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James Still (1) (1906–2001)

Författare till River of Earth

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17+ verk 442 medlemmar 9 recensioner 1 favoritmärkta

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Associerade verk

Sudden Fiction: American Short-Short Stories (1984) — Bidragsgivare — 362 exemplar
The Best American Short Stories 1946 (1946) — Bidragsgivare — 8 exemplar
The Best American Short Stories 1952 (1952) — Bidragsgivare — 5 exemplar
Twenty-Three Modern Stories (1963) — Bidragsgivare — 4 exemplar
The Best American Short Stories 1950 (1950) — Bidragsgivare — 3 exemplar

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They have some curious language, these coal-mining Kentucky families from the 20th century. They say"craps" for crops and eat some kind of birds "dommers" that I can't even find a definition for. They keep having baby after baby even though they can't feed the babies they already have.
 
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burritapal | 6 andra recensioner | Oct 23, 2022 |
The first thing you notice about this story of the depression era in the mining towns of Eastern Kentucky is the beauty of the writing itself and the genuine flavor of the dialog. James Still captures the stark, almost hopeless, situation of the families, while simultaneously showing the strength and endurance of the individuals and their connections to one another. I was struck by the generous nature of the people, who scraped into their near-empty larders to help one another survive their common perils.

One of the themes explored here seems to be the separation of man from nature. As the family is pulled from working fields on farms to living in camps and working coal mines, they seem to be separating themselves from a birthright and a bond that even they themselves do not understand.

The earth parted; it fell back from the shovel plow; it boiled over the share. I walked the fresh furrow and balls of dirt welled between my toes. There was a smell of old mosses, or bruised sassafras roots, of ground new-turned.

The share rustled like drifted leaves. It spoke up through the handles. I felt the earth flowing, steady as time.


There is also the conviction that whatever happens, however difficult or unjust, life continues. Indeed, it springs up from death itself.

Shot so his life's blood flowed a river. Yonder, up Lean Neck where the road comes off the hill and crosses the creek, years ago. The spot is marked, I hear. Marked peculiar. A locust post was driv on the spot, and I hear it tuck root.

That tree is a reminder of the spot of a death, but it is also a reminder that life, and family, continue. The locust tree itself rises from a post, unintentional and improbable, but determined and strong.

There is a thread of humor that runs through the novel as well that offsets the bleak conditions and reinforces the idea that even though the life is hard, the people are not necessarily unhappy. They are, in fact, accepting and uncomplaining; strong and rugged, even the children.

After several unsatisfying reads, it was a joy to open a book and find a voice that resonated, a world that seemed authentic, and a narrator who could convey his experiences with meaning and honesty. My thanks to the Southern Literary Trail for another dynamite read.
… (mer)
 
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mattorsara | 6 andra recensioner | Aug 11, 2022 |
How do you review a book that is so unique, considered a classic, and offer up what hasn't already been said?

You don't. You don't try to recreate what's already there. That would be like saying, I'm going to invent a car! (how many variations are out there today?)

What I will say is this book has my heart. It wasn't always an easy read because Still wrote his story in the manner of speech used decades ago. I imagine there are areas today where it exists. I'd love to go visit and sit and just listen. I found it a fascinating "study" of a long ago language and way of life. Likely the most accurate account of both ever.

It tells the story of a young seven year old boy living with his siblings, older sister Euly, younger brother Fletch, parents, and a variety of family members who drop in and out of their lives, and home throughout the story. It tells of the challenge of mining, camp life, a mother's wishes and desires, and a father's need to reconcile the knowledge of taking food out of his children's mouths to help out other family members in need. Therein lies the friction between mother and father, keenly observed by the young boy.

Highly recommend. An authentic capture of a bygone life.
… (mer)
 
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DonnaEverhart | 6 andra recensioner | Jun 21, 2022 |
I first heard of this book from a blog I follow written by another librarian who was weeding the book and found the title amusing. I had to concur. But, then, I also had to see it. :) It is, by far, one of the oddest books I've seen but it was also enjoyable, in its own quirky way. I actually found the history of Wolfpen Creek and its surrounding area much more fascinating than I did the riddles. The different words used in that area during that time period were also quite interesting. I believe the intended audience of this book was originally children, but sadly, I think most of the information is too far removed from the context of their worlds that they may not be able to relate. However, I still recommend giving it at least a skim, for the sheer fun of it (and the beautiful woodcuts - I did enjoy those, as well!) and maybe even share it with a kiddo if you think they're up for it. :)… (mer)
 
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rnc0909 | Mar 8, 2013 |

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Statistik

Verk
17
Även av
5
Medlemmar
442
Popularitet
#55,392
Betyg
3.8
Recensioner
9
ISBN
91
Språk
2
Favoritmärkt
1

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