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Title: She Walks These Hills
ISBN: 0451184726
Author:
Sharyn McCrumb
Publicate Date: 1995-10-01
Publish: 1995-10-01
List Price: $7.99
Average Customer Rating: 4.5
Format: Paperback
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Amazon Lowest New Price: $2.44
Amazon Lowest Used Price: $0.01
Amazon Merchant Price: $7.99
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| Customer Review: |
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1: "She Walks These Hills"
This book was a journey that I didn't want to end. Fortunately, Sharyn McCrumb wrote more books, some of which I've yet to read.
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2: Riveting!
These stories set in the Appalachian mountains are incredible! This one is about a certain stretch of the mountains that are haunted by an eighteenth century pioneer woman. The present day plot is set in this area, and the two times run parallel to each other. I find it hard to describe this since the concept is so unique, but I do know what I like, and I like these stories very much. I recommend that you begin with the first book and read in order (this is the third in the series). In this book we see Martha come into her own as she works as a deputy. She is on the trail of an elderly escaped convict and this man's path seems to cross with a bunch of other present day people, as well as the ghost of the eighteenth century woman. I know it sounds far-fetched, but believe me it is not. This book is incredibly well-written.
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3: Good mystery fiction, like the Tony Hillerman of Appalachia
This was a book club selection. We had not done a mystery and it was a fun, easy book.I enjoyed a few Tony Hillerman's, similar regional mystery novel idea. I had noticed that the author had a following and decided to try it. I did enjoy it. A multi-layered novel with multiple story lines that end up merging in unexpected ways. The criminal elements were a little transparent and predictable (I won't spoil anything by expanding on that). My parents are from Appalachia. This aspect of the writing I found to be top notch. She knows the subject, she writes from the heart. Appalachians are discriminated against and pre-judged ruthlessly and without criticism because it is not a particular race. The "ignorant hillbilly" slur has existed as long as most degrading slurs, and is condoned by the media and our society. Sharyn McCrumb gives her readers a glimpse into a complicated, sometimes closed culture that has many beautiful aspects to it. The religion, the customs, the loyalty, and the unique music are both interesting and mysterious. More importantly, these 1st, 2nd and now 3rd generation Americans helped build this country. From the anti-establishment bootleggers to the mine wars of the 1920's, it is a culture rich with history,tradition, scandal, and tears. Not to be overlooked. Bravo to Sharyn McCrumb.
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4: Appalachian Revisionism
This novel makes such a strong statement about the destruction of a culture and its environment through the use of mystery, suspense and well-drawn characters. It also questions conventional perceptions of heroes and villains and thus revises the myths that the author is drawing on. That's what makes it so brilliant. She Walks These Hills in the best book I've ever seen from Sharyn McCrumb. I am in awe of her achievement.
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5: Likeable Characters
After a hard week of Reality, She Walks These Hills is a rare treat. McCrumb's ability to take one away from the concerns and intricacies of one's own day-to-day life is astounding.
She encourages all five of your senses to participate...her characters become your friends and the mystery and history of the Appalachians become part of your own past for a short time. You root for the good guy, boo the bad guy and in the end, can rest easy knowing that everything worked out the way it was supposed to.
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