Helpful Score: 6
A wonderful story set in Appalachia. Clay, a coal miner, lost his mother when he was quite young but grows up in the heart of his family. The story starts with Clay as an adult, searching but not really understanding what he needs. The journey is deftly told, the characters achingly true. The author does a masterful job portraying a sense of place and culture, with love and respect. I loved the characters and would enjoy reading about them again. Thanks, House, for a lovely piece of work.
Helpful Score: 5
Very nicely written novel which takes place in Kentucky. Gives you a real feel for the Appalachians and the people who live there.
Helpful Score: 4
WOW! I was mesmerized from the beginning. The prose was flawless. Definitely one of the best books I have read about contemporary life in Appalachia as we enter the 21st century. The characters are so well developed, and the storyline is compelling. But, what struck me the most was the author's unwillingness to make apologies or gloss over the the ignorance, abuse and violence, at that time and place. His love of the mountains and it's people, its culture, the strength of the family, his presentation of his world is a gift I will long treasure, and pass to my loved ones. As Southern Living reviewer wrote: "a long love poem to the hills of Appalachia".
Helpful Score: 2
A fabulous book! I love this author, and not just because he's from KY either!
Helpful Score: 2
Nice read about the hills of Kentucky and the relationships among its three dimensional characters.
