'Oral History' by Lee Smith is a captivating novel that delves into the Appalachian culture, capturing the essence of the region with authenticity and depth. Through multiple generations of the Cantrell family, the book weaves a story that is plain, gripping, and evocative, resembling an oral history that brings the characters and their struggles to life. The writing style of Lee Smith is praised for its ability to create vivid imagery and realistic portrayals of mountain life, showcasing the beauty and hardships that coexist in the Appalachian setting.

Characters:

The characters are complex, reflecting a mix of flaws and strengths, though some are depicted in ways that invoke criticism for reliance on stereotypes.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is vivid and engaging, characterized by authentic regional language and a blend of lyrical beauty and stark honesty.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative intricately weaves together the story of the Cantrell family across generations, examining themes of legacy and personal curses.

Setting:

The story is firmly rooted in the Appalachian mountains, providing a rich backdrop that informs the characters' lives and struggles.

Pacing:

The pacing varies, with the first half being more engaging; some readers find the second half slower and less connected.

From his cabin door, Almarine Cantrell owns all the land he sees. He’s not but twenty-two years old now. Young, then—you could call him young for owning this much land and that’s a fact, but they’s ot...

Notes:

The book explores the Cantrell family's history across multiple generations.

Lee Smith's writing is known for its gripping and evocative nature.

The story showcases Appalachian life through rich vernacular and imagery.

The character Richard Burlage captures the stark realities of Appalachian life in his photographs.

Smith carefully scripts her narratives, making the characters relatable to those familiar with the region.

Readers have noted the book's honest portrayal of the challenges faced by mountain communities.

Some found fault with the portrayal of Appalachian people as superstitious and uneducated.

The book intertwines themes of family curses and regional folklore within its narrative.

Lee Smith is highly regarded in literary circles, with The New York Times praising her mastery.

The novel has ghostly elements and engages readers deeply, interrupting their daily lives.

Smith's characters often reflect the struggles and beauty of their Appalachian existence.

One reviewer found the dialect familiar and engaging, resembling their own rural upbringing.

Overall, 'Oral History' is considered a significant work in Appalachian literary fiction.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings may include depictions of poverty, explicit language, and themes of environmental degradation.

From The Publisher:

From the award-winning New York Times bestselling author of The Last Girls.

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About the Author:

Lee Smith was born in Grundy, VA. She is author of many novels, including the New York Times bestseller The Last Girls, and most recently Guests On Earth. She is a recipient of the Academy Award in Literature from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, the…

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Oral History

Lee Smith