A classic Southern Gothic story, expanded and enhanced by stereotypes and caricatures, and more than a little proselytizing. Even the land itself is given a voice, and what an ominous and terrifying voice that can be. No wonder this book appeared in several “Top Book” lists.

A book of sharp vignettes about growing up in rural Virginia that "Attacks our National Myth". Told with gothic humor, you might not always agree with what Metcalf has to say; he pushes the envelope to give the reader a more authentic view of growing up surrounded by the failed, flawed and cast-off. ( )

A book of sharp vignettes about growing up in rural Virginia that "Attacks our National Myth". Told with gothic humor, you might not always agree with what Metcalf has to say; he pushes the envelope to give the reader a more authentic view of growing up surrounded by the failed, flawed and cast-off. ( )

This book was so hard to read I just read a few pages, gave up then forgot I had it until I was looking over the list of books I've won...always sad to give a bad review. ( )

The excerpt in Lapham's Quarterly contained elegant and ascerbic observations on the difficulties of living close to nature. The book is openly anti-pastoral. It refutes the idea that a life lived on the land is a better life, with tales narrated by man dragged to rural Virginia by parents who tried out rural living. The narrative voice is a satirical echo of the New England transcendental voice of the hermit of Walden Pond, tinged with a satirical echo of the teenage voices of Holden Caulfield andf every writer of suburban teen ennui. .
While short and lucid, it is a difficult and tiring book. I gave up on it and returned it to the library. ( )