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The Painted Table by Suzanne Field

How much do your past, your parents and even your grandparents influence who you are in the present? That is a question that Saffee wrestles with throughout The Painted Table by Suzanne Field.

Saffee’s  mother Joann, was the daughter of Norwegian immigrants. Throughout her childhood on the North Dakota prairie, Joann found a haven under the large handmade table in her parents home. When the heirloom arrives at adult Joann’s home, all of the memories and challenges of Joann’s childhood come rushing back to Joann. She attempts to cover up the memories by painting the table over and over again. Saffee watches her mother paint and sees that with each brush stroke, her mother is slowly losing her grip on reality.

Now Saffee has a home of her own and he husband insists they take the painted table with them. By refinishing the table, will Saffee be able to confront the demons of her own childhood and break free from the past and step boldly and redeemed into the future?

I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Painted Table.  It was a lovely tale that vividly showed how one can break free from his or her past and write a brand new future. I enjoyed the redemption found in this story and how through some small, basic steps and beliefs, Saffee was totally able to turn her life around.  This is great story of hope for anyone with a challenging past.


I received a copy of this book from Book Sneeze in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review.
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