Whistler by Ann Patchett
It’s not every day that a writer of Ann Patchett’s caliber and popularity comes to Whatcom County for a free presentation – yet nestled between stops in Seattle and Vancouver is her appearance on July 11 at Ferndale High School, hosted by Whatcom County Library System. The bad news: free tickets have already been snatched up by eager WCLS cardholders. The good news: adult readers who participate in Whatcom County Library System’s Summer at the Library program between June 22 and July 3 can fill out an entry for a chance to win a branded bookbag complete with a copy of Patchett’s latest book, Whistler, and two free tickets to An Evening with Ann Patchett. Visit any WCLS location (www.wcls.org/libraries) to get started.
Those who are not fortunate enough to win tickets can console themselves by borrowing a library copy of Whistler, a tender exploration of love and family and connection. Despite the beautiful horse featured on the cover of the book, Whistler is only nominally about a horse (and not at all about the ski resort) and more about the relationship between Daphne Fuller and her long-lost stepfather Eddie Triplett. Eddie was married to Daphne’s mother briefly when Daphne was nine years old. Daphne adored Eddie, who showed her great kindness and respect. After a terrible car accident (Eddie driving, Daphne in the car) Daphne’s mother sent Eddie packing. More than forty years later, a chance encounter at an art museum has 53-year old Daphne dredging up long-forgotten memories and questions. What happened? Why did her mother send Eddie away? What would her life have been like if Eddie had remained a part of it? She has a powerful urge to reconnect with Eddie, and Eddie too seems eager to make up for lost time. Both are aware that their bond is unique and sincere. “Somewhere deep inside myself, in a place inaccessible to me since I was nine,” Daphne says, “I had missed him every day of my life.”
Patchett recounts the accident and young Daphne’s resolute courage venturing forth in a snowstorm to seek help while Eddie remained trapped in their vehicle. She explores Daphne’s adult realization that Eddie is gay, and that his college best friend is also his true love. Patchett examines Daphne’s relationship with her mother, Daphne’s mother’s feelings for Eddie, and the grief and longing and love they share.
Whistler, like many of Patchett’s books, does not shy away from difficult topics and complicated but relatable characters. Patchett is able to capture simple moments with clarity and gentleness. Her characters love one another, forgive one another, and show it through their words and actions. It’s no wonder that so many readers find Patchett’s writing to be beautiful and inspiring. Those seeking action-driven plot should look elsewhere, however, as Whistler is calm, wistful and character-forward – something to savor not to race through.
For more information about WCLS’s Summer at the Library, visit www.wcls.org/summer. Financial support of this program comes from the Whatcom County Library Foundation, Peoples Bank and Whatcom Community Foundation’s Whatcom Together program.
Christine Perkins is executive director of the Whatcom County Library System, wcls.org.