"Love sweetens life..." --John Adams
My Dearest Friend--Letters of Abigail and John Adams is a portrait of a marriage and all life gathered in it. This is a beautiful book. This collection of letters, such valuable letters, was written by two extraordinary people and concerning the times unique to American history.
Abigail and John Adams' words express, what is for us modern folk of 2009, an inspiring partnership between intellectual equals with a shared quest for love, life, happiness, purpose, faith, and national duty. From the fun and flirtatious courtship letters, to the contentment of early married life and growing family, their story takes shape. The years flow by, many times with John away for very extended periods helping forge the new national independence and government. The letters show how love is sustained and nurtured during such periods of separation--times of joy and sorrow, illness and war. Their animated and engaging correspondence covers some of the most important early decades of America's emerging history, the very formative years. History as it happened they discussed. Events, politics, people and social happenings as well, all mingle in the letters along with everyday matters and concerns, family life and their Massachusetts farm. It is the story of America in her infancy, struggles and gains. Most of all, in these letters, is one of the greatest love stories ever told.
"I dare not express to you at 300 miles distance how ardently I long for your return... Let me know when you think of returning to your most Affectionate -- Abigail Adams"
There is a "danger" in wanting to quote much from this book. There are so many wonderful passages! So many times I was struck while reading this book, as well as the John Adams biography I read last year--the power of their expression, the sheer amazement of the enormously difficult times in which they lived, the tragedies they endured, those long absences apart from each other, and the personal sacrifices they made on behalf of their nation... so much shook me to the core. I learned so much about the dynamics of an equal and intellectually stimulating marriage, about early American history, about human nature and love. This will be a book to turn to again. My dearest friends, if you get a chance to read this book, do. Out of all the books I've been sharing here throughout the year, this one receives the highest recommendation.
This book will be my last "classic" for this year. I will, of course, be reading. But I won't be writing on a specific book for the month of November. Looking ahead in the calendar to the weeks ahead, with Christmas fast approaching, there may be less time for reading than usual. We will also be going to the USA in December to celebrate the holidays with my family there. So there will be much to do before we travel in but six weeks time!
Still thinking about books and next year though... Would anyone be interested if I continue with writing each month about a select book? I don't think I'll focus solely on classics though, but mix it up a bit. I will at least continue to feature current reading in the left hand sidebar, as well as what I'm listening to. There too, I'll share more than just the classics in music.
And speaking of music... During the month of November Dear Husband and I will be listening to Rimsky-Korsakov!
What are you reading and/or listening to right now?
Thank you for stopping by to share a love of reading with me here, and much else! Wishing you all a wonderful new week ahead!
