Books matching: appalachian setting
63 result(s)
Set during WWI in an isolated cove in North Carolina, "The Cove" by Ron Rash follows siblings Laurel and Hank Shelton, who face superstition and prejudice from their community due to their physical deformities. When Laurel discovers a mute stranger hiding in the woods, the siblings take him in, unaware of the secrets he harbors. The novel's poetic language and lush descriptions of the Appalachian setting create a haunting atmosphere as the story unfolds, delving into themes of ignorance, prejudice, and the impact of war on individuals' lives.
At first Laurel thought it was a warbler or thrush, though unlike any she’d heard before—its song more sustained, as if so pure no breath need carry it into the world. Laurel raised her hands from the...- #2
Save:November Mourns by Tom Piccirilli is a dark and meaningful story that follows Shad Jenkins, a young man haunted by the visit of his dead sister while in prison. Returning to investigate her mysterious death in the eerie Appalachian community of Moon Run Hollow, Shad delves into a nightmare landscape of secrets, revenge, and redemption. The book combines elements of mystery and horror, offering a twisted journey through dark America while exploring themes of family, isolation, and the supernatural. Piccirilli's writing style is described as beautiful and mesmerizing, with characters and atmosphere so vividly portrayed that they linger long after the final page is turned.
- #3
Save:Silas House's 'Clay's Quilt' is a novel set in the heart of Appalachia, focusing on the life of Clay Sizemore, a coal miner who lost his mother at a young age and spends his adulthood searching for the missing pieces of her memory. The story beautifully portrays the deep connections to family, faith, and the Appalachian culture, while exploring themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. House's writing style is described as clear-eyed, poetic, and emotionally honest, offering a compassionate yet unsentimental look at the lives of people in Kentucky's coal country.
The novel delves into the lives of complex characters, such as Clay, Alma, and Anneth, who struggle with personal traumas, family ties, and the cultural heritage of the region. Through graceful prose and vivid descriptions, House weaves a narrative that captures the essence of Appalachia, showcasing its rich history, music, and deep-rooted connections to the land.
- #4
Save:After a tragic accident in New York, 12-year-old Louisa Mae, her brother Oz, and their invalid mother must go live on their great-grandmother's farm in the Virginia mountains. The story follows the children's journey of adapting to a new life in the Appalachian mountains, filled with hardships, friendships, and the love of family. Set in the 1940s, the book portrays the struggles and triumphs of the Cardinal family, emphasizing themes of family, faith, and home.
The narrative of "Wish You Well" by David Baldacci delves into the lives of Lou and Oz as they navigate the challenges of their new environment, learn the value of hard work, and experience the close-knit community in Virginia. Through the eyes of the children, readers witness a coming-of-age story that explores themes of loss, resilience, and the power of family bonds in the backdrop of the Appalachian mountains.
The air was moist, the coming rain telegraphed by plump, gray clouds, and the blue sky fast fading. The 1936 four-door Lincoln Zephyr sedan moved down the winding road at a decent, if unhurried, pace.... - #5
Save:'Brother' by Ania Ahlborn is a dark and disturbing horror novel that delves into the twisted dynamics of the Morrow family living in the secluded West Virginia sticks. The story follows Michael Morrow, who was taken in by the Morrows as a child and raised amidst their bloodthirsty and brutal ways. As Michael starts to question his family's violent secrets and meets a girl who shows him a different path, the narrative unfolds into a chilling tale of abuse, murder, and vengeance. The writing style is described as gripping, with simple yet impactful sentences that vividly bring to life the gruesome and eerie atmosphere of the story.
People used that saying all the time, bloody murder, despite never having heard anyone being murdered before. Reb called it an analogy. When Michael asked what that was, Reb said they were things peop... - #6
Save:Imagine an isolated portion of the U.S. where law fails to govern life. In Chris Offutt's rural Kentucky, families are insular, having little to do with other ones. Consequently, there are grudges, grudges are settled with guns, and Old Testament values prevail. The setting in the Appalachian mountains of eastern Kentucky is pitch perfect with its deep woods, steep sided trails, and plenty of places to hide. The residents of those hills and hollers are also vividly drawn, with their clannish affiliations and long memories. Mick Hardin, an Army CID Warrant Officer, is home from Afghanistan because his wife is pregnant and about to deliver. Mick's sister, Linda, is the local sheriff, and when a man is killed in the deep woods, she enlists Mick's help in solving the crime. Mick agrees and risks being arrested for being AWOL. The story unfolds in this backwoods culture, where many acts that would normally be considered felonies must be forgiven and forgotten.
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Save:In Blood Kin, readers are taken on a journey into the eerie world of the Gibson family, descendants with psychic gifts living in the Appalachian Mountains. The story weaves between modern times and the 1930s, following Michael as he uncovers the dark legacy of his family, particularly his grandmother Sadie's struggle to escape the clutches of the menacing Preacher and the mysteries surrounding a chained and padlocked box in the kudzu-covered shed.
The writing style of Blood Kin is described as beautifully creepy, capturing the essence of southern gothic with a slow, captivating narrative that immerses readers in a world filled with backwoods magic, snake handling, poverty, and a haunting legacy. The characters, especially Sadie and the Preacher, are vividly depicted, breathing life into the Appalachian setting and creating an atmosphere that creeps up the spine and lingers long after the book is finished.
- #8
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... - #9
Save:Bloodroot by Amy Greene is a dark and haunting story set in the Appalachian Mountains of Tennessee. The narrative follows the life of Myra Lamb, a young girl with mysterious abilities, as she navigates through the challenges of her family's legacy and the harsh realities of her environment. The plot unfolds through multiple generations, exploring themes of family dynamics, magic, tragedy, and redemption. The writing style is rich, evocative, and multi-perspective, providing a deep insight into the characters' lives and the Appalachian region.
Myra looks like her mama, but prettier because of her daddy mixed in. She got just the right amount of both. The best thing about Myra’s daddy was his eyes, blue as the sky. They’d pierce right throug... In the novel 'The Risen' by Ron Rash, the story unfolds in the late 1960s in western North Carolina, focusing on the lives of two brothers, Eugene and Bill Matney. The brothers' lives are forever altered when they encounter a rebellious girl named Ligeia, who introduces them to a world of drugs, sex, and rock and roll. As the plot oscillates between the past and present, the book delves into themes of first love, family dynamics, and the consequences of youthful indiscretions. Rash's evocative writing style paints a vivid picture of the Appalachian setting and the characters' emotional journeys, creating a haunting narrative that lingers with the reader.
The narrative skillfully navigates between the perspectives of the characters, particularly Eugene, a failed writer and alcoholic, who revisits the summer of 1969 when Ligeia disappeared. As the mystery of Ligeia's murder unfolds, Rash weaves a tale of growing up, sibling rivalry, and the lasting impact of past decisions. Through poignant storytelling and rich character development, 'The Risen' explores themes of regret, redemption, and the complexities of human relationships against the backdrop of a small North Carolina town.
From the beginning, Ligeia’s ability to appear or disappear seemed magical. The first time, forty-six years ago, was at Panther Creek the summer before my junior year in high school. On Sundays after ...
