I purchased this book for myself. After seeing the author chat about her book, I decided that I needed to see what southern fiction is all about. Boy am I glad that I did this!
A young man, Del, has worn out his welcome at the farm he is working at. After surviving an “accident” at the farm, he needs to find new employment and a new place to live. Broke, he did what many without transportation do. He hops a train and jumps off near Valdosta. He’s heard about a turpentine camp that may be hiring. Will this bring him the peace of mind that he’s looking for? The only jobs available are the ones normally filled by black men. Del pleads for a job and is hired. Will the other workers accept him? He needs a place to live so he rents a cabin. The only place to buy supplies is the company store. The prices are high, a worker’s pay first goes toward their debt to the company. They receive company credit if the account is paid in full. With the inflated prices, accounts were rarely paid in full. This system was designed to keep the worker indebted and unable to leave. If you owed the company store, how could you skip out?
Rae Lynn is also looking for a job. Circumstances in her life have led her to the point that she has no means of support. Told that the turpentine camp Swallow Hill pays well, she decides to take a chance. She has some experience in the work and knows that she needs a job to survive. She packs up her few belongings and sets out for the camp. Will they take a chance on her and hire her? How will she manage such hard, demanding work? Is she being unrealistic?
The Saints of Swallow Hill is about three lost souls looking for a solution to their troubles. There are few options for work during the Great Depression. Migrant camps were often the only opportunity for work that people could find. Donna Everhart has thoroughly researched this fascinating era. She compiles a vast amount of information and distills it into a beautiful story. She excels at describing the environment that the characters find themselves in. These characters are flawed and yet manage to bring out the best in each other. Sadness and despair can lead the way to hope. The reader will feel all of the challenges life brings these hard-working people. You will cheer these characters on as you follow their journey. Take a trip down South, grab a glass of sweet tea and read!
My Rating: 🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻/5
Additional Remarks: I was so lucky to have the opportunity to meet Donna Everhart at the Fox Tale Book Shoppe in Woodstock, GA. She is a wonderful, fascinating author. If you have the opportunity to go hear her speak be sure to go. For a book nerd, meeting an author is terrific. It was interesting for her to take us through how she found the idea for the book. To take an idea and craft it into a published book involves a great deal of talent!
This is also my first exposure to Southern fiction. It highlights the beauty of the South including the food, traditions, and people. While I grew up in Kansas, I do love living in the South. The people are warm, friendly and still remember manners. I know that this will not be the only Southern fiction that I read. It is far too much fun.
I’m a bit behind on my book reviews. I have several to write. Two weeks ago my Mom had a horrible accident at her home. We are fortunate that she is still with us but daily life for her has changed. I have been distracted and haven’t done well when trying to write. So, I have to catch back up. I will. I have some great books to read so keep checking back…