Marlita Walker Reviews: Firefly Lane

By Kristin Hannah

“When you get … to the end, you see that love and family are all there is. Nothing else matters.”

Families are complicated, especially in the holiday season. The hilariously funny anecdote shared at Thanksgiving by a sibling, clashes with your memory of that hurtful event. Grade-school competition in athletics or academics transform into heated discussions over politics, current events and the best way to cook the turkey; all with the goal of “winning” the debate.

Nonetheless, our best selves will still step forward with anticipation, making plans for our finest Christmas gathering, because our complicated families still long for a bit of perfection. “Firefly Lane,” by Kristin Hannah explores friendships, especially one undergirded by family.

Growing up in the seventies, Kate Malarkey is shunned by the high school crowd as a book-loving introvert; but her stable, mostly functional home sustains her. When she meets beautiful and courageous Tully, her world is upended by a friendship that develops and lasts over her lifetime. Ever-grateful Kate believes that Tully has saved her, but what really happens is that the Malarkey family saves Tully. When Mrs. Malarkey figures out that Tully’s mom, a drug-addicted hippie, is incapable of loving her; Margie steps in to shower praise, encouragement and unconditional love on this insecure young girl.

Though this was one of Hannah’s earlier novels (released in 2008), it grabbed hearts and propelled this former attorney into her journey as a well-loved, very popular author. I purposely chose to re-read this recently after watching several episodes of the new Netflix show bearing the same name. As usually occurs, many changes take place in the transferral from novel page to screen...and I was not a fan. As if the families in the story are not already in tough straits, Netflix chose to change the Malarkey family dynamics by adding divorce, sexual identity issues, and affairs into the mix.

From my perspective, the book outshines this false TV representation, with changes presumably added to be culturally current. Family groups are becoming increasingly diverse, and I acknowledge that...but don’t change an original story to gain more viewers.

And that’s why the Netflix version doesn’t work, as Tully changes because the Malarkeys are relatively stable, supportive and connected. They have the time and compassion to fully embrace Tully, not being encumbered by these other difficult challenges that the streaming giant throws in. They open their arms to Kate’s friend and she becomes family. Hannah’s book recognizes this important element.

“Fly Away,” the sequel to “Firefly Lane,” gives “the rest of the story,” as Paul Harvey liked to say. More melancholy, Hannah diligently weaves a saga of redemption that brings her character full circle, with an abundance of forgiveness and love, showing families can survive even after unimaginable transitions and losses.

Love. Family. Laughter. Maybe that’s why we don’t give up on our picture-perfect Christmas...because when all is said and done, we can forgive the complicated memories. We come together to remember the best of us, and leave a legacy.

Marlita Walker

Marlita is a native Michigander, who returned back to the area after 18 years spent in IL & PA. When not on cruising adventures with her hubby in their vintage Roadtrek camper van; she relaxes by re-arranging her home decor, walking with friends, and connecting with her 10 grands who live in TN and CA. Read more book reviews at litaslines.blogspot.com.