By 
Colleen Oakley, the author of “The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise” has written a unique, and riveting novel. The genres are Literary Friendship Fiction, Contemporary, Humor, Mystery, and Women’s Fiction. The timeline is written in the author’s present and goes to the past when it pertains to the characters or events. The author describes her colorful and dramatic characters as complex, complicated, quirky, and full of surprises!
In this novel , Colleen Oakley’s characters are reminiscent of Thelma and Louise. Tanner Quimby is 21, and after a tragic accident mopes around her house ruminating what might have been. Tanner also plays video games, and has no money. She is encouraged to care for an elderly woman.
Louise Wilt has fallen and required surgery. She is a seasoned 80-ish year old woman, who has an interesting past, and many secrets. Louise’s children insist that she have a “Nanny”. Louise has a routine and really would like to be independent.
When Tanner and Louise meet, they are like oil and water. Tanner immediately is aware of the quirky behaviors of Louise. It seems that Louise is not exactly the typical 80 -ish type person. Then again, Tanner doesn’t appear to be a typical 21 year old person either.
Tanner is in for quite a surprise, when Louise insists they leave town immediately. The two go on an adventure with twists and turns. There are rumors of a large jewel heist from the seventies, and Louise seems to be called another name when she meets some people. There are twists and turns. Louise is on a mission to find someone, and at the same time is avoiding both a criminal and the law.
I enjoyed this delightful adventure as two women try to remedy the mistakes from the past, to be able to move on to the present and future. I love that the author discusses the importance of family, friendship, and hope. I highly recommend this enjoyable novel.
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