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Oral History
Oral History
Author: Lee Smith
"Delightful and entertaining." — PEOPLE — When Jennifer, a college student, returns to her childhood home of Hoot Owl Holler with a tape recorder, the tales of murder and suicide, incest and blood ties, bring to life a vibrant story of a doomed family that still refuses to give up.... — "Deft and assured....[Lee Smith] is nothing less than masterly...  more »
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ISBN-13: 9780345410283
ISBN-10: 0345410289
Publication Date: 8/27/1996
Pages: 320
Rating:
  • Currently 3.7/5 Stars.
 41

3.7 stars, based on 41 ratings
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover, Audio Cassette
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

reviewed Oral History on + 44 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
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
reviewed Oral History on + 48 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
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.
reviewed Oral History on + 51 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
A fascinating glimpse of a remote and rural part of the country. You won't put this one down!
SanJoseCa avatar reviewed Oral History on + 328 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
An absorbing story of a young college student, who learns about herself as she chronicles the lives of her ancestors. The authors wonderful portrayal of folk beliefs of the Virginia region, makes this a must read for anyone interested in folklore!
reviewed Oral History on + 7 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Like nothing Ive read before. The families draw you in- its hard to put down.
Read All 14 Book Reviews of "Oral History"

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reviewed Oral History on + 144 more book reviews
This is a very good book about mountain people. It takes a few chapters to get involved, but after that all you want to do is read. I love the Smokies and the mountains-this is a book that takes you away from past to the future generations. All is good.
rfdudley avatar reviewed Oral History on + 75 more book reviews
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.
reviewed Oral History on
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.
reviewed Oral History on + 59 more book reviews
I enjoyed this book. Want to read more from this author
reviewed Oral History on + 7 more book reviews
This book ended very abruptly, almost as if the author were tired of writing and decided to sum it all up in condensed form. It ended on a very depressing note and left behind an aftertaste of hopelessness. The most endearing characters did not have a large part in the story, but the unlikable ones persisted on. The visualization was excellent and I could clearly imagine the scenes the author described. It is worth reading once, but I doubt I will ever read it again.


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