparently guided her life.
In the end, Maude dies. (sorry, that's not a spoiler, right?) Our author tells about wanting to take a couple of mementos from her grandmother's home only to find out that some horrible ex-relation has already scavenged the goods. Not many family members remain alive and the author touches on the poor endings that they find...but as an aside because clearly she had no interest in following up with them. Things didn't come to a conclusion. There was no "despite the struggles that my grandmother endured, she faced them all with strength of character and love for mankind. she relied on her faith which saw her through at the end. she will be mourned greatly and remembered by many whose lives she touched"...or such. It's just like falling off a cliff.
I didn't even think that Maude was all that interesting. Sure, the tale told of a century that few of us will be able to grasp and THAT was interesting. But Maude was judgemental and unforgiving. She allowed life to happen TO her, not taking control of her own role. She cooked and cleaned apparently with extreme skill, but she didn't love or communicate or try to improve her world.
When I finished this book, I was seriously depressed. I ranted to my book friend, took a long walk in the sunshine and ate a whole bar of chocolate. Then I watched a movie with a sappy-happy ending and tried to let the disappointment lift. As you can tell, I'm not over it yet.
February 10, 2015
I can't stop thinking about this book - and I really don't know what to make of it. It's the story of the author's grandmother's life, as she apparently told it to her granddaughter over the course of years. Amazing, fascinating, grapes-of-wrath tale. The writing's not great - but whose writing is it, exactly? and it's nonetheless very and oddly effective. I felt as if I had found someone's journal and couldn't not read it, incredulous, unable to imagine what would come next.
Though it's altogether different from most books I like, I recommend "Maude."
Though it's altogether different from most books I like, I recommend "Maude."
Read
March 26, 2016Maude was our book club's book of the month for February. It took me a pretty long time to finish it because I found myself needing a break after some of the chapters.
To say that this book is sad is an understatement. The story is miserable in an Angela's Ashes sort of way. I find Maude's life very interesting, though, and the story was told in a way that kept me going despite the heavy, heartache-y feeling that each chapter brought on.
I likely won't read this one again, but I'd still say that it's a good read. If you like tragic life stories, this one's for you.
To say that this book is sad is an understatement. The story is miserable in an Angela's Ashes sort of way. I find Maude's life very interesting, though, and the story was told in a way that kept me going despite the heavy, heartache-y feeling that each chapter brought on.
I likely won't read this one again, but I'd still say that it's a good read. If you like tragic life stories, this one's for you.
February 18, 2015
Wow, that is all I can say as I just finished this book. Some of the reviews described this book as sad, well it is sad, but what a strong woman Maude was. When you thought her life really couldn't get any worse, well it did. Her strong belief in God really led her through some very difficult times. In her case that was most of her life. I highly recommend reading this but find the positive in her story. It really is inspiring.
January 13, 2016
An interesting story but poorly written.
This was a fascinating story that gives a lot of detail about a woman's life from the early 1900s to her death in the latter part of the century. It was an easy read but there could have a lot more proofreading. There were several instances where it was unclear what was happening.
This was a fascinating story that gives a lot of detail about a woman's life from the early 1900s to her death in the latter part of the century. It was an easy read but there could have a lot more proofreading. There were several instances where it was unclear what was happening.
March 1, 2020
Amateurish biography
Although I generally like this type of story, it was too repetitious. I was getting depressed reading about this poor woman's sad life of poverty, pure slog work, and general unhappiness. I realize that this reflected the times that she lived, but could the woman get a break?! I'm surprised that she didn't just up and leave her family--it couldn't have been worse. Don't read this unless you like being depressed. Even the end of her life stunk.
Although I generally like this type of story, it was too repetitious. I was getting depressed reading about this poor woman's sad life of poverty, pure slog work, and general unhappiness. I realize that this reflected the times that she lived, but could the woman get a break?! I'm surprised that she didn't just up and leave her family--it couldn't have been worse. Don't read this unless you like being depressed. Even the end of her life stunk.
