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"An unpretentious, finely-crafted novel that will linger with the readers like the last strains of a favorite hymn. It is more enjoyable than a pitcher full of sweet tea and one of Mattie's home-cooked dinners."
THE ATLANTA JOURNAL & CONSTITUTION She had as much business keeping a stray dog as she had walking across Egypt—which not so incidentally is the title of her favorite hymn. She's Mattie Rigsbee, an independent, strong-minded senior citizen, who at 78, might be slowing down just a bit. When young, delinquent Wesley Benfield drops in on her life, he is even less likely a companion than the stray dog. But, of course, the dog never tasted her mouth-watering pound cake....Wise witty, down-home and real, WALKING ACROSS EGYPT is a book for everyone.
She is Mattie Rigsbee, an independent, strong-minded senior citizen who might just be slowing a bit. When young delinquent Wesley Benfield drops into her life, he is an even less likely companion than her stray dog. But once Mattie starts taking in strays, there is no stopping her.
1. Is religion treated positively in this novel? Negatively?
Neither? Both? How?
2. Does the novel seem to end too soon? Why or who not?
3. What is your opinion of the manner in which Mattie Rigsbee,
standing before several “ghosts,” makes her decision to take in Wesley Benfield.
4. Do you know people who remind you of Mattie Rigsbee?
If so, what are their shared characteristics?
5. The novel is over one-third finished when one of the main characters, Wesley Benfield, is introduced. Does this delayed entry seem to detract from or enhance the plot structure, and how?
6. How would you interpret, psychologically, Mattie’s need to feed people?
7. Do you think Mattie did a good job raising her children?
Why?
8. How would you describe Mattie’s relationship with her church?
9. At one point in the story, Mattie speaks of marrying Wesley.
Is this her idea of a joke? A sign of senility or stroke? All of the above? Neither?
10. Would this book be appropriate for high school readers?
Why?
11. In two sentences say what you think this book is about.
12. What are issues in this book that divide and will continue to divide generations in the foreseeable future?
13. How does food play a part in your upbringing?
I like the sentences, I like the general ambiance, the depiction of a small town and the characters are well drawn. We meet a feisty senior citizen, a lonely man she befriends and a juvenile delinquent she tries to help. Raney was a masterpiece and even though this one was not all that, more clever than brilliant, I still want to read the entire output of this author. http://timothyherrick.blogspot.com/
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted February 1, 2007
Though this book has some attention grabbing sections, it starts off as a book that takes extreme determination to get through. At the end you can admit that it wasn't a total waste of time, but first you have to get through it.
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted November 9, 2004
In the book Walking Across Egypt,by Clyde Edgerton, the plot is in an old woman's house in South Carolina. The old woman is Mattie Rigsbee, but poor Mattie does not realize how much the outside world has changed. 'I'm slowin' down' says Mattie many times through out the book. Even when all the others at church say Mattie is one of the most active and healthy people they know. Walking Across Egypt is a Fiction book but might have very well happened, or may have been played off of realistic events. Clyde Edgerton's description of settings and people in this book are amazing, creative metaphors and similies are used through out the book.The problem in the book starts when Mattie finds a stray dog outside her house and calls the dogcatcher to come get it. Right before this Mattie called the furniture repair man to mkae her new chair bottoms, therefore her chairs has no bottoms to sit down in. She had forgotten about this and accidentally sat down in one of the chairs without a bottom. Mattie was not only embarassed about that at the time, but also was embarassed that her favorite soap opera was on also. Mattie didn't want any one the find out about the situations she was in, so she does not call for help and consequently stayed in the chair for six to eight hours. Suddenly she hears a knock at her door, 'Come in, come in!' she said with relief and embarrrassment. The dogcatcher, Lamar helps cut her out of the chair and also does her dishes for her. If you enjoy funny yet serious books, you would proabbaly enjoy this book. Clyde Edgerton's other book, Raney, is very similiar to the one in the descriptions and metaphors he uses.The difference with the fiction book than others, is that this could actually happen and the meaning is very biblical. The Chapters are not too long so if you do not like reading alot at one time, this is a good book for you. This book is fairly long. Lamar's nephew, Weseley,is a Juvinile Delinquent, and is humurously tied into the plott. He escaped from the detention center, but realizes that he must serve time for his crime. But he grows close to Mattie Rigsbee and becomes a better preson eventually. This book is very good and shows that the bad can be good and the even the good can be bad. It also shows that appearance is not something you should judge some one by, and that only God can judge us. This meaning behind this book is amazing, and i recommend it for everyone.
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Posted January 10, 2003
Edgerton has done it once again! He delicately interweaves comedy into his plot, allowing for a most fascinating story. This novel exemplifies a large range of relationships between its characters.
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Posted August 7, 2002
'Simply a brilliant novel.' Through much time and patience, an elderly woman, Mattie Rigsbee, turns a troubled delinquint, Wesley Benfield, into a fine young man.
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Posted January 3, 2002
I found myself not only over-indulgent, but addicted to every written word. This story gives a greater insight¿as well as spectrum¿into the well known ¿generation X.¿ You can¿t help, but fall in love with the well presented characters who turn out to be greater than they appear. Without spoiling the ending, I can say that it has quite an uplifting warm change of sequence. This book is a must have and I would STRONGLY recommend it to anyone who believes in love. ¿Nickolas 17 years of age
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Posted December 20, 2009
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Posted January 27, 2009
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Posted July 3, 2010
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Overview
"An unpretentious, finely-crafted novel that will linger with the readers like the last strains of a favorite hymn. It is more enjoyable than a pitcher full of sweet tea and one of Mattie's home-cooked dinners."
THE ATLANTA JOURNAL & CONSTITUTION She had as much business keeping a stray dog as she had walking across Egypt—which not so incidentally is the title of her favorite hymn. She's Mattie Rigsbee, an independent, strong-minded senior citizen, who at 78, might be slowing down just a bit. When young, ...