DIRT

by SL Dwyer

In 1933 the Great Depression and Dust Bowl brought devastation to thousands of people. For thirteen-year-old Sammy Larkin, it made him an orphan. Refusing to allow the state to take his seven-year-old sister, Birdie and himself from their farm, he decides to do the impossible—live as if his parents were still alive.

Learning to lie and steal, he embarks on an eye-opening fight for survival in the Oklahoma panhandle, finding help in the most unexpected places. The fear of failure overshadows his every decision. Along with a mangy stray dog and new-found friends, he struggles to adapt to the world of adults, discovering the ugly side of life, all the while questioning why his parents left them.

Battling constant dust storms, known as black blizzards, a menacing drifter, and hunger, he fights to get through each day, hoping for a miracle. When circumstances dictate a change in his plans, he has to make a life altering decision.

335 pages, Paperback

First published July 7, 2012

Reviews

[Michael Twist · Rating 5 out of 5]

S L Dwyer’s powerful novel, DIRT, focuses on life in the depression era Dust Bowl of the Oklahoma panhandle. The story opens with a thirteen year-old boy faced with caring for his sister in the aftermath of their parent’s double suicide. Often bleak, and always realistic, this bit of historical fiction compels you to root for these kids as if they’re your own as they face starvation, fierce and unpredictable storms, and a drifter full of malice. The dialogue rings true, and the characters – both adolescent and adult – seem like people we’ve all known over the years. A most worthwhile read.

[MK · Rating 2 out of 5]

I rarely read self-pubbed books. There is a reason writers need editors, and getting through a publisher is a form of vetting. This book is no exception. "Dirt" reads like the history essay of a college freshman who wants to avoid significant research (i.e. writing an actual essay) so turns it into a sappy creative writing exercise. It succeeds neither as historical fiction nor as an engaging story.

Plot problems: No meaningful reason is ever given for the parents' suicide. The family was not starving. They were valuable members of the community. Apparently all it took to survive was growing vegetables, hunting, and making friends with the cranky old neighbor. And of course, that's part of the problem. The entire struggle was solved so easily that it makes the parents' suicide lack any sort of credence. The plot was extremely simplistic, characters were cliches (two plucky kids! an evil villain! cranky neighbor with a heart of gold! a good friend who appears from nowhere!), and the resolution saccharine.

Points at least for complete sentences and paragraphs, and characters that could almost (not quite, but almost) be compelling.

[Jody · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved these brave kids. This is a wonderful story about hope and life and overcoming adversity in the face of despair. No child should have to endure what Sammy and Birdie did. Also loved the neighbor lady. Hard as nails with a hidden heart. Well written, moves along at a nice pace. I don't always finish books, but I did this one. I suggest you consider Dirt for your next book club choice. There's a lot of material here that would make for an interesting discussion.

[gj indieBRAG · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are proud to announce that this book has been honored with a 2012 B.R.A.G.Medallion - telling you that this book is well worth your time and money!