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What Passes for Wisdom
She was a rather simple girl, really. Innocent and simple.
Golden-haired Alice Lamb was also an only child who always dreamed of being part of a large family. In 1870, she and her Papa, an Anglican vicar, emigrated from England to pastor a church in Louisiana. She faithfully kept a diary, telling it everything and calling it her ‘little confidant.' In it, she records the bewildering events that set her on a course toward both passion and tragedy.On a winter morning in 1982, over a hundred years after her death, the man she has haunted since his boyhood finds Alice’s diary hidden away in a safe. In it is the truth which will both set him free from his shameful past and on a course toward a different tragedy.
Golden-haired Alice Lamb was also an only child who always dreamed of being part of a large family. In 1870, she and her Papa, an Anglican vicar, emigrated from England to pastor a church in Louisiana. She faithfully kept a diary, telling it everything and calling it her ‘little confidant.' In it, she records the bewildering events that set her on a course toward both passion and tragedy.On a winter morning in 1982, over a hundred years after her death, the man she has haunted since his boyhood finds Alice’s diary hidden away in a safe. In it is the truth which will both set him free from his shameful past and on a course toward a different tragedy.
579 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 23, 2019
59 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 28, 2021
C.H. Lawler’s book is not typically one I would have ever picked up on my own, but it was recommended to me by a fellow bibliophile, so I could not say no. Upon my first few readings, I really did not think I would finish the book, but after a few more attempts, I found myself getting lost in the Alice’s story. Quite frankly, I resented Sammy’s story interrupting the flow of her story as I found his character irrelevant. However, as Alice’s story unfolded, and it finally clicked the authors’ motivations. By learning about his past, Sam was able to reconcile with his own mistakes and forgive himself. By coping with the sins of his forefathers, he was able to deal with his own guilt. Lawler recounts the atrocities of Reconstruction in Louisiana but he does it through the eyes of someone who is not really privy to all the events. For example, Alice mentions her husband and a group of men leaving her house adorning white camellias, but she is clueless of the terror they unleashed. Lawler really missed an opportunity to educate the reader about how deep the roots of hatred permeated throughout the South.
The added character of Edgar Degas and his family really impressed me with how much research and time that went into the writing of this novel. I do feel the book was a bit too verbose and could have made a much better story if some of daily humdrum of Alice’s life were omitted. As much research that was put into this novel, there were times I felt like I was submerged in a grocery store novel because of all the unsolicited sex scenes. I am no prude, but the middle of the book became one sexual encounter after another—scenes that could have been better used to describe the tension during southern Reconstruction.
The added character of Edgar Degas and his family really impressed me with how much research and time that went into the writing of this novel. I do feel the book was a bit too verbose and could have made a much better story if some of daily humdrum of Alice’s life were omitted. As much research that was put into this novel, there were times I felt like I was submerged in a grocery store novel because of all the unsolicited sex scenes. I am no prude, but the middle of the book became one sexual encounter after another—scenes that could have been better used to describe the tension during southern Reconstruction.
March 15, 2020
Another wonderful historical fiction by C. H. Lawler. The author again explores Louisiana history, using the device of a found diary to bridge the century between the years just after the civil war and the years just after the Vietnam war. Art history fans will enjoy the narrative of the period when Degas lived and painted in New Orleans.
July 6, 2021
Another tale of mystery and intrigue about that ole Teague family. My favorite part of this story is the special love of Betsy and Sammy that is captured so richly + the way the title of the book is tied to one of the meaningful anchor points of the ending!
December 17, 2019
I was recommended this book and knew that the author was a medical doctor who stated writing as a kind of hobby. So honestly, I was not expecting much from this book. To my surprise, I loved everything about this book and could not put it down. I agree with another reviewer, that his writing style is similar to Pat Conroy’s, whose writing style I love. The story is also engrossing, and I was sorry when I came to book’s last pages.
December 11, 2019
Never have I read a story so carefully and fiercely crafted as What Passes for Wisdom. Every word, mystery, and historical reference is the strategic work of the most spirited and talented author, C. H. Lawler. My heart welled with emotion, as I became thoroughly entangled in this rendition of innocence, fear, heartache, admiration, passion, destruction, life, and death that make this story the jewel it is. Your family of Teagues, Lambs, and the people who make up their memories are only the turn of a page away. Experience What Passes for Wisdom now, as it will be a historical fiction treasure to carry on your bookshelf and the story you never knew you needed.