April 28, 2015
***Spoilers***
Amazon suggested this to me based on my interest in something else, and it seemed like something I'd be into, so I went with it. It's not a terrible book. The writing is simple, but I could easily hear my 92-year-old grandmother in her words. My grandma grew up in poverty during the Depression and didn't finish high school till she was a grown mother of grown children. If she was to sit down and write her story, it would be a good story but not a work of literature. My grandma is funny as heck though, and sassy. It wouldn’t be a great work of literature, but it would be full of her delightful character. Maybe it’s not fair to compare my grandma with Maude but this isn’t about fairness; it’s about my experience with the book. It’s not meant to be an objective review.
When I started reading, I was drawn in right away. I stayed up till two in the morning reading the first half of the book and couldn’t wait to get back to the second half. But then it lost me. Misery followed with misery followed with misery. I think this would be a fantastic book to read if I was Maude’s granddaughter or great-granddaughter but as an unrelated outsider, I needed a better ending. Not having any personal connection with Maude, I had a hard time accepting her personality flaws. She came across as a mean, bitter old lady who played favorites and raised the children she created, blaming their faults on everyone but herself. (She did begrudgingly acknowledge that she might have had some part in it toward the end.) I can’t really judge her as a person because she didn’t write her own story, and I can’t apply my own values to a person from another time and place. But when reading a book for entertainment, I want to be able to like the main character. And I had a hard time with that.
In the end, I felt like I’d just read Ethan Frome all over again. But I had to do that for school. Didn't have to read this, so it felt like a betrayal. Two stars because I liked the first half of the book.
Amazon suggested this to me based on my interest in something else, and it seemed like something I'd be into, so I went with it. It's not a terrible book. The writing is simple, but I could easily hear my 92-year-old grandmother in her words. My grandma grew up in poverty during the Depression and didn't finish high school till she was a grown mother of grown children. If she was to sit down and write her story, it would be a good story but not a work of literature. My grandma is funny as heck though, and sassy. It wouldn’t be a great work of literature, but it would be full of her delightful character. Maybe it’s not fair to compare my grandma with Maude but this isn’t about fairness; it’s about my experience with the book. It’s not meant to be an objective review.
When I started reading, I was drawn in right away. I stayed up till two in the morning reading the first half of the book and couldn’t wait to get back to the second half. But then it lost me. Misery followed with misery followed with misery. I think this would be a fantastic book to read if I was Maude’s granddaughter or great-granddaughter but as an unrelated outsider, I needed a better ending. Not having any personal connection with Maude, I had a hard time accepting her personality flaws. She came across as a mean, bitter old lady who played favorites and raised the children she created, blaming their faults on everyone but herself. (She did begrudgingly acknowledge that she might have had some part in it toward the end.) I can’t really judge her as a person because she didn’t write her own story, and I can’t apply my own values to a person from another time and place. But when reading a book for entertainment, I want to be able to like the main character. And I had a hard time with that.
In the end, I felt like I’d just read Ethan Frome all over again. But I had to do that for school. Didn't have to read this, so it felt like a betrayal. Two stars because I liked the first half of the book.
August 24, 2016
"Maude," by Donna Mabry, is one of the best books I've ever read. Based on stories her grandmother told her about her life, Maude is told in first person so you get a feeling for this woman. Her life was filled with challenges, unbearable heartbreak, and blessings of love and faith that supported this resilient woman from the late 1800s through the mid twentieth century. You can't help but admire this woman, and I for one am grateful to Ms. Mabry for writing her story down and sharing it with the rest of us. I highly recommend this book.
December 25, 2014
I enjoyed it, but I don't think everyone will. It's about a woman born in the 1800s in a small, poor town in Tennessee. It's about the hard life of women then,(she was born before electricity and running water) an unaffectionate husband, the tragedy of loosing babies and children, and included some U.S. history. I thought it was actually interesting all the way through it and it didn't drag out too much. It made me thankful once again for all the modern conveniences we have.
February 13, 2015
Loved this story of a wonderful tribute to a grandmother from her granddaughter. This book is fascinating historically as well as Maude's life being so sad, yet interesting. A must read!
February 23, 2015
I just finished this book 10 minutes ago. What an epic story of American life! What an emotional roller coaster. I just wish it had ended on a happier note. Maude was inspiring in the way she kept going. She was such a decent, resilient person, but after a certain point, her efforts to withstand setbacks weren't enough. The book ends on a down note, and yet, I feel as if I have done something patriotic by reading it, by witnessing her life as told by her beloved granddaughter, Donna Mabry. And of course, the fact that Donna wrote it is comforting to me as a reader.
