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If the Creek Don't Rise: Tales from the South
A Creole beauty. Eccentric sisters and a black rose. One granny woman and a red button. Church suppers and bingo nights. A poet out of his element. Dreams of Mexico. The shadowy world of thoroughbred horse racing.
If the Creek Don't Rise is a collection of hard-used characters, tangled relationships, family angst, and fortitude. Step into the Deep South and experience the lives and hardships, hopes and dreams, of folk who have nothing except grit - and sometimes love - as their currency. Eighteen tales and six postcard vignettes make this collection a skillful and moving exploration of the commonplace, the hidden, and the unforgettable.
If the Creek Don't Rise is a collection of hard-used characters, tangled relationships, family angst, and fortitude. Step into the Deep South and experience the lives and hardships, hopes and dreams, of folk who have nothing except grit - and sometimes love - as their currency. Eighteen tales and six postcard vignettes make this collection a skillful and moving exploration of the commonplace, the hidden, and the unforgettable.
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Published April 16, 2018
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About the author
Nancy Hartney
5 books15 followersNancy Hartney writes non-fiction and short stories. “Washed in Water: Tales from the South” is her debut collection of short stories July 2013.
Previously her short stories have appeared in Voices, a mid-west regional anthology, and Echoes of the Ozarks. Western fiction pieces appear in Cactus Country and Frontier Tales, print and e-zine editions.
Her non-fiction articles and photographs appear in The Chronicle of the Horse, Sidelines, and the Horsemen’s Roundup, where she writes on foxhunting, rodeo, horse events, and mule jumping. Her book reviews have appeared in the Ft. Worth (TX) Star Telegram, Fayetteville Free Weekly (AR); and, articles and photographs in American Iron, a motorcycle magazine. General interest pieces appear in the Northwest Arkansas Times, Ozark Mountaineer, and Flashback, the Washington County (AR) historical quarterly. Dead Mule, an e-zine, has published her work.
A member of the writing community, she works with the Ozark Writers League (MO), Ozark Creative Writers (AR), Tallahassee Writers Association (FL), and Oklahoma Writers Federation, Inc. She lives in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Previously her short stories have appeared in Voices, a mid-west regional anthology, and Echoes of the Ozarks. Western fiction pieces appear in Cactus Country and Frontier Tales, print and e-zine editions.
Her non-fiction articles and photographs appear in The Chronicle of the Horse, Sidelines, and the Horsemen’s Roundup, where she writes on foxhunting, rodeo, horse events, and mule jumping. Her book reviews have appeared in the Ft. Worth (TX) Star Telegram, Fayetteville Free Weekly (AR); and, articles and photographs in American Iron, a motorcycle magazine. General interest pieces appear in the Northwest Arkansas Times, Ozark Mountaineer, and Flashback, the Washington County (AR) historical quarterly. Dead Mule, an e-zine, has published her work.
A member of the writing community, she works with the Ozark Writers League (MO), Ozark Creative Writers (AR), Tallahassee Writers Association (FL), and Oklahoma Writers Federation, Inc. She lives in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 14, 2022
'If the Creek Don’t Rise' is a compilation of short stories from the Deep South. It’s not all about grand homes and polite women. The blurb says “a collection of hard-used characters, tangled relationships, family angst, and fortitude” and I believe that’s exactly what I got.
To me, the book had a raw, rich feel. I admit that what I know about the south has come mostly from reading (aside from Texas where I’ve visited) but to me, the stories felt authentic. The variety was welcome though some stories I liked more than others.
A few of my favourites were:
Ads for Mule Feed - Hal gets himself a job, a wife, a daughter, and finally an education and some strength.
King David and the Bookstore - A homeless man regularly visits a bookstore.
The Girl who Carved Wood - A young woman learns the truth about her mother.
The Roses are Beautiful This Year - About two spinsters living in an old home with a charming, rambling garden and…was that some Hoodoo stuff in that one? I think it was and it was welcome!
The Trickster - A sex-worker connects with one of her johns (not in the way you’re probably thinking :P).
One or two stories didn’t end satisfactorily for me, but that happens (and depends on the reader). Also, a few times I was confused by the plot.
On the whole this was a clever and very enjoyable collection of short tales.
Thank you to Netgalley for the copy in exchange for honest review.
To me, the book had a raw, rich feel. I admit that what I know about the south has come mostly from reading (aside from Texas where I’ve visited) but to me, the stories felt authentic. The variety was welcome though some stories I liked more than others.
A few of my favourites were:
Ads for Mule Feed - Hal gets himself a job, a wife, a daughter, and finally an education and some strength.
King David and the Bookstore - A homeless man regularly visits a bookstore.
The Girl who Carved Wood - A young woman learns the truth about her mother.
The Roses are Beautiful This Year - About two spinsters living in an old home with a charming, rambling garden and…was that some Hoodoo stuff in that one? I think it was and it was welcome!
The Trickster - A sex-worker connects with one of her johns (not in the way you’re probably thinking :P).
One or two stories didn’t end satisfactorily for me, but that happens (and depends on the reader). Also, a few times I was confused by the plot.
On the whole this was a clever and very enjoyable collection of short tales.
Thank you to Netgalley for the copy in exchange for honest review.
January 29, 2020
I received a free electronic copy of this compilation of short southern tales on November 1, 2019, from Netgalley & BookReviewBuzz, author Nancy Hartney, and Pen-L publishing. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I am pleased to recommend this work to friends and family. Every story reminded me of one or another of my Ketner family.
These shorts are an excellent window into the mid-20th century south as I knew it, and some take you all the way back to those stories told by our older generations, back into the start of the 20th with my parents and grandparents tales. I usually have a firm favorite in an anthology like this, but these were all equally excellent. If you love the South you can't go wrong with Nancy Hartney. I have added her to my favorites listing.
rec Nov 1, 2019
pub Nov 17, 2016
Reviewed on Nov 15 at Goodreads and Netgalley. Reviewed on Nov 20, 2019, at AmazonSmiles, Barnes&Noble, and BookBub. Not available for review on Kobo or GooglePlay.
These shorts are an excellent window into the mid-20th century south as I knew it, and some take you all the way back to those stories told by our older generations, back into the start of the 20th with my parents and grandparents tales. I usually have a firm favorite in an anthology like this, but these were all equally excellent. If you love the South you can't go wrong with Nancy Hartney. I have added her to my favorites listing.
rec Nov 1, 2019
pub Nov 17, 2016
Reviewed on Nov 15 at Goodreads and Netgalley. Reviewed on Nov 20, 2019, at AmazonSmiles, Barnes&Noble, and BookBub. Not available for review on Kobo or GooglePlay.
May 8, 2017
As a northerner who hasn’t spent any time in the southern states, I was excited to read Nancy Hartney’s wonderful collection of “Tales from the South.” For me, tales have a strong oral flavor, and that element is strong in the world Hartney creates for her reader.
And what aspect of storytelling makes it seem like someone is speaking to us? The word usage and rhythms the writer employs. Hartney has the southern vernacular down pat. From the minute I started reading, I was placed in a different culture than my own. In “The Bull and the Kitten,” the main character, a female, is trying to save a sick kitten. But her husband “stomped into the passageway. ‘Don’t fool with that thing.’ He growled, the craggy sound spilling through his discolored teeth and chapped lips. “I’ll knock the miserable creature in the head later today.”
This example not only shows the hard scrabble life of some of these characters (and the animals in their care), but also illustrates one of Hartney’s main themes that the collection’s title alludes to: If the Creek Don’t Rise. This title is a phrase that doesn’t get answered. But what’s implied is that I’ll make my way through this life, maybe, “if the creek don’t rise” and prevent me from doing it.
Though the example I gave above has a dark tone, in fact there is much humor in the book, and the characters come alive instantly on the page. The collection is a wonderful tribute to the world that Hartney seems to know well.
And what aspect of storytelling makes it seem like someone is speaking to us? The word usage and rhythms the writer employs. Hartney has the southern vernacular down pat. From the minute I started reading, I was placed in a different culture than my own. In “The Bull and the Kitten,” the main character, a female, is trying to save a sick kitten. But her husband “stomped into the passageway. ‘Don’t fool with that thing.’ He growled, the craggy sound spilling through his discolored teeth and chapped lips. “I’ll knock the miserable creature in the head later today.”
This example not only shows the hard scrabble life of some of these characters (and the animals in their care), but also illustrates one of Hartney’s main themes that the collection’s title alludes to: If the Creek Don’t Rise. This title is a phrase that doesn’t get answered. But what’s implied is that I’ll make my way through this life, maybe, “if the creek don’t rise” and prevent me from doing it.
Though the example I gave above has a dark tone, in fact there is much humor in the book, and the characters come alive instantly on the page. The collection is a wonderful tribute to the world that Hartney seems to know well.
November 30, 2016
An Excellent Read
This book contains a collection of wonderful stories that are Southern based of both settings and characters. The author has deep southern roots that gave her the perfect voice to weave these interesting tales.
These stories capture the reader's imagination for a journey into a world that is sometimes raw and unfair. Those of us who grew up in the South have met or seen people like some of these characters. But one does not need to have a Southern heritage to enjoy these stories. Each story is told through the character's sights, smells, sounds, touch, and various emotions felt while coping with what life has dealt them. So well written, I felt like I was there with the characters. The dialogue is so honest and real I was transported back to my youthful days hanging out in front of the country store on a Saturday morning drinking a Pop Cola listening to the various conversations that took place.
I enjoyed each and every story. One Dollar and a Red Button was one of my favorites. I highly recommend this book of excellent quality and value.
