The Good Lord Willing and the Creek Don't Rise: Pentimento Memories of Mom and Me

The Good Lord Willing and the Creek Don't Rise is a memoir by Robert Norris that interweaves his life story with that of his resilient mother, Kay Schlinkman. Opening with Kay's passing in 2021, the story traverses time, exploring her childhood in 1930s Oregon, her challenges as a divorced woman in the Catholic church, and her remarkable life journey.

Norris then recounts his path from growing up a baseball-loving child near the forest to a conscientious objector during the Vietnam War and finally to his life as an expatriate professor in Japan. Despite their physical distance, the narrative is rich with personal anecdotes, historical context, and the enduring bond between mother and son.

Norris's writing style, characterized by short, descriptive sentences, effectively conveys the richness of both lives against the backdrop of mid-20th century America. The portrayal of Kay Schlinkman is powerful, painting her as a woman of extraordinary strength and adaptability. From overcoming societal stigmas to becoming a licensed pilot in her forties, Kay emerges as an inspiring figure.

The book excels in exploring personal growth and unconventional life paths. Norris's journey from a small-town childhood, navigating life's challenges, to a fulfilling career in Japan, is a poignant reminder that life often takes unexpected turns. The profound bond between mother and son, sustained despite geographical distance, adds a layer of emotional depth to the narrative.

However, the memoir sometimes strays into excessive detail about Norris's professional life in Japan, which can detract from the central themes. The narrative could have benefited from tighter editing and more consistent integration of Kay's story throughout.

Despite this, The Good Lord Willing and the Creek Don't Rise offers valuable insights into 20th-century American life, the strength of family bonds, and the power of resilience. It would appeal to readers interested in personal histories, mother-son relationships, and stories of unconventional life paths.

While readers should be prepared for occasional meandering into detailed personal recollections, the book's emotional depth, historical insight, and celebration of an inspiring mother-son relationship make it worthwhile. For its touching tribute to an extraordinary mother and thought-provoking reflection on life's unexpected turns, this memoir is a thought-provoking reflection on the unexpected turns life can take.