The Operator: A Novel
Life in Wooster, Ohio, is fascinating for local telephone operator Vivian Dalton. A sharp observer (and eavesdropper) of small-town life, Vivian is shocked to overhear a scandalous secret about her own family while at work. She soon embarks on a journey to understand this secret and its impact on her future. Alongside Vivian’s own journey we catch glimpses of the hidden complexities of the residents of Wooster. Soon, what began as an unassuming story about life in a small town turns into an exploration of identity and family in 1950s Ohio.
This story is less about the secret Vivian uncovers (although the mystery does keep the pages turning for the first part of the novel), and more about what she does to pick up the pieces. What would anyone do when their identity is challenged? Get angry, bake a lot, and begin doing what they always wanted to do. The novel is less heartwarming than anticipated but feels more real. This is perhaps due to the fact Vivian’s story pulls from the author’s own grandmother’s life. As such, Vivian, like a real person, is complex and not always the most sympathetic. Additional characters, such as two bank robbers and a society snob, also contrast sympathetic stories alongside unlikeable behavior. This makes it difficult to root for any one character, but also highlights the diversity of life experiences often overlooked in recollections of the time. This original look at Midwestern life is recommended, although this lack of endearing characters softens the impact of otherwise large twists and turns.
