“It’s Getting Late” by Mel Dau
The story is so cuuuuuute, Mel Dau really did her thing with this one!
It wasn’t what I thought it was going to be at all…but not in a bad way. But I didn’t read anything about the book before reading so I can’t really say that I had an expectation or any preconceived notions based on anything substantial. I just assumed it would be good and indeed it was.
Let’s get into the things…
Minnow is a veteran who’s dealing with PTSD after being stationed in Afghanistan. She utilizes her veteran resources BUT she refuses to give group therapy a try, even though her social worker, Mrs. Pressley, continuously recommends it. She lives alone and has her life routine set the way she likes it. However, deep down she knows there’s more to the world and she’s settling to be in a world well city, Atlanta, that she, in a way, no longer likes. Dreams about the murders and job duties she had to perform during her assignments aboard are becoming more frequent. The night sweats that come during the dreams are becoming frequent and draining as well. I haven’t heard or thought about the female veterans’ perspective and what they go through after killing people and children for the military before reading. It’s not a conversation that is spoken about as loud as the male’s. I’m used to hearing about how women are treated by their fellow soldiers but not necessarily the emotional and mental health portion of it. So for that to be so prevalent in this book is part of what kept me interested.
When Mrs. Pressley recommended that Minnow visits Plasters my spidey senses went up immediately. Did yours? I was like oh she’s sending her there for a reason and she knows these people. But what’s the real reason? Then when it came out that she’s the widow to Victor’s brother, I said ooooooooo ok makes sense now. Mrs. Pressley had an inkling that Minnow and Victor would be good for each other and it was indeed true.
Both Minnow and Victor’s instant attraction to each other, from a distance, was cute. As stand off-ish as Minnow is I didn’t expect that she would quickly accept Victor’s invitation to work at Dawson Premium Cuts Butcher Shop. I thought she was going to say she would think about it but she went right for it and I love that for her lol. The chemistry, while slightly strained by PTSD, was there from the time Minnow stepped outside of her SUV for Victor and the same for her once she took in the essence of Victor.
One thing about southern families, we love who loves us. When it comes to the partners of our family members and we see that the love is genuine we’re going to protect their situation along with the people in it. So knowing that I was not surprised at all by how the Dawsons embraced Minnow. Now who is annoying is Mrs. Cook ANNNND her children. Boy moms can be blind to the reality of who their son(s) is and it can be very unpleasant to experience. They tend to ignore obvious signs, shift blame, and support foolery all in the name of loving their son. All while clearly not considering the person or people they will encounter. There are many men in the world who are not the best men they can be due to their mothers. It’s sad but true and it’s not just a “black thing”. I know society plays a big role in how people act and interact in life however, mothers have a huge role in that as well. I almost want to say the mother’s role has the biggest influence over all of the other influences. Let me know your opinion on that matter in the comments. Do you feel the same way or do you feel differently? Why? What's your experience with the topic?
In the end Mrs. Cook’s children got what they deserved. You don’t get to terrorize people or a community of people and live happily ever after. Karma always comes back to bite. Mrs. Cook should have sent them with their father when he asked for them instead of being petty. Now her pettiness has caused the unthinkable, like it does for many women unfortunately.
Let me know your thoughts on this good read in the comments!
Have you thought about the effects military life/decisions have on the mental health of female veterans?
When the topic is veterans (any topic) do you consider the women veterans or is your first thought to the men?
What do you think about the blindness to the bullshit that many boy moms have? Is it love, convenience, or dependency?
What do you think about Minnow and Victor’s relationship?
Lets talk in the comments, I can’t wait to see you there!!
XOXO,
~Elle