Books matching: appalachian landscape
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- #1
Save:A Parchment of Leaves by Silas House is a heart-wrenching story set in early 1900s Appalachian Kentucky, focusing on the life of Vine, a young Cherokee woman who marries a white man and navigates the challenges of interracial marriage and discrimination. The novel beautifully captures the love of the land, the hardships faced by Cherokee Indians, and the themes of persistence and determination through Vine's character. House's writing style effectively conveys Vine's story, providing vivid imagery of the Appalachian mountains and creating a sense of place that immerses the reader in the setting.
Those words flew out of my mouth, as sneaky and surprising as little birds that had been waiting behind my teeth to get out. Apparently, they did the trick. I could see my announcement making a fist a... - #2
Save:'Gods of Howl Mountain' by Taylor Brown is a gritty country noir novel set in the Southern Mountains just after the Korean War. The story follows Rory, a young disabled Korean war veteran and moonshine runner, as he navigates the violent and atmospheric world of Howl Mountain. The plot revolves around Rory's involvement in moonshine trade, his interactions with colorful characters like Granny Mae and Eustace, and the unfolding consequences of Granny May's feud with a rival moonshiner. The writing style is described as beautiful and powerful, with finely layered characters and a setting that immerses the reader in the mountains of northwest North Carolina.
The machine started at dusk, headlights slashing their way down the old switchbacks that ribbed the mountain’s slopes, thunder and echo of thunder vaulting through the ridges and hollers on every side... - #3
Save:Greener Pastures by Michael Wehunt is a collection of weird, atmospheric, and disturbing short stories with a Southern Gothic and New Weird vibe. The stories delve into themes of loss, grief, longing, and loneliness while incorporating bizarre elements like a man transforming into a swan, a bleeding mountain, and women falling from the sky. Wehunt's writing style is described as subtle, eerie, and beautiful, introducing horror in a dreamlike manner that creeps under the reader's skin.
Sometimes, it’s easy to forget that nothing is really cyclical. We like to talk about what’s old being new again, and consider our culture to simply be a series of rehashes of what came before. But it... - #4
Save:Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver is a poignant novel set in Lee County, Virginia, during the height of the oxycodone crisis. The story follows the life of Demon Copperhead, from his birth to a single mother, through abuse, foster homes, teenage years as a football player, drug addiction, recovery, and new beginnings. Kingsolver expertly portrays the struggles of poverty, addiction, and hopelessness in Appalachia, weaving a narrative that is both heartbreaking and hopeful.
On any other day they’d have seen her outside on the deck of her trailer home, good neighbors taking notice, pestering the tit of trouble as they will. All through the dog-breath air of late summer an... - #5
Save:'Above the Waterfall' by Ron Rash is a character-driven literary mystery set in a small Appalachian town. The story follows Les, a rural sheriff, and Becky, a park ranger with a traumatic past, who share a love for the natural world they work and live in. Through alternating first-person narratives, the reader delves into the complexities of their lives, including dealing with meth addiction, a mystery involving the poisoning of a local river, and the clash between the beauty of the landscape and the harsh realities of rural life. Ron Rash's writing style is described as poetic, with vivid descriptions of the natural setting and the characters' inner thoughts and emotions.
Where does any story really begin? One thing can’t happen unless other things happened earlier. I could say this story began with an art class I took in ninth grade, or broken promises, one by Becky S... - #6
Save:Set in upstate South Carolina, 'One Foot in Eden' by Ron Rash is a murder mystery novel that delves into the disappearance of a local troublemaker, Holland Winchester, and the suspicions surrounding his neighbor, Billy Holcombe. The story is narrated in five voices, each providing a unique perspective on the events that unfold in the Appalachian Mountains of South Carolina in the 1950s. Through a series of chapters, the book explores themes of family, community, guilt, and love, all set against the backdrop of the impending flooding of the Jocassee Valley due to a dam construction project. Ron Rash's writing style is described as atmospheric, engaging, and authentic, capturing the essence of rural Appalachia with rich descriptions and realistic dialogue.
THERE had been trouble in the upper part of the county at a honky-tonk called The Borderline, and Bobby had come by the house because he didn’t want to go up there alone. I couldn’t blame him. One bad... - #7
Save:"Thirteen Moons" by Charles Frazier is a historical novel that follows the life of Will Cooper, who starts as a bound boy running a trading post in Indian territory and eventually becomes a spokesman for the Cherokee tribe. The story covers Will's growth from childhood to old age, highlighting his interactions with Native Americans, settlers, and historical figures. Frazier's descriptive imagery and poetic writing style bring to life the landscapes, cultures, and events of 19th-century North Carolina, creating a rich narrative filled with adventure, love, and sacrifice.
The narrative is predominantly told from Will Cooper's perspective, offering a retrospective account of his experiences and relationships throughout his life. The book delves into themes of identity, love, loss, and the clash of cultures, portraying a vivid picture of the complexities and challenges faced by individuals living in a rapidly changing world. Through Will's journey, readers are immersed in a tale that combines historical accuracy with emotional depth, inviting them to reflect on the human condition and the enduring impact of personal connections.
THERE IS NO SCATHELESS RAPTURE. LOVE AND TIME PUT ME IN this condition. I am leaving soon for the Nightland, where all the ghosts of men and animals yearn to travel. We’re called to it. I feel it pull... 'The Stories of Breece D'J Pancake' is a collection of short stories that delve into the dark corners of West Virginia, exploring themes of life, death, and the human condition. Through his spare and unblinking prose, Breece D'J Pancake paints a vivid picture of rural Appalachia, capturing the struggles and complexities of his characters with raw authenticity. The stories vary in subject matter, from encounters with old loves to reflections on war and mortality, leaving a lasting impression on readers long after they have finished the book.
I think you should come over (drive or train, I’ll pay your expenses and “put you up”) because if you do the preface I feel you should be more familiar with this valley and [my son] Breece’s surroundi...- #9
Save:In 'Nightwoods' by Charles Frazier, the story revolves around Luce, a reclusive custodian of a decaying lodge in the mountains of rural southern United States. Her secluded life is disrupted when she becomes the guardian of her mute niece and nephew, who witnessed their mother's murder. The plot unfolds into a captivating tale of misfits, crime, family ties, and love, set against a harsh and hostile environment. The narrative skillfully weaves together elements of survival, strength, and the healing power of nature, while gradually revealing the characters' pasts to give context to their current situations.
The landscape of the Appalachian region plays a significant role in the story, acting as a character in itself. The author, Charles Frazier, creates a tense and foreboding atmosphere through his descriptive language, drawing readers into the world of Luce and the other characters. The book explores themes of isolation, resilience, and the impact of past traumas on the present, all while painting a vivid picture of the natural beauty that surrounds the characters.
LUCE’S NEW STRANGER CHILDREN were small and beautiful and violent. She learned early that it wasn’t smart to leave them unattended in the yard with the chickens. Later she’d find feathers, a scaled ye... - #10
Save:'Burning Bright' by Ron Rash is a collection of short stories set in the Appalachian region of the USA. The stories delve into themes of poverty, addiction, loneliness, and desperation, portraying characters trying to navigate through difficult circumstances. The writing style is described as lean, spare, and evocative, capturing the essence of the Appalachian landscape and its people with vivid descriptions.
Jacob stood in the barn mouth and watched Edna leave the henhouse. Her lips were pressed tight, which meant more eggs had been taken. He looked up at the ridgetop and guessed eight o’clock. In Boone i...
