In his final (so, SO sad!) installment of TALES OF THE CITY, author Armistead Maupin finally rewards his faithful readers with the full backstory of Anna Madrigal — her early years growing up as Andy in her mother’s brothel, her first love, and the reason for her adoption of Madrigal as a surname. If you, like me, inhaled the TALES OF THE CITY series, be sure to read this one. It’s the ideal capper. Awarded five stars on Goodreads.
It’s one more chance to reconnect with all the characters Maupin has created over 40 years in his serialized newspaper column — happily married Michael, his husband Ben, Mary Ann Singleton, Brian and his new partner, Shawna and, of course, Anna herself. And there are satisfying references to the dearly departed (Dr. Jon Fielding, Mona, and Connie Bradshaw to name just three).
Anna is again everyone’s favorite mother figure, winning over strangers, and always responding with love and support — in short, the most delightful nonagenarian you could ever hope to meet. Now facing her own mortality, Anna has a few loose ends to tie up from her past and relies on her chosen “family” members to help.
So sad to read the end of all these humorous and delightful stories. Thank you Mr. Maupin!
Toby A. Smith 