One-line summary:

Little Altars Everywhere is a heartwarming and poignant novel that explores the complexities of family, motherhood, and the search for identity in a small Southern town.

Family Secrets and Dysfunction:

In Little Altars Everywhere, author Rebecca Wells delves into the lives of the Walker family, a dysfunctional yet lovable group of characters living in a small Louisiana town. The story is told through the perspectives of four different family members: Siddalee, the eldest daughter; Vivi, the matriarch; Shep, Vivi’s husband; and Baylor, Siddalee’s brother.

The Walker family is plagued by secrets, pain, and dysfunction. Vivi, a beautiful and vivacious woman, struggles with her own demons, including a troubled past and an addiction to prescription drugs. Her husband, Shep, is a kind-hearted man who tries to keep the family together despite Vivi’s erratic behavior. Siddalee, the strong-willed and independent daughter, grapples with her complicated relationship with her mother and the impact it has on her own life. Baylor, the youngest member of the family, is a sensitive and introspective boy who often feels overshadowed by his sister.

As the story unfolds, the reader is taken on a journey through the Walker family’s past and present, witnessing their joys and sorrows, triumphs and failures. Through flashbacks and present-day events, Wells explores the deep wounds and unresolved issues that have shaped each character’s life. From Vivi’s troubled childhood to Siddalee’s struggle to find her own identity, the novel delves into the complexities of family dynamics and the lasting impact of childhood experiences.

Motherhood and Identity:

One of the central themes in Little Altars Everywhere is the exploration of motherhood and the search for identity. Vivi, as a mother, grapples with her own insecurities and shortcomings, often projecting her own fears and frustrations onto her children. Siddalee, in turn, struggles to break free from her mother’s shadow and find her own voice and purpose in life.

Through the characters of Vivi and Siddalee, Wells examines the challenges and complexities of mother-daughter relationships. She delves into the expectations placed on women to conform to societal norms and the toll it can take on their sense of self. The novel also explores the sacrifices and compromises that come with motherhood, as well as the enduring love and resilience that can be found within these relationships.

The Power of Forgiveness and Healing:

Amidst the family’s struggles and dysfunction, Little Altars Everywhere also explores the power of forgiveness and healing. As the characters confront their past traumas and confront their own demons, they begin to find solace and redemption.

Wells beautifully portrays the transformative power of forgiveness, showing how it can mend broken relationships and bring about personal growth. Through the characters’ journeys, the novel emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, empathy, and understanding in the process of healing.

• The novel explores the complexities of family dynamics and the lasting impact of childhood experiences.
• It delves into the challenges and complexities of mother-daughter relationships.
• The story emphasizes the transformative power of forgiveness and the importance of self-reflection in the process of healing.

“You can’t live your life for other people. You’ve got to do what’s right for you, even if it hurts some people you love.”

Little Altars Everywhere is a heartfelt and emotionally resonant novel that delves into the complexities of family, motherhood, and the search for identity. Through its richly drawn characters and poignant storytelling, the book reminds us of the power of forgiveness, the strength of familial bonds, and the importance of finding our own path in life.