In the Shadow of the Blue Ridge

by Carolyn Tyree Feagans

A new story that deals with the Monacan Indians and their tragic history- it is heavily immersed with mountain life, beginning in 1898. Its primary setting is also the Blue Ridge, its secondary is downtown Lynchburg, Virginia, a small southern town. It is a rich, historical novel that centers on the Great Depression and World War II, realistically portraying how Lynchburg and mountain families coped with the challenges. Understand how a young boy wears croaker sacks on his legs to keep warm and walks the railroad tracks for coal, and later joins the CCCs for a way out.

389 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1998

Reviews

[Rebekah Thompson]

I was hoping there would be more midwifery stories in this book than there were, but I did like the story without that. It was a little hard to follow in the beginning because it jumps around a bit, but it got easier a couple chapters in when I figured out all the characters and how they connected. I do like how it talks about the ostrcism and racism that faced both Native Americans and black people living in the blue ridge mountains.

[Rose Collins]

Good story by a local Blue Ridge author which incorporates the history of Lynchburg Virginia with events in the lives of a midwife, native Americans and townspeople. The timeline of the book spans from the depression to the 1960s.

[Linda]

A good easy read that teaches the history of the Blu Ridge while spinning a delightful tale.

[Lex]

An authentic and poignant look at the mountain people of the Appalachians, written by a local author. Informative, well-written, and even pretty “woke,” a rare treat in such works!

[Dawne McElroy]

Good writing and interesting characters this book was a nice, wholesome read.

[Amanda B]

Very slow plot, no character depth, too much dialogue. Lots of good history, and I love a generational saga, but this one didn’t do it for me.

[Deborah]

This is not a poetic novel. In fact, the author makes the mistake of using cliche after cliche. However, and surprisingly, the tale has stuck with me. It really is a good portrayal of life in the Blue Ridge and a haunting love story. The author needs to work on her prose, but not her subject matter. Perhaps a good editor could have brightened (I suppose I mean polished ) this up. Channel a little Joyce Carol Oates and you'll have an award winner.