If the Creek don’t Rise – Book Review
Author: Nancy Hartney
Genre: Short stories, American south
My rating: ★★★★☆
Release Date: Published 17th November, 2016 by Pen-L Publishing
Format: Kindle, 210 pages
What did I think?
‘If the Creek Don’t Rise’ is a compilation of short stories from the Deep South. It’s not all about grand homes and polite women. The blurb says “a collection of hard-used characters, tangled relationships, family angst, and fortitude” and I believe that’s exactly what I got.
To me, the book had a raw, rich feel. I admit that what I know about the south has come mostly from reading (aside from Texas where I’ve visited) but to me, the stories felt authentic. The variety was welcome though some stories I liked more than others.
A few of my favourites were:
Ads for Mule Feed – Hal gets himself a job, a wife, a daughter, and finally an education and some strength.
King David and the Bookstore – A homeless man regularly visits a bookstore.
The Girl who Carved Wood – A young woman learns the truth about her mother.
The Roses are Beautiful This Year – About two spinsters living in an old home with a charming, rambling garden and…was that some Hoodoo stuff in that one? I think it was and it was welcome!
The Trickster – A sex-worker connects with one of her johns (not in the way you’re probably thinking :P).
One or two stories didn’t end satisfactorily for me, but that happens (and depends on the reader). Also, a few times I was confused by the plot.
On the whole this was a clever and very enjoyable collection of short tales.
Thank you to Netgalley for the copy in exchange for honest review.