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Apr 01, 2017DBRL_IdaF rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
This collection of short stories centers around the people of Appalachia, though the time periods vary. The first story, "The Trusty", is one I'm sure will stick with me for a long, long time. Set in Depression-era North Carolina, it follows the effort of a prisoner to escape his chain gang by enlisting the help of the innocent young farm wife who supplies water to the laborers. But all is not as it seems. The contemporary story of a young couple trying to win enough money at the casino to pay off their truck had me holding my breath several times. Rash's descriptions provide a vivid mental image of the landscapes and people. His characters and dialogue ring true. He uses concrete words to explore spiritual and emotional depths. I want to re-read some of these stories to appreciate telling details that mean more once you get to the end and know the whole tale. Recommended for readers who have enjoyed books by Daniel Woodrell.