Do you have any favorite novels about life in Appalachia?

Question

I just finished reading a Dorothy Allison novel, and I've also enjoyed Tawny O'Dell's work. Wondering if you know of any others out there that are not necessarily "Southern Lit"?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

i remember reading a book called "christy" about a girl who goes to teach in in the appalacians. don't know if you'd call it "southern lit"

Answer 2

Christy by Catherine Marshall

Answer 3

"The Dollmaker" by Harriet Arnow was one of my favorite books when I was younger. It is not a children's book. It tells the story of a poor family in Appalachia whose strong willed mother carves dolls out of wood and sells them to support her family. There is much adversity and hardship but it is an inspiring story. Well written, I think you would enjoy it.

Answer 4

Hunter's Horn and The Dollmaker by Harriet Arnow

Answer 5

not that I know of.

Answer 6

I think the works of Thomas Wolfe (not Tom Wolfe) are set in Appalachia or close to it. See Look Homeward Angel. It's a relatively difficult book to read.
Ellen Glasgow (Vein of Iron) also deals with Appalachia. Wolfe and Glasgow are considered classics, but I'm not sure either of them is very enjoyable.

Answer 7

Sharyn McCrumb's excellent Ballad Novels celebrate the folklore of Appalachia.

Ghost Riders (2003)
The Songcatcher (2001)
The Ballad of Frankie Silver (1998)
The Rosewood Casket (1996)
She Walks These Hills (1994)
The Hang-man’s Beautiful Daughter (1992)
If Ever I Return, Pretty Peggy-O (1990)

Source(s):

http://www.sharynmccrumb.com/index.html

Answer 8

Christy