This book contains a collection of wonderful stories that are Southern based of both settings and characters. The author has deep southern roots that gave her the perfect voice to weave these interesting tales.
These stories capture the reader's imagination for a journey into a world that is sometimes raw and unfair. Those of us who grew up in the South have met or seen people like some of these characters. But one does not need to have a Southern heritage to enjoy these stories. Each story is told through the character's sights, smells, sounds, touch, and various emotions felt while coping with what life has dealt them. So well written, I felt like I was there with the characters. The dialogue is so honest and real I was transported back to my youthful days hanging out in front of the country store on a Saturday morning drinking a Pop Cola listening to the various conversations that took place.
I enjoyed each and every story. One Dollar and a Red Button was one of my favorites. I highly recommend this book of excellent quality and value.
March 16, 2021
An intriguing collection of a remarkable life. The stories range from sad to joyful, and many in between. We walk the steps of a young girl who lost her mother and lived most of her life without her father’s love. She is mischievous, talented, curious, intelligent, and amusing.
This was an excellent book to lose yourself in and dream along with the young protagonist. A book you will remember and fondly reflect upon.
This was an excellent book to lose yourself in and dream along with the young protagonist. A book you will remember and fondly reflect upon.
September 28, 2017
This is really a great immersion into Southern tales. From Oaklawn race track, to the Louisiana swamps, to the Florida Keys, this collection showcases the hard life of a Southern. I loved the postcards that were interspersed throughout the book. If her sister actually wrote them, then she's an absolute hoot! Nancy paints a great picture in each story. You'll love it.
August 16, 2020
I've read this three times. Stories full of grit and ashes, need and dignity. From the horsewoman to the bookshop poet to the draft-dodger, Hartney's portrayals of ordinary folk are earthy and true. She gravitates to moments of consequence, rites of passage, the settling of scores and poetic justice. For those who like their beauty in the rawest of forms, these stories are for you.
November 22, 2019
I love these short stories of mixed genres and interests. This anthology is actually tending toward my history! I love almost every story that is absolutely fantastic, well-written and filled with fun, interesting and compelling stories.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 12, 2021
"If the Creek Don't Rise" captures the relaxed cadence of the South. Ms. Harney's choice of words, dialogue, and descriptions, create a sense of place where the reader IS there. There are strong characters that I came to care about. The illustrations are warm and support Ms. Harney's stories. The postcards are a hoot! Highly recommend!
November 22, 2019
I enjoyed this book of short stories. Each story is well written and I love the characters. A really great book. I definitely recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 17, 2020
Another great short story collection by this author. I’m so glad my librarian suggested it. Every story is a hit... before these two books by Hartney I’d never said that about a short story collection before.
May 23, 2017
Absolutely love Nancy's ability to tell a story . There is something familiar in many of these stories . Many end with the human Condition of hope.
September 20, 2018
Excellent read! Wonderful short stories about real people.
April 24, 2017
I enjoyed this book very much. If you like stories of the south and the human condition this is the book for you. I read the author's first book "Washed In Water" and looked forward to her next.
Excellent short stories. Mike-Darien
Excellent short stories. Mike-Darien
January 25, 2018
if the creek don’t rise: Tales from the South features stories of unvarnished folks, unapologetic about their rough edges – working-class people who speak in vernacular. The book’s slice-of-life pieces, set in the American South, take place in cafes, feed stores, and horse racing tracks and tell tales of solitude, grit, and struggle, populated by images of midnight freight trains, hay stacks, beans and cornbread, and collard greens.
This eclectic collection of sometimes dark, sometimes heartbreaking, yet hopeful stories is populated by hard-edged characters not easily forgotten – a racetrack worker, an abusive husband, a homeless poet, a woodcarver – and is written in concise, sparse language. Their worlds are fishing boats and small towns, bayous and waterside places.
There is a stark realism to the stories in this regional collection. Many of the characters have an unapologetic, fatalistic view of life, yet try to exert some control over their destinies.
The book includes several postcards and black and white illustrations that evoke quiet, slow-paced rural life. This is a book to read piece by piece, not all in one sitting, savoring each of its 18 stories at a leisurely pace.
This eclectic collection of sometimes dark, sometimes heartbreaking, yet hopeful stories is populated by hard-edged characters not easily forgotten – a racetrack worker, an abusive husband, a homeless poet, a woodcarver – and is written in concise, sparse language. Their worlds are fishing boats and small towns, bayous and waterside places.
There is a stark realism to the stories in this regional collection. Many of the characters have an unapologetic, fatalistic view of life, yet try to exert some control over their destinies.
The book includes several postcards and black and white illustrations that evoke quiet, slow-paced rural life. This is a book to read piece by piece, not all in one sitting, savoring each of its 18 stories at a leisurely pace.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews