Dragonfly Notes: On Distance and Loss

by Anne Panning

When a seemingly routine medical procedure results in her mother's premature death, Anne Panning is left reeling. In her first full-length memoir, the celebrated essayist and short story writer draws on decades of memory and experience, piecing together hard truths about her own past and her mother's. We follow Panning's winding path from rural Minnesota to the riverbanks of Vietnam's Mekong Delta. A stark, poignant tale of two women deeply connected, yet forever apart, Dragonfly Notes is a testament to the prevailing nature of love, whether in the form of a rediscovered note, a sudden moment of unexpected recall, or sometimes, simply, the sight a dragonfly flitting past.

Genres: Memoir

258 pages, Paperback

Published September 18, 2018

Reviews

[Rita Ciresi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a lot of memoirs about loss this past year, and Dragonfly Notes is among the best of them. Novelist and short-story writer Anne Panning's mother underwent what was supposed to be routine surgery, only to suffer severe complications. Surgery to correct the problem resulted in her being suspended between life and death in the ICU without a DNR on record. Panning's regret at not spending more time with her mother is palpable, and her desire to pay homage to her mom through writing these "dragonfly notes" is realized with finesse. I recommend this book to anyone grieving for a beloved parent.

[Maggie Panning · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is super personal as my SIL wrote it and it is about the family I married into, so my review and rating are super biased. That being said, I loved this book. I felt like it was written for me (which of course isn't true, but who doesn't love a book that makes you feel that way). This book made me fully realize how polarizing and damaging a memoir can be to a family. I have loved many a memoir about dysfunctional families, they can be funny, sad, maddening, disturbing and a whole lot else, as fact is often stranger than fiction. But reading this book made me think about the people in the pages in a new way. It made me think about how anyone's story is just that, their story. If another person were to tell about the same times and themes their version would be different. That can be hard to take for the other family members, but I don't think that that devalues the authors account, not at all. We are all here living our own lives with our own stories we tell ourselves running through our heads. We can't help but all have slight variations. This is a beautiful book about a beautiful and flawed family. It is about love and loss and longing. And I think, like all memoirs it is about the author hashing and rehashing their experiences and trying to make sense of it all.

[Jori Leach · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I ever was to write a book, this is exactly the kind of book I would want to write. I am always fascinated by our relationships and how deeply they affect our human experience. I felt every word, even though the author's experience is completely different from my own. We do share one thing in common - Brockport, NY - and this connection made reading Dragonfly Notes even more special.

[Sean · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know whether the author nailed universal elements of the experience of the first loss of a parent, or if she had some uncanny overlap with my own experience, but I wish I'd read this before my mom got sick. Sobbed reading.

[Alicia Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully rendered memoir on distance and loss.

[Bonnie Barber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written. This isn't just a book about loss. It's a glimpse inside one family. Honest. Powerful.

[Colleen Snell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was born in the same area of Minnesota as the author and although we had different life circumstances, I could relate to her feelings of loss and missed time with her mother. I look forward to reading more of her work.

[Tracy Keesee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raw, honest, beautifully detailed account of life and loss.

[sarah morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewing for The Internet Review of Books.

[Pam Herrmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anne Panning’s latest book left me warm and bubbly one chapter and sobbing and longing for more time in another. I went to the same school as Anne and knew a lot of the people and locations. I babysat my brothers kids kitty corner from Anne’s family so was able to play with Anne and Amy. In high school, my friend Jolene and I skipped school and went to Anne’s house. I remember the beautiful warm color of her mom Barb’s eyes. I love the way Anne describes things and makes you feel as if you are looking through the same looking glass as her. I am saddened that Anne lost her parents so young and can relate because my dad died when I was 30. A person always wishes for just one more conversation or just one more hug. I went to a funeral for my sons best friend and learned the dragonfly story and have always felt they were spirited creatures. It’s definitely a treat to see them. Loved the book! Proud to say the Pam listed on page 32 is me! <3