There's a lot of talk about the 99% in this country. This is the story of a stellar woman firmly ensconced in that 99%, strong and respectable, ethical to the hilt, loving and loyal and hard-working right to the end. We should build a monument to the Maudes of America; without them, our country wouldn't have survived. Thanks to Donna Mabry for this heartfelt and well-written story.
There's a lot of talk about the 99% in this country. This is the story of a stellar woman firmly ensconced in that 99%, strong and respectable, ethical to the hilt, loving and loyal and hard-working right to the end. We should build a monument to the Maudes of America; without them, our country wouldn't have survived. Thanks to Donna Mabry for this heartfelt and well-written story.
April 1, 2015
This was a Free Kindle book that I read based on the many good user reviews it received. It's a realistic portrayal of a woman living in hard times - and boy, was her life miserable and depressing. The writing style is amateurish and the characters are very two-dimensional. Lots of religious undertones but that didn't seem to have much bearing on the main character's negative thinking/behavior towards some of her children and others. The story was too depressing and didn't provide much insight or lessons learned. Another reviewer had mentioned it was like reading someone's diary - I agree.
January 30, 2015
A life lived and love lost and found
A story of a life lived, loved, and mourned.
It was heartbreaking and devastating at times. At others it was full of the beautiful and mundane things that add a richness to life.
The book was well written, though rushed at the end.
A story of a life lived, loved, and mourned.
It was heartbreaking and devastating at times. At others it was full of the beautiful and mundane things that add a richness to life.
The book was well written, though rushed at the end.
March 3, 2019
This book is now one of my all-time favorites. I stayed up, just about needing toothpicks to keep my eyeballs open, to finish it. I didn't want it to end.
As I read this book, memories of my own grandmother flooded my mind. When Donna talks about her grandmother washing clothes, cooking, taking care of children and grandchildren, cleaning, and sewing, I immediately pictured my own little grandmother who never sat still for a minute, and if she was sitting, you can bet she was sewing or doing something else constructive. My own grandmother was born in 1901, so they were not that far apart in age. Washing every article of clothing by hand, having a huge garden and "putting it all up" to get through the winter, raising livestock, and "getting by" when times were really tough - both Maude and my grandma did all of that.
Maude lived an amazing life and I cannot thank her granddaughter, Donna Foley Mabry, enough for writing this memoir. At the beginning of the book, Maude is a young girl of 14, who has already suffered through tragedy and who is about to get married. Her older sister, Helen, sits on the bed with her and begins trying to tell her little sister what to expect. The year is 1906. Donna writes from Maude's point of view as she listens to Helen:
“You’ve always been a good girl, Maude, and done what I told you. Now, you’re going to be a married woman, and he will be the head of the house. When you go home tonight after your party, no matter what he wants to do to you, you have to let him do it. Do you understand?” I didn’t understand, but I nodded my head anyway. It sounded strange to me, the way so many things did. I would do what she told me. I didn’t have a choice, any more than I had a choice in being born."
Donna tells Maude's stories by using Maude's own words - words she said to Donna as she told her stories before bedtime when Donna was a little girl.
This first marriage turned out to be a great one. However, tragedy seems to follow Maude all of her days and this would be no exception. Although she would eventually remarry, it always seemed to me that Maude continued to love her first husband, the love of her life. The second marriage brings a slew of tragedies with it.
Maude survived what most of us would consider the unsurvivable. She clung to her faith even as she got angry with God for giving her more than her fair share of horrific things to get through. She worked her fingers to the bone, day in and day out, always for her family.
Donna's mother, Evelyn, was not cut out for motherhood (that's putting it mildly). Maude, however, showers Donna with love all of her life.
The only thing I was wishing for was more photos. I wasn't expecting photos at all, but there were a few at the end of the book, putting faces to the people I had fallen in love with. They touched me greatly, and I hungered for more.
