Critical Praise

"An Appalachian coming-of-age novel...an intensely lyrical, emotional debut...Keener's vivid imagery and lush, folksy language evoke traditions...the novel succeeds in bringing to life a slice of mountain life where old and new, foreign and native, real and imagined, poetic and mundane blend against a harsh and beautiful landscape."

—Publishers Weekly

"This well-written, heart-wrenching story takes readers to the mountains of Appalachia. The gifted Keener is able to describe both the inner life of the characters and the outer vision of an untamed area of the mountains."

—The Romantic Times

"“…Keener reveals the dignity and sense of community among the outcast and itinerant."

—The Charlotte Observer