I think that families are complicated. Wonderful memories from childhood crash like cymbals into painful memories from childhood. The hilariously funny anecdote shared at Thanksgiving by a sibling somehow clashes with your memory of that hurtful event. Annoying behaviors that should have been left behind in childhood continue to re-surface in adult life. Grade-school competition in athletics or academics transforms itself 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 mostly anticipation, making plans for our finest Christmas gathering ever because our complicated families still long for a bit of perfection. Firefly Lane is a book primarily about friendship, but ultimately undergirded by family.
Though this was one of Kristin Hannah's earlier novels (2008), it grabbed hearts and propelled this former attorney into her journey as a well loved and very popular author. I purposely chose to re-read this just recently after watching several episodes of the new Netflix show of the same name. As usually occurs, many changes take place in the transferral from page to screen...and I was not a fan. As if families are not already in very 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 totally 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 a story to get more viewers.
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. That's why the Netflix version doesn't work....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 Netflix 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. A bit more melancholy, Hannah diligently weaves a saga of redemption that brings her characters full circle with an abundance of forgiveness and love. 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 it's all said and done, we can forgive the messed up memories and the old competitions and the sibling insults. We come together to remember the best of us, to leave a legacy.
Have yourselves a Merry Little Christmas...and don't make it complicated.
