Suzanne
Rating:
Review
The suspected murder of local troublemaker Holland Winchester is at the center of this story, saturated in its remote Appalachian setting like a hot day in ninety-nine percent humidity. Events are plainly told by Sheriff Will Alexander, suspect Billy Holcombe, Billy’s wife Amy, their son, and the sheriff’s deputy. Unfortunately the sheriff doesn’t even have a body in this case, just a missing man. Billy Holcombe is a very poor farmer in a bygone era sort of way – living way down a dirt road without electricity or even indoor plumbing. He does, however, have a young wife, who was having an affair with their neighbor Winchester, according to Winchester’s mother. Aspects of Appalachia made it seem like a foreign country to me at times, like how living in the same place your whole life long is what matters the most to people there, and how backwoods wives’ tales abound, to the point where a neighbor woman who lives like a hermit is believed to be a witch. The writing is atmospheric and everything plays out in a fateful manner, one bad thing leading inevitably to another like a dark swan song.
Best Line:
"The only thing that mattered was what I could live with." (pg. 198)
Kim
Rating:
Review
Set in South Carolina, each of the chapters are written from five different people’s perspective, yet center on one particular event. Starting with the town sheriff, Will Alexander, as he is investigating the murder of Holland Winchester, though he is unable to locate a body. Next up is Amy Holcombe, who was rumored to be fooling around with Holland unbeknownst to Billy, her husband and from his perspective comes the third chapter. Many years pass by the time Amy and Billy’s son, Isaac, narrates the fourth chapter, as he is a young adult getting ready for college, and he unexpectedly learns the harsh reality of his family and their terrible secrets. The story ends with Will’s deputy, Bobby, and a bold decision on his part. There is so much more to this slim novel, as Mr. Rash is a masterful storyteller and writer of beautiful yet simple prose. His latest book,
Serena, is also fantastic.
Best Line:
"You’ve lived long enough to know once trouble comes it don’t wander off on its own."
