Helpful Score: 4
My first Ron Rash book - but not the last. Interesting story. Funny at times with all kinds of twists and turns. I found the way that the author showed the differences opinions of the same event.
Helpful Score: 3
This is what I loved about this book. It is told from the perspective of five different characters, but done very well. Some authors laboriously pull the reader through a story while flip flopping back and forth between characters. Not here. Once the first character has been heard from, the others simply fill in the gaps, and the story flows as smoothly as the river in its setting. Ron Rash is a gifted writer. Add this book to your list of "to read"!
Helpful Score: 2
After reading this book, I immediately ordered another by Ron Rash. One Foot in Eden is elegant and haunting -- not a book I will soon forget.
Helpful Score: 2
This is rather interesting story about a murder (I hesitate to call it a murder mystery) that is told from the point of view of five different characters. The characters and the setting have a rich Appalachian feel, and it is apparent that the author is well versed in the nuances of this unique mountain culture.
As a whole I found the story to be engaging enough, but was ultimately disappointed with the ending. I felt that too much was left unanswered, that the final scene was a poor send-off to an otherwise entertaining story. The author spent so much time methodically laying out the groundwork for the story, brought all of the different points of view together at the end, and then wrapped everything up in what seemed to be a sudden and furious rush meet his deadline. We got to see the threads come together. The author simply didn't show us what it was that they made.
My final thoughts as I read the last page were, "Wait wait wait...that's IT?" The take-home message wasn't what I was expecting and, unfortunately, it made all of the good parts of the book ring hollow as a result.
This is not a bad book, it's just not an exceptional book either. It's worth the time that it takes to read it (which really isn't all that long). I can say that this book is still worth recommending. There is a haunting quality about it that really does draw you into the story. But part of me just can't recommend it with a very high level of enthusiasm.
As a whole I found the story to be engaging enough, but was ultimately disappointed with the ending. I felt that too much was left unanswered, that the final scene was a poor send-off to an otherwise entertaining story. The author spent so much time methodically laying out the groundwork for the story, brought all of the different points of view together at the end, and then wrapped everything up in what seemed to be a sudden and furious rush meet his deadline. We got to see the threads come together. The author simply didn't show us what it was that they made.
My final thoughts as I read the last page were, "Wait wait wait...that's IT?" The take-home message wasn't what I was expecting and, unfortunately, it made all of the good parts of the book ring hollow as a result.
This is not a bad book, it's just not an exceptional book either. It's worth the time that it takes to read it (which really isn't all that long). I can say that this book is still worth recommending. There is a haunting quality about it that really does draw you into the story. But part of me just can't recommend it with a very high level of enthusiasm.
Helpful Score: 1
Very well done story of a murder viewed from different perspectives. I really enjoyed this book.
Helpful Score: 1
My first time reading this author and was not disappointed...what a riveting story of love, hate and revenge in the southern Appalachian mountains! Am already reading his book "Saints at the River". Would highly recommend this author
This is the debut novel for Ron Rash, whose writing i have come to appreciate. This is a story of family secrets which lead up to a tragic event, the details of which become what may be the final family secret, perhaps never to be revealed. The story is told from the viewpoint of the four major characters, each adding their own perspective and motives to the tale. This story gives insight into personal issues surrounding small town Appalachia preceding the impending flooding of land and town by the Duke Power dam which created Lake Jocassee.
Great book. From the first words you are involved in the novel. I could not put it down.
I really liked this book. Looking forward to more from this author.
Very good read with a twist at the end.
This is the story of a murder from the viewpoint of the sheriff, the husband, the wife, and the son. It is spellbinding and hard to put this book down. You are really rooting for all the people in the book! It is a short book and quick read. I loved this book.
Well written Appalachian saga of sorrow and revenge. Didn't like the ending, and it was too short, but definitely held my interest. Read it in one day.
Rash writes with a sure hand an no wasted words. This is the first book in a long time which I did not want to set down. The story is based in rural Appalachia after the Korean war and is told with obvious understanding, but also love for the region and her people. Every character had depth and made credible decisions which would make for interesting discussion. A very solid first novel.
I love this author, his writing just flows. This is my second book of Ron Rash's, and it did not disappoint. Great story.
Will Alexander is the sheriff in a small town in Southern Appalachia, and he knows that the local thug Holland Winchester has been murdered. The only thing is the sheriff can find neither the body nor someone to attest to the killing. Simply, almost elementally told through the voices of the sheriff, a local farmer, his beautiful wife, their son, and the sheriff's deputy. One Food In Eden signals the bellwether arrival of one of the most mature and distinctive voices in southern literature.