September 27, 2019
Another captivating book by C.H. Lawler. I thoroughly enjoyed the format of a diary found and then then following along with the modern day Sam Teague. The diary was written so that I was able to anticipate actions of the original Sam Teague. Very interesting. Don't want to spoil it but loved how things turned out. Keep the books coming Dr Lawler!
December 15, 2019
An intricate weaving of history and culture
I thoroughly enjoyed this story which served as both a lesson on the rich political, cultural, and social history of my state and a thoroughly entertaining read. The characters were so well developed that they felt like old friends or family by the end, and the tale unfolded in a way as to keep the reader intrigued.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story which served as both a lesson on the rich political, cultural, and social history of my state and a thoroughly entertaining read. The characters were so well developed that they felt like old friends or family by the end, and the tale unfolded in a way as to keep the reader intrigued.
October 3, 2019
Wonderful and enriching!
I have read every book by this most marvelous author. Each a masterpiece. I liken C H Lawler to Pat Conroy . Beautiful storytelling and you feel transported in time. I cried when it ended.
Get it now! Read each book.
I have read every book by this most marvelous author. Each a masterpiece. I liken C H Lawler to Pat Conroy . Beautiful storytelling and you feel transported in time. I cried when it ended.
Get it now! Read each book.
October 26, 2019
Tres bien!!
This may be my favorite yet, Dr Lawler!! The intricate storyline, deep character development and historical influences woven through your story kept me glued to the pages. Thoroughly enjoyable, it had me shedding a few tears and wanting to know even more. Great read!
This may be my favorite yet, Dr Lawler!! The intricate storyline, deep character development and historical influences woven through your story kept me glued to the pages. Thoroughly enjoyable, it had me shedding a few tears and wanting to know even more. Great read!
December 5, 2019
I highly recommend this book as well as all the others that he’s written. Towards the end I didn’t want to put it down to work, eat or sleep and I certainly didn’t want it to end. Can’t wait for the next book!!
December 9, 2020
I absolutely love it when art takes me out of my world and plops me down in another – in this case, two other – worlds. C.H. Lawler’s What Passes for Wisdom does this beautifully and it was a special thrill to read (especially during these difficult times) because of it. Lawler simultaneously tells the story of two people who couldn’t be more different – an English preacher’s daughter, and a Louisiana sugarcane farmer separated by a century and an ocean or two – then braids their lives together, with writing that is nothing short of masterly. Bravo!
May 5, 2020
Such a good book. Do have done this with. Too long, too winding, and about mid-book too far-fetched to even discuss. The good part. The little details that even Louisianans don't know, the dead-on descriptions of cane fields and mansions, the smell of Southern food and the color of the water. It could a been. . . an incredible thing.
September 24, 2020
Great book
This was a great book and I could not put down. Love the history of old New Orleans. The characters can alive as you turned the pages. Would highly recommended this book.
This was a great book and I could not put down. Love the history of old New Orleans. The characters can alive as you turned the pages. Would highly recommended this book.
August 30, 2021
This is a book that wears you out with boring mind numbing daily banter. The story is so well hidden you want to stop reading. I didn’t think I would ever get to the end but I did. Am I glad? Not really.
November 3, 2022
Always a great read!
Dr. Lawler is not only my Doctor but also my friend. He writes like he talks, always comforting. All of his books are wonderful. I can't recommend them enough. I told my children if I ever lose my mind or am bedridden, they are to read his books to me.
Dr. Lawler is not only my Doctor but also my friend. He writes like he talks, always comforting. All of his books are wonderful. I can't recommend them enough. I told my children if I ever lose my mind or am bedridden, they are to read his books to me.
March 5, 2020
Superb!
A very enjoyable read! A page-turning, wonderful blend of history and fiction with unexpected twists and intriguing characters. Highly recommended.
A very enjoyable read! A page-turning, wonderful blend of history and fiction with unexpected twists and intriguing characters. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews