A rural Kentucky teenager comes of age in the summer of 1969 in this novel by the New York Times–bestselling author of The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek.
Nameless, Kentucky, in 1969 is a hardscrabble community where jobs are few and poverty is a simple fact—just like the hot Appalachian breeze or the pests that can destroy a tobacco field. RubyLyn Bishop is luckier than some. Her God-fearing … is luckier than some. Her God-fearing uncle, Gunnar, has a short fuse and high expectations, but he’s given her a good home ever since she was orphaned at the age of five. Yet now a month shy of her sixteenth birthday, RubyLyn itches for more.
Maybe it’s something to do with the paper fortunetellers RubyLyn has been making for townsfolk, each covered with beautifully wrought, prophetic drawings. Or perhaps it’s because of Rainey Ford, her black neighbor who works alongside her in the tobacco field and with whom she has a kinship—despite the disapproval of others.
RubyLyn’s predictions are just wishful thinking, not magic at all, but through them she’s imagining life as it could be, away from the prejudice and hardship that ripple through Nameless…
“A voice rich and authentic, steeped in the somber beauty that defines life in the South.”—David Joy, author of When These Mountains Burn
“Richardson’s brilliant writing made me feel as though I were transported back in time…and actually there witnessing this poignant heartfelt story.”—Charles Belfoure, New York Times–bestselling author of The Fallen Architect
“A reader always recognizes when the author has poured her soul into a body of work. [This] is a tender, beautifully written second novel.”—Ann Hite, author of the Black Mountain seriesmore
This is one book that will be hard to forget. The characters alone are interesting, but the multi-faceted stories that play out are so emotional, they will have you tied in knots. Life in poverty ridden Appalachia in the 60’s was extremely tough – especially for women. Very realistic (there’s no sugar coating things here) and I really like how it all ends up. Very strong female character who, despite all the hardship, always holds out hope for something better, and tries to make things better for herself and those around her, Totally in love with Rose the traveling sales lady. What a great role model for RubyLyn to have in her life. This book was more than worth the time it took to read it! 🙂
I like this author. The book was poignant, entertaining and well written. I recommend it.
I liked this book all the way through … until the beginning of the end. You know that feeling that the author is tired of writing the book and just wants to wrap it up? Sadly, that is how this book ends, too quickly, without a believably swift change of heart. However, I do recommend the book.
So many years and lives wasted by bigotry and pride. Sometimes I just wanted to shake the uncle.
I couldn’t wait to finish, and then when finished wanted the book to keep going.
I loved this book! So many lessons to learn and such a rich history.
Through hard times and a difficult life we follow the life of Rubylyn. It turned out quite differently that I excepted. A compelling story.
I had a hard time getting into this book at first, but ended up really enjoying it. I learned a lot too.
There was a lot to like about this book – the time (1969), the place (rural Kentucky), the characters (Gunnar, RubyLyn, Rainey, and the Stump family) – but somehow the story, while it certainly kept the pages turning, felt a bit contrived at times and didn’t always ring true. It didn’t really annoy me – it just didn’t inspire me.
I enjoyed the characters and the plot.
This was a book whose title originally attracted me. I loved the different era – the 1960s – and locale – Appalachia – and the characters. Unique style and story line.
This book is an everything book, it could be tragic to happy all the time.
Very good story.
The sad story of a Black & White romance in the impoverished tobacco fields of rural Kentucky. It’s the early 1960’s….
Told in the first person by the young trapped heroine , Godpretty tends to be sad and, at times, painful to read. The story includes dirt poor neighbors, alcoholism, sadness, hunger, and atrocious coping mechanisms. The story of their romance weaves through their childhood and late adolescence to escaping impoverished tobacco fields, seeking a life with some hope.
I couldn’t put this book down. It described a way of life in a real and honest way, much as Miriam Toews and Elizabeth Strout. Poverty, social class, and morals dictate how children are raised in those communities.
Very good story
Loved this book. Great read.