Helpful Score: 2
Rachel Keener's writing has put a spell on me. I read her second novel, The Memory Thief, first and was bowled over by how wonderful it was. I've even put it on my best reads of 2010 list. When I closed the pages of her debut novel, I was equally as thrilled and surprised. It is a beautiful and wonderful story that is at turns hopeful and achingly sad. The writing is terrific, so vivid that I felt transported to Crooktop Mountain. A coming of age story that is hard to put down. Mercy's story will stay with me for a long, long time. I rarely re-read books, but these are two that I will keep and enjoy again soon. I can't wait for her next effort. Very highly recommended.
Helpful Score: 1
I really liked this book about a mountain girl with a domineering grandfather. Her mother died after being cruelly cast out by her grandfather for running off and getting pregnant with a man he didn't approve of, but Mercy still can't help but fall for a poor migrant worker on the mountain. When her grandfather finds out, he'll do anything to make her atone for her sin, and she'll do anything to stay with her love. The ending left an important detail up in the air and therefore wasn't as satisfying as I would have liked. Overall, a very engrossing book.
This book was thought provoking for me... I'm still thinking about it days later. It was kind of haunting and sad, though. I was so angry with Mercy's grandfather (Father Heron) throughout the book! I can't say why without a spoiler, but I actually cheered a little at the end. I agree with one of the other reviewers that the ending left me somewhat dissatisfied. The author left several loose ends that I would have loved to have seen be resolved... Even an epilogue would have been nice. I did feel as though I was right up there on that mountain. Overall, an interesting but sad read.
