We Are All Good People Here

Good find on display at the library though I thought it would be somewhat more evenly handed. Two women with some differences meet in a Southern college in 1962 and we view things thru their eyes (and one of their daughters; another is seen indirectly) over the next three decades. One eventually goes into death penalty defense work. The book basically favors one, the other more heart than brains. I was waiting for some redeeming moment but it never really comes. But, the characters are good company and it is well written.

One woman comes off as more practical while the other is idealistic but not practical about it. In time, the first one becomes very idealistic, while the second has a chance to be practical (teaching kids etc.). But, then, she becomes a radical without nuance and then puts that behind her for "straight life." She isn't really given a chance even to show that side of her that was a good teacher of kids. We shift to the first woman's daughter. The book is well written and the characters good company. Still, the second character becomes just a depressing figure especially at the very end. Seems unfair.