Return the Innocent Earth

by Wilma Dykeman

The Clayburn family perseveres to create a canning company in the Great Smoky Mountains of the South at the turn of the last century, while in the present, Clayburn descendant Jon struggles against cousin and company-head Stull's amoral vision. This struggle unfolds during a crisis involving the testing of a new spray to retard growth of vegetables on the vine.

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction

444 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1974

About the author

Wilma Dykeman Stokely was an American writer of fiction and nonfiction whose works chronicled the people and land of Appalachia.

Reviews

[Richard West · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased this book at a Used Book Store. I am a native of East Tennessee and Wilma Dykeman was a well known Local Author. In addition, Ms. Dykeman wrote Editorials for the largest Newspaper. From an very early age it was clear that I was never going to agree with any of Ms. Dykeman's Editorials, but when I saw this work of Fiction I decided to take a chance. I have since read all of Ms. Dykeman's Fiction, and I have enjoyed every book. In this Novel Ms. Dykeman provides unique insight into the development of Tennessee's agricultural economy during the early years of statehood. In addition, Ms. Dykeman also provides a vivid description of modern day Corporate America. The Title reflects that in Modern Day Corporations profit controls all, and that somehow the very soil that provides our (and the Corporation's) sustenance is being lost and/or defiled.

In general, this book appears to be a veiled "history" of the East Tennessee based Stokely Canning Company. The names have been changed to protect the innocent.

[Kathi Olsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was copyrighted in 1973 and is a delight. This is not a book to be read quickly, but to be savored. This author had a gift. I am anxious to find more of her books. I actually got this for free some time ago when our library was getting rid of books.. So hard to limit oneself! This story of a family is so well developed and the characters are totally believable. It has a good resolution at the end and as 3 generations live through different times and events it really kept my interest in what might be coming next. There are times when the writing is magical.

[Lori Shafer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Return the Innocent Earth in two novels in one. The first is the story of Jon Clayburn. A vice president of a national canned food brand, who begins to question the path of his company and his life. He looks back on the time he wasted at the company meeting the demands of his older cousin while losing time with his dying wife. He finds a new love after many years who brings him new choices and a new way of thinking.

The second story is about the Clayburn family. Five brothers who struggle to survive after the tragic and unexpected death of the father in the late 1800's. They start a small canning business hoping to help them not just to survive but the thrive. The tale focuses on Jonathan Clayburn, father to Jon, who leads the family and the family business. He uses the code of honor and belief in family to start his business and keep it thriving.

The two stories unite when the path chosen by the elder Jonathan impacts the life of Jon. Jon wonders if his father would like the way his life and the company have changed over time. Suddenly Jon starts to question everything and decides to go back to his roots for answers.

Return the Innocent Earth is shows the emergence of big companies and technology. How those two effect one man and the company his father founded. It starts out a little slow. It took me a while to "get into" the book. I loved the flash back sections and slowly began to appreciate the more modern story as well. It was a little funny to see how people saw computers, technology and the environment. Many concepts of this book are apart of everyday life today. It was interesting to see those "new" ideas and how they were seen then. I will say the book was wonderful and a charming read. Fans of Appalachian fiction will enjoy it.

[Evan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this novel is a little too sentimental, this is the only mark against it though. Dykeman writes on people and place in really amazing ways, I think many sections of this book are worthy of revisiting and close reading. Reading this alongside 'The French Broad', reveals lots about the Appalachia as a place and also Dykeman's feelings on the place and people of the Appalachia.

The story is engaging and interesting. It offers confrontational problems to the reader; at times however, these are resolved with too much surety in the text. This novel is all really about the characterisation of the Clayburn family - through the Clayburns, Dykeman is able to explore the entirety of the changes, the virtues, and the failings of the Appalachian people and communities.

[Ellen Warner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found this book in a small local NC store where the AT goes right right through the center of town. I've read this author before and enjoy her setting of NC/Tenn mountains.
This is a great epic novel of a giant canning company with its roots deep in the mountain family farm. Great book.

[Sarah Toppins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another well-written historical novel from Wilma Dykeman about the changing life in Appalachia for several generations of families. This is the third in a series and deals with the industrialization of the area with a canning factory and how that affects not only the people but the land.

[Sylvia Archer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A literary family saga, written with depth, humor, and a remarkable amount of foresight. Though this book was written in 1973 the social, political, and economical aspects ring true for today.

[mg · Rating 5 out of 5]

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