As I read this book, memories of my own grandmother flooded my mind. When Donna talks about her grandmother washing clothes, cooking, taking care of children and grandchildren, cleaning, and sewing, I immediately pictured my own little grandmother who never sat still for a minute, and if she was sitting, you can bet she was sewing or doing something else constructive. My own grandmother was born in 1901, so they were not that far apart in age. Washing every article of clothing by hand, having a huge garden and "putting it all up" to get through the winter, raising livestock, and "getting by" when times were really tough - both Maude and my grandma did all of that.
Maude lived an amazing life and I cannot thank her granddaughter, Donna Foley Mabry, enough for writing this memoir. At the beginning of the book, Maude is a young girl of 14, who has already suffered through tragedy and who is about to get married. Her older sister, Helen, sits on the bed with her and begins trying to tell her little sister what to expect. The year is 1906. Donna writes from Maude's point of view as she listens to Helen:
“You’ve always been a good girl, Maude, and done what I told you. Now, you’re going to be a married woman, and he will be the head of the house. When you go home tonight after your party, no matter what he wants to do to you, you have to let him do it. Do you understand?” I didn’t understand, but I nodded my head anyway. It sounded strange to me, the way so many things did. I would do what she told me. I didn’t have a choice, any more than I had a choice in being born."
Donna tells Maude's stories by using Maude's own words - words she said to Donna as she told her stories before bedtime when Donna was a little girl.
This first marriage turned out to be a great one. However, tragedy seems to follow Maude all of her days and this would be no exception. Although she would eventually remarry, it always seemed to me that Maude continued to love her first husband, the love of her life. The second marriage brings a slew of tragedies with it.
Maude survived what most of us would consider the unsurvivable. She clung to her faith even as she got angry with God for giving her more than her fair share of horrific things to get through. She worked her fingers to the bone, day in and day out, always for her family.
Donna's mother, Evelyn, was not cut out for motherhood (that's putting it mildly). Maude, however, showers Donna with love all of her life.
The only thing I was wishing for was more photos. I wasn't expecting photos at all, but there were a few at the end of the book, putting faces to the people I had fallen in love with. They touched me greatly, and I hungered for more.
November 17, 2015
da ww.sogni pensieriparole.com
Libro triste, anzi, tristissimo, senza un finale edulcorato, ma lo sapevo in partenza.
Alla fine non è che la vita (vera) di una donna qualunque (ma non per questo meno straordinaria) dall'infanzia alla vecchiaia, attraverso due matrimoni, cinque figli, la prima guerra mondiale, l'epidemia di spagnola, la povertà, la Grande Depressione, la seconda guerra mondiale.
Maude è una bambina di otto anni quando rimane orfana e viene "promossa" all'età adulta: se vuole essere mantenuta dai parenti deve guadagnarsi il pane come tutti, non importa se lei non sa nulla della vita e se c'è ancora la scuola.
La sua esistenza è scandita da parti in casa, lavoro duro, ma anche da aborti, lutti, persone amate da vegliare e da avvolgere in una copertina prima di seppellirle per sempre. Sono piccoli eventi, di cui resta magari anche solo il nome di un neonato scritto sulla Bibbia di famiglia, che però si fondono con la Storia che intanto continua inesorabile a svolgersi intorno.
A tratti mi è parso quasi inconcepibile accettare il destino di questa donna che vive chiedendo a Dio ogni giorno la forza per andare avanti, che desidera l'amore vero e un po' d'affetto e che sopravvive a tutti quelli che ama.
Sono stata male per lei, per l'ingiustizia, per l'ineluttabilità, per il suo dolore. Ma poi ho pensato a tutte le Maude che sono vissute, che hanno sperato, pregato, imprecato e sono rimaste sconosciute.
Una lettura in certi punti straziante ma quasi catartica, per capire quanto è piena e intensa la nostra banale esistenza senza che vi prestiamo attenzione.
Credo che una nonna non avrebbe potuto desiderare una celebrazione postuma migliore: complimenti, Donna.
Quando si dice non dimenticare le proprie radici. Credo che una nonna non avrebbe potuto desiderare una celebrazione postuma: complimenti, Donna.
Quando si dice non dimenticare le proprie radici.
Libro triste, anzi, tristissimo, senza un finale edulcorato, ma lo sapevo in partenza.
