Product Description: In this magnificently observed classic novel, Teresa Miller creates one of the most winning heroines in twentieth-century fiction, Kate Dexter, a woman whose high spirits and calm, undemonstrative strength make her emblematic of the early pioneer days of American history.
Oklahoma women This book is the life story, from 18 to her 90's, of Kate Dexter, a feisty, stubborn and determined woman from Oklahoma who survives personal tragedy, povery and marital infidelity, to live to old age. Kate's mother, Cora, ran a successful boarding house, despite the handicap of a totally impractical dreamer of a husband who always had grandiose, get-rich-quick schemes for making money which inevitably failed. Kate married a small town lawyer and was happy enough until their second child was born mentally retarded. The marriage rapidly deteriorated as Kate devoted herself to caring for the child at home, neglecting her husband and other child. It's a story of just how tough a woman can be when needed, just to survive life with all of its tragedies and heartbreak. The indomitable spirit of this woman made me feel rather guilty as I'm sure that I'd never have the strength to forge ahead as she did without breaking.
Beautiful Literary Novel Remnants of Glory is so beautifully written. I read the book several months ago and the characters are still active in my thoughts. It is a compelling novel, written by a gifted story teller.
A Jewel of its Genre As a rule, I'm not a huge fan of historical fiction because too often the history is the star of the story. This book is an exception, however. While Oklahoma at statehood and during the depression is a fascinating backdrop, Teresa Miller has kept the history in the background (where it belongs) and allows her characters to shine. Kate Dexter and her family are richly and fully drawn, with quirks, flaws, and strengths you will immediately identify with. Though their day-to-day battles are different from ours, their larger struggles remain with us: racism, betrayal, sexism, our treatment of the mentally handicapped and the aged. The details are just right, too -- you can feel the sun beating on your back as you watch Kate's mother tugging the wild asters around the veranda, and your heart aches when a careless roommate breaks Kate's watch, a last gift from her long-deceased husband. By the time you finish the 90-year journey with Kate, she will feel as familiar to you as family: someone you know, warts and all, but love anyway.
A powerful epic Remnants of Glory is one book you shouldn't pass up. This novel spans a huge portion of Kate Dexter's life, from age 18 to age 90. Many roadblocks are thrown in her path, but she triumphs with grace and glory. As a mother to a mentally challenged daughter, she does what most of us would do, much to the chagrin of others around her. As a wife, she deals with her marriage and it's traumas with dignity. And as a human being, she admits her weaknesses and flaws in spite of her perfect reputation. Kate lives her life throughout this novel with a mad determination. It is truly a beautiful and powerful piece of work. Teresa Miller deserves a big round of applause for this one. Those who love reading about a character from life until death, fully-formed and 3-dimensional will most likely appreciate this masterpiece.
A timeless story, beautifully delivered Teresa Miller has brought us an ageless story in this wonderful book. Kate Dexter's story is the story of early twentieth century womanhood in the southwest. Tough, gritty, yet full of compassion and love - a chronicle of early Oklahoma. Simply beautiful. A truly satisfying book.
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