The Problem with Murmur Lee

by Connie May Fowler

Book Overview

The bestselling author of Before Women Had Wings spins a wild new tale about the ties that bind a group of friends together after the loss of its quirkiest member, Murmur Lee. When Murmur Lee Harp drowns in the Iris Haven river, her friends are grief-stricken and haunted by the mysteries surrounding her death. But as her circle of friends sets out to discover what really happened to her, they end up learning as much about her failings and triumphs as they do their own. After years of self-exile in the North, Charlee Mudd returns to set her best friend's affairs in order, only to confront her own ghosts. Edith Piaf, a former marine who underwent a sex change at the age of sixty-two, must find the confidence to carry on without the encouragement of her friend. Lonely widower Dr. Zachary Klein plummets into the depths of depression at the loss of the second woman he has ever loved. As for Murmur Lee: in death she experiences her own journey as she is plunged into her familial past and discovers the truth about who she really is. With poignancy and humor Fowler weaves the voices of Murmur and her friends into a compelling narrative. Part family saga, part murder mystery, The Problem with Murmur Lee is Fowler's most rewarding and engrossing work yet.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0767921453
• ISBN13: 9780767921459
• Release Date: March 2006
• Publisher: Crown Publishing Group (NY)
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.3" x 7.9"

Customer Reviews

The Problem with Murmur Lee

I have read and re-read this book and I get just as caught up in the story everytime I read this wonderful novel. I completely agree with another reviewers' comment that she wanted to BE Murmur Lee. Ms. Fowler can conjure up a character like very few other authors I have read. I can see them, I can hear their voices and I want more than anything to be there with these multi- dimensional characters. I share this book with all of my friends!

~I'm certainly going to miss the characters~

Just finished reading this wonderful book. I have never read any of Connie May Fowler's books before this one and I can safely say I am hooked. I even bought a copy for my Mom for Mother's Day! Reading her words are like sailing along a lazy river. Thoughts and images floating through your brain effortlessly. When I got to the end of this wonderful book, I thought "Wow".....I've found a new Author to explore. All I can add now is.....I'm really going to miss the characters, especially Murmur Lee.

Magical, Enchanting, Life-Affirming Story

I ate this book up with a spoon, it was just soooo good. After reading the last page (and wiping away my smeared makeup from crying my eyes out), I turned to the front of the book and started over. It's that kind of book. I wanted to buy a hundred copies and give them to everyone I know!!! (I don't ever recall feeling quite this way about a book.) Thank you, Angie, for telling me about this story!!!!!!!!!!!!! I owe you for this one. I have never in my life read such lyrical, soul-stirring, beautiful, original, exquisite, emotion-filled writing. I wanted to BE Murmur Lee, lover of life, nature, and nurturer of all kinds of people. She was a survivor, lover and friend of the highest order...we should all aspire to imitate the depth of her soul. Ms. Fowler, you are truly a word magician and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for writing this book. It renewed my sagging faith in life. The words just sparkle on the page and fill your heart with wonder and awe at the miracle of life and living.

No problem with Murmer Lee...

(pardon the play on words)! Reading this book is a magnificent experience! If we are lucky in life we meet a Murmer Lee...if we are truly blessed we find the Murmer Lee within ourselves. I can't recommend this book enough. I have placed it on the shelf alongside my other very favorite books where it will be easy to find and reread.

Connie May Fowler's

Connie May Fowler's latest novel is brilliant and devastating-a celebration of all the elements that make our world simultaneously heart breaking and joyous. The novel explores Southern culture, both the external features and the deeply ingrained qualities that one cannot completely abandon, no matter how hard they try. "The Problem With Murmur Lee" offers a multifaceted examination of an extraordinary woman's life, in addition to the lives of the people who loved her. Throughout the novel, Fowler's prose remains lyrical and evocative, as the story of Murmur Lee Harp unfolds with all the beauty, pain, and complexity that characterizes a fully realized life.