The Mammoth Cheese

Anti-Semitism? Discuss...

I thoroughly enjoyed this author's previous two books, but I found this one seriously lacking in dramatic tension. But more seriously, when I put the book down I was angry and disturbed at what I can't help but read as an anti- Semitic passion play. 'The Mammoth Cheese' is about a small, quintessential 'American' town ¿ read: Christian ¿ struggling with itself and in a world of greed and lies. In the end, everyone discovers that Life is about the Future, and the Future is about the children, symbolized by Polly. The villain here is Mr. March, inexplicably Jewish. He is, as Polly once calls him 'a spy,' not from the South, an intellectual, a double-talker, a predator and a pedophile ¿ read: Jewish. He is there, naturally, to rape the innocent Christian Future. The story ends, the day is saved, when the Virgin is saved from the Jew by violence, after which he is expelled from the community. I'd love to hear another reading of this charming parable.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

An American Experience

This is a beautifully written novel taking the reader into a way of life that most do not experience. Current controversial sociological issues are delt with compassionately. One can easily identify with the human conflicts.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A great read!

First and foremost, this is a beautifully written book. Ms. Holman's writing is almost poetic, her imagery concise and often humorous. Her characters are beautifully drawn. Her story confronts many contemporary issues like multiple births/abortion, personal and political ethics, the dangers of adolescence, etc., without being judgmental or didactic. This is one of those books you'll keep on your shelf and actually re-read in a few years.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Gouda as Gold

This was a great delight to read. The title had me curious from the get-go. The characters were incredibly believeable and I found myself relating to their lives a little too closely. The Mammoth Cheese is such a fun read that when it was over I made myself a grilled cheese sandwich!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

had to force myself to finish

started out OK but eventually grow to really dislike most of the characters, ESPECIALLY Margaret the main character - completely disappointed.

Read it

A marvelous cast of characters that draws you through their individual yet joined stories. You feel as if you've known Margaret, August, Manda and the rest all your life, and experience each nuance with them. Even better than 'The Dress Lodger.'

Just a rip off

This novel-though I have not read it- seems to be just a retelling of A BIG CHEESE FOR THE WHITE HOUSE a book by Candace Fleming. This children's book is based on the true story of how, in 1801, the town of Cheshire, Massachusetts, made a 1,235 pound block of cheese to send to President Jefferson. This story just seems to be a rehash of an old book- updated of course. Why not use an original idea!!!!

Multi-Character Study is a Hit

In her most accomplished novel to date, Ms. Holman succeeds in involving us with each of her characters. She intertwines subplots ingeniously; her dialog is realistic and compelling. This is a novel that can be read for its entertainment value alone, but the ethical issues are far more important. If no one is pouncing on movie rights, an opportunity is being missed.(There are a couple of egregious spelling/grammatical errors, but they will undoubtedly be edited before subsequent printings.) Don't wait-read it now!

Simply remarkable

Holman, who has previously taken us into unfamiliar times and intimidating geographies, delivers an extraordinary contemporary novel whose territory is a small Virginia town and its well-intended, terribly imperfect inhabitants. If it sounds improbable that a novel about multiple births, religious faith, modern politics, dairy farming, Jeffersonian ideals, romantic frustration, and a dangerous adolescence could be coherent, this is worth every page. The Mammoth Cheese takes on these elements and delivers a beautifully told story, flawlessly executed.