On the Occasion of My Last Afternoon is a beautiful novel by Kaye Gibbons. It tells the story of Emma Garnet, looking back on her life of Southern privilege, growing up on a plantation with an over beaing and cruel father, a loving mother and the slaves that raised her. Later, she escapes her father when she marries a doctor and works by his side tending to wounded soldiers throughout the Civil War.

It is reminiscent of Marilynne Robinson’s wonderful novel Gilead, where a congregational preacher writes a letter to his young son at the end of his life. In both books the voice of the main character is so true, honest and moving, you feel as if you are sitting on the porch talking story with an old friend.

A vivid and powerful novel, a recommended read.