Alla fine non è che la vita (vera) di una donna qualunque (ma non per questo meno straordinaria) dall'infanzia alla vecchiaia, attraverso due matrimoni, cinque figli, la prima guerra mondiale, l'epidemia di spagnola, la povertà, la Grande Depressione, la seconda guerra mondiale.
Maude è una bambina di otto anni quando rimane orfana e viene "promossa" all'età adulta: se vuole essere mantenuta dai parenti deve guadagnarsi il pane come tutti, non importa se lei non sa nulla della vita e se c'è ancora la scuola.
La sua esistenza è scandita da parti in casa, lavoro duro, ma anche da aborti, lutti, persone amate da vegliare e da avvolgere in una copertina prima di seppellirle per sempre. Sono piccoli eventi, di cui resta magari anche solo il nome di un neonato scritto sulla Bibbia di famiglia, che però si fondono con la Storia che intanto continua inesorabile a svolgersi intorno.
A tratti mi è parso quasi inconcepibile accettare il destino di questa donna che vive chiedendo a Dio ogni giorno la forza per andare avanti, che desidera l'amore vero e un po' d'affetto e che sopravvive a tutti quelli che ama.
Sono stata male per lei, per l'ingiustizia, per l'ineluttabilità, per il suo dolore. Ma poi ho pensato a tutte le Maude che sono vissute, che hanno sperato, pregato, imprecato e sono rimaste sconosciute.
Una lettura in certi punti straziante ma quasi catartica, per capire quanto è piena e intensa la nostra banale esistenza senza che vi prestiamo attenzione.
Credo che una nonna non avrebbe potuto desiderare una celebrazione postuma migliore: complimenti, Donna.
Quando si dice non dimenticare le proprie radici. Credo che una nonna non avrebbe potuto desiderare una celebrazione postuma: complimenti, Donna.
Quando si dice non dimenticare le proprie radici.
March 20, 2015
Picked this up and it was easy to get into.
This is a very as I said before easy book to get into. The story of a woman growing up during the 2 world wars and the Great Depression times.
It is the story of how she lived and you'd think it might be boring but weirdly enough it was not at all.
What I liked was that the main character had a lot of flaws and was quite cold and stubborn in her ways but I like that. I am sick of all the women in books that are sweet and gorgeous and very dependent or in the teen books from now very tough but always in love with 2 men (boys) and the biggest problem is which boy to go for. ;)
No Maude could be a real bitch sometimes. I have also always been interested in people that lived during that time, .meaning being young adults during the first world war and then go through the second one a few decades later.
Enjoyed
This is a very as I said before easy book to get into. The story of a woman growing up during the 2 world wars and the Great Depression times.
It is the story of how she lived and you'd think it might be boring but weirdly enough it was not at all.
What I liked was that the main character had a lot of flaws and was quite cold and stubborn in her ways but I like that. I am sick of all the women in books that are sweet and gorgeous and very dependent or in the teen books from now very tough but always in love with 2 men (boys) and the biggest problem is which boy to go for. ;)
No Maude could be a real bitch sometimes. I have also always been interested in people that lived during that time, .meaning being young adults during the first world war and then go through the second one a few decades later.
Enjoyed
June 11, 2018
The author wrote this memoir about her grandmother who used to put her to bed with wild real-life stories. The book reads like a novel or at least an autobiography. The tale commenses with her wedding day at age 14. It is a spartan tale of America in the a 1920s and beyond. Maude have a loving first marriage and a loveless second. She experiences unimaginable and frequent loses. In response, she just keeps putting one foot in front of the other.
She and her family are dirt poor and they all experience intense deprivation. She is maligned by some, loved by others, and is not shy of makiing her own mistakes. You hope she will stand up for herself, leaves her husband, and finds some kindness. I will leave it to future readers to find out if she acheives these things. Her story is a testiment to the reciliancy of the human spirit.
She and her family are dirt poor and they all experience intense deprivation. She is maligned by some, loved by others, and is not shy of makiing her own mistakes. You hope she will stand up for herself, leaves her husband, and finds some kindness. I will leave it to future readers to find out if she acheives these things. Her story is a testiment to the reciliancy of the human spirit.
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