What do you think?
Rate this book
My Grandfather's Finger
Not long ago the Big Thicket of East Texas was still one of those places singular in its southernness, like the Mississippi Delta or the Carolina Low Country. Now its old-timers and their ways are nearly gone.
They will not be forgotten, though, for in My Grandfather’s Finger Edward Swift recalls a Big Thicket populated by family and friends as gloriously vibrant and enigmatic as the land itself. From Camp Ruby to nearby Woodville and all the swamps, bayous, and forests in between, Swift shows us a place and time so fecund with humor, tragedy, and good talk that, in growing up there, he had no choice but to become a novelist.
We meet, among many others, Mother, a widowed war bride who would spring-clean the inside of her house with a garden hose, and Aunt Coleta, childlike and always surrounded by an entourage of kids half enchanted by her and half scared witless. Then there are Uncle Frank, who, with self-fulfilling flair, would have drawn a pistol at the merest suggestion that his family was dysfunctional, and, of course, Grandfather, who lost his finger to a machete and his mind to cough medicine.
A mystical world of carnivals, talking fiddles, houses on wheels, atomic bombs, and total-immersion baptisms, Edward Swift’s Big Thicket was also a world in which he was loved unconditionally―and that alone makes it worth getting to know.
They will not be forgotten, though, for in My Grandfather’s Finger Edward Swift recalls a Big Thicket populated by family and friends as gloriously vibrant and enigmatic as the land itself. From Camp Ruby to nearby Woodville and all the swamps, bayous, and forests in between, Swift shows us a place and time so fecund with humor, tragedy, and good talk that, in growing up there, he had no choice but to become a novelist.
We meet, among many others, Mother, a widowed war bride who would spring-clean the inside of her house with a garden hose, and Aunt Coleta, childlike and always surrounded by an entourage of kids half enchanted by her and half scared witless. Then there are Uncle Frank, who, with self-fulfilling flair, would have drawn a pistol at the merest suggestion that his family was dysfunctional, and, of course, Grandfather, who lost his finger to a machete and his mind to cough medicine.
A mystical world of carnivals, talking fiddles, houses on wheels, atomic bombs, and total-immersion baptisms, Edward Swift’s Big Thicket was also a world in which he was loved unconditionally―and that alone makes it worth getting to know.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 1999
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 30, 2020
The book was a delightful, disturbing, entertaining and educational look into life in the big thicket as seen through the eyes of Edward Swift. There is however a subtle but consistent dark undertone throughout the book. Trials and persecution usually make a person either better or bitter. For Edward Swift it appears that many of his experiences resulted in a subtle but definite bitterness particularly towards God as seen in phrases such as "I've been burying Jesus ever since..." on page 25. Time always reveals truth and as such, one day Mr. Swift will know the truth about Jesus. My only concern for him personally is that when he does know/discover the real truth, it may very likely be too late to set him free.
May 5, 2026
I've read several of Edward's novels and met him once or twice at readings for those books. A Place with Promise is my favorite and my first. I think with My Grandfather's Finger I see the real life setting for the location with the real life inspiration for some of those characters, his family and neighbors. A quirky bunch for sure but colorful enough to populate many stories over the years. I looked him up on social media. He's still out there but doing folk art rather than writing I guess. I wonder if that finger in the jar still sits in someone's home.
April 30, 2022
These are well written and nostalgic vignettes of the author's eccentric backwoods family in Texas during the late 1940s to the 1970s. I wanted to like this more but I could not separate myself from the thought that with the exception of the author's beloved mother, these are MAGA voters and the culture wars affected my enjoyment. Fans of Edward Swift's fictions should enjoy this book..
February 18, 2022
Enjoyable, quick read. So interesting to hear how he grew up & his family.
Lots of great stories & his memories of people in his life.
Lots of great stories & his memories of people in his life.
December 11, 2025
Engaging memoir, built upon astute character profiles of those Swift knew and loved. I liked it!
July 18, 2009
Edward Swift grew up in the 40's and 50's in the Big Thicket of East Texas. He allows us to meet his extended family as they collide headlong with life. I thought I had some oddball relatives, but then everyone knows everything's bigger in Texas!
September 5, 2008
A thoughtful, warm and affectionate memoir of growing up in East Texas. Hilarious stories and a charming tribe of eccentric characters. Kind, gentle, truly delightful.
April 15, 2019
Loved it!
November 21, 2010
Good. Growing up in The Big Thlcket TX. Summer 2006. LP -- Good
February 28, 2011
An eccentric, elegant, and unblinkingly compassionate memoir of growing up in the thick of the Big Thicket.
December 18, 2015
This sounded interesting, but I couldn't finish it. Wasn't funny or warm. The writing lacked in my opinion.
July 23, 2012
Like some of my East Texas relatives.
July 12, 2013
I absolutely loved this book and couldnt put it down!!!
Highly recommend!
Highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews