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Oral History
Oral History
Author: Lee Smith
"The best novel so far by a writer whose growth has been steady and sure . . . . [Oral History] tells the story of the Cantrell family and the odd curse that its members believe to have hung over them. It is a tale that begins in the late 19th century with Granny Younger, the midwife, and continues well into the 20th century through several gene...  more »
ISBN-13: 9780399127946
ISBN-10: 0399127941
Publication Date: 6/15/1983
Pages: 286
Rating:
  • Currently 3/5 Stars.
 2

3 stars, based on 2 ratings
Publisher: Putnam Pub Group (T)
Book Type: Hardcover
Other Versions: Paperback, Audio Cassette
Members Wishing: 1
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

reviewed Oral History on + 44 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Interwoven with the moving and deeply human recital of loves and losses are the folklore, the music, the scenery of the region-one can almost hear the twang of banjos and the high nasal voices; one almost breathes in the air of Hoot Owl Holler - Cleveland Plain Dealer review
reviewed Oral History on + 48 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
This is an in depth, yet interesting look at the rich history of the Appalachian family life throughout the ages. From wichcraft to trailer-trash this book covers it all.
reviewed Oral History on + 51 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
A fascinating glimpse of a remote and rural part of the country. You won't put this one down!
SanJoseCa avatar reviewed Oral History on + 328 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
An absorbing story of a young college student, who learns about herself as she chronicles the lives of her ancestors. The authors wonderful portrayal of folk beliefs of the Virginia region, makes this a must read for anyone interested in folklore!
reviewed Oral History on + 7 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Like nothing Ive read before. The families draw you in- its hard to put down.
Read All 14 Book Reviews of "Oral History"

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reviewed Oral History on + 144 more book reviews
This is a very good book about mountain people. It takes a few chapters to get involved, but after that all you want to do is read. I love the Smokies and the mountains-this is a book that takes you away from past to the future generations. All is good.
rfdudley avatar reviewed Oral History on + 75 more book reviews
I heard an interview with author on NPR and decided to try reading one of her books. I just couldn't get into this one for some reason. I will try another one though.
reviewed Oral History on
Loved this book...it was a great read - could not put it down. This is actually quite an incredible view of the history of rural America; if you like historical novels, this is a good one. Told in first-person narratives by the residents of these mountains over a span of a century, you see life through their eyes and come to understand why people made some very strange life choices. These poor people teach us so much about acceptance and giving...it is inspirational without meaning to be - it is what it is - well written and beautiful.
Definitely a classic.
reviewed Oral History on + 59 more book reviews
I enjoyed this book. Want to read more from this author
reviewed Oral History on + 7 more book reviews
This book ended very abruptly, almost as if the author were tired of writing and decided to sum it all up in condensed form. It ended on a very depressing note and left behind an aftertaste of hopelessness. The most endearing characters did not have a large part in the story, but the unlikable ones persisted on. The visualization was excellent and I could clearly imagine the scenes the author described. It is worth reading once, but I doubt I will ever read it again.


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