River of Earth
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1940
256
Novel • Fiction
Kentucky • 1930s
1940
Adult
14-18 years
River of Earth by James Still follows a seven-year-old boy growing up in Kentucky during the Great Depression. The family faces a dilemma between being independent, struggling farmers or finding work in the mines. The father, Brack, is generous to a fault, which causes tension with his wife, Alpha, who desires stability. The young boy observes the hardships and societal pressures while dreaming of a different future.
Melancholic
Gritty
Contemplative
Nostalgic
Emotional
1,397 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
James Still's River of Earth is lauded for its lyrical prose and authentic depiction of Appalachian life during the Great Depression. Critics appreciate Still's nuanced portrayal of rural struggles and strong character development. However, some find its slow pace and somber tone less engaging. Overall, it's a poignant, well-crafted exploration of hardship and resilience.
Readers who appreciate the richly detailed lives of Appalachian families during the Great Depression will find River of Earth by James Still compelling. It appeals to fans of literature like The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck and The Dollmaker by Harriette Arnow, where human resilience and stark realism in rural settings are poignantly explored.
1,397 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
256
Novel • Fiction
Kentucky • 1930s
1940
Adult
14-18 years
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