43 pages • 1 hour read
One Foot in Eden
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Book Brief
214
Novel • Fiction
Oconee County, South Carolina • 1950s
2002
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
One Foot in Eden by Ron Rash is a Southern Gothic crime novel set in Jocassee, South Carolina, where Sheriff Will Alexander investigates the disappearance of Holland Winchester. Told through five different narrators, the story delves into the lives and psychological conflicts of the characters while Carolina Power forces them out of their homes to build a reservoir. Themes of justice, morality, and the consequences of secrets unfold as the community faces displacement. The book contains depictions of racism and racist violence, death by suicide, war crimes, miscarriages, and infertility.
Mysterious
Melancholic
Dark
Suspenseful
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
5,882 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
One Foot in Eden by Ron Rash immerses readers in a vividly portrayed Appalachian setting, complemented by Rash's lyrical prose. Critics commend the multilayered narrative and emotional depth, although some find the pacing uneven. The novel's strong character development and evocative atmosphere make it a compelling read despite minor flaws.
Who Should Read One Foot in Eden?
A reader who enjoys One Foot in Eden by Ron Rash is likely captivated by Southern Gothic literature, complex characters, and a strong sense of place. Fans of William Faulkner's As I Lay Dying and Cormac McCarthy's Child of God will appreciate Rash's evocative storytelling and exploration of human nature and rural life.
5,882 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Amy Holcombe
Amy Holcombe
Billy's wife and Isaac's mother, a beautiful woman in her early twenties struggling with societal pressures and personal dilemmas.
Billy Holcombe
Billy Holcombe
Amy's husband, a hardworking farmer who feels insecure due to his disability and his inability to father a child.
Isaac Holcombe
Isaac Holcombe
Amy and Holland’s son, who struggles with family secrets and his identity as he grows up in Jocassee.
Holland Winchester
Holland Winchester
Isaac’s biological father, a war veteran recently returned to Jocassee after fighting in the Korean War, known for his violent nature.
214
Novel • Fiction
Oconee County, South Carolina • 1950s
2002
Adult
18+ years
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