This book is very beautifully written. Since I have never heard about the writer, I googled him and he turned out to be an entrepreneur! Not only is this his debut novel, but also he is a part-time writer: he gets up at 5 a.m. to do some writing before work and then does the editing after putting his boys to bed in the evening, besides,he is in his forties! I just can't help but admiring him.
As a not so experienced writer, many of his characters and setting are from his own experience: the influence of the tragedy of a little boy to his family, a beautiful mountain exploited by the rich in Kentucky, and his lovely childhood environment turned into a construction site...
All this has laid in his mind for years, until recently he finally made up his mind to write them down before it became his life's regret. Thanks to his determination and devotion, we have such a lovely novel to read.
The story line itself is very attractive, but what I like most are the personalities of Pops, the grandfather of the main character Kevin. He is an old gentleman full of wisdom. He takes in Kevin and his mother after the terrible tragedy of his little brother, and tries his best to comfort them both without making it too obvious.?
He encourages Kevin to make friends without considering their economic status, deliberately neglects their taking adventures. And most important of all, he assures Kevin that he holds no responsibility of his brother's death, no matter what his father accuses him of, that is only his wrong way of coping with pressure and guiltiness.?In the community, Pops is a very kind and brave man, deserving the respect from the people. He has the guts to confront those evil money which would destroy their mountains.?
This whole book arises my sincere hope of Kevin and his mother's recovery from the images of the tragedy and a maintenance of a peaceful environment in the community.
