Search - Oral History

This is an in depth, yet interesting look at the rich history of the Appalachian family life throughout the ages. From wichcraft to trailer-trash this book covers it all.

Interwoven with the moving and deeply human recital of loves and losses are the folklore, the music, the scenery of the region-one can almost hear the twang of banjos and the high nasal voices; one almost breathes in the air of Hoot Owl Holler - Cleveland Plain Dealer review

A fascinating glimpse of a remote and rural part of the country. You won't put this one down!

I heard an interview with author on NPR and decided to try reading one of her books. I just couldn't get into this one for some reason. I will try another one though.

Loved this book...it was a great read - could not put it down. This is actually quite an incredible view of the history of rural America; if you like historical novels, this is a good one. Told in first-person narratives by the residents of these mountains over a span of a century, you see life through their eyes and come to understand why people made some very strange life choices. These poor people teach us so much about acceptance and giving...it is inspirational without meaning to be - it is what it is - well written and beautiful.
Definitely a classic.

A book I couldn't put down. Lee Smith is one of my favorite authors and this book scores again. It's so interesting to follow the family line of people she chooses to tell the story, each with their own voice, their own section of the book.

Sometimes, I find myself wondering who inhabited the land I live on. Lee Smith tells this story of her enchanted and often dark Hoot Owl Hollar and surrounding places like Hurricane Mountain, and Black Rock with characters named Almarine, Red Emmy, Dory, Pricey Jane and Ora Mae and offers us a glimpse into the oral history of this community.

Lee Smith is a good storyteller! Now, to see if I've missed any of her other books.

Carole