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Lying In
In October of 1918, the world, still in the midst of a massive war in Europe, is experiencing a new challenge-a pandemic of what came to be known as the Spanish flu. But Cotella Barlow, living in an isolated county in Appalachian Virginia, has only heard rumors about it. Cotella, known as "Telly," makes her way in the world taking care of the families of new mothers who are "lying in" after their labors and deliveries. She travels home to home, eeking out a living, loved by many but always conscious of the stares and winces caused by her disfiguring condition.
Until she enters the home of her next "momma," who, days before delivery, is dying in a strange new way, her husband missing, and her four other children frightened, uncared for, and hungry. Telly must meet the challenge with no knowledge of the outside world that is shutting down while people suffer, die, and quarantine. Winter is coming, and there is no one to help, or so it seems.
This is a story of devotion, courage, strength, and love with iconic characters readers will come to cherish.
Until she enters the home of her next "momma," who, days before delivery, is dying in a strange new way, her husband missing, and her four other children frightened, uncared for, and hungry. Telly must meet the challenge with no knowledge of the outside world that is shutting down while people suffer, die, and quarantine. Winter is coming, and there is no one to help, or so it seems.
This is a story of devotion, courage, strength, and love with iconic characters readers will come to cherish.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 15, 2024
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March 27, 2025Inspiring story of courageous Appalachian woman.
March 22, 2025
Barbara G. Tucker’s Lying In is a mesmerizing novel that captivates from the first page to the last. Set against the backdrop of the Spanish flu pandemic and the rugged Appalachian Mountains, the story follows Cotella "Telly" Barlow, a woman whose life, marked by hardship and isolation, is transformed through an unexpected challenge.
Tucker masterfully captures the voice and spirit of the early 20th century, immersing the reader in a time when survival was a daily struggle, especially for those living in the remote, unforgiving terrain of Virginia. The authenticity of the narrator’s voice, perfectly attuned to the era, pulled me into Telly’s world, making it impossible to put the book down. In fact, I found myself so engrossed that I finished the entire book by 2 a.m.
Telly’s journey is one of remarkable courage and resilience. Though her life is filled with limitations—no home, few belongings, and a disfiguring condition—she embodies a rare kind of freedom, moving from one challenge to the next with an indomitable spirit. One of the most poignant reflections on her life is captured in the quote, "But having a place to live was not the same thing as a home," a reminder that a true home is more than just a physical space.
Another powerful moment in the story is encapsulated in the line, "Cotella's life did not return to what it was before, because she was not her former self." This profound statement underscores the transformative nature of Telly’s experiences, illustrating how deeply she is changed by the trials she faces.
Tucker’s writing shines in the vivid portrayal of mountain life, where almost everyone is "scratch poor" and survival requires grit and determination. My favorite paragraph, which beautifully encapsulates this reality, reads: "It was not an easy life, but no one's life in the mountains was... She had her two feet and two hands, as blemished as knobby as they were, and she had a little bit of what few women had: freedom to move on to something else."
Lying In is not just a historical novel; it’s a tribute to the strength and endurance of those who faced overwhelming odds with grace and grit. Telly Barlow is an unforgettable character, and her story is one that will stay with readers long after the last page is turned. If you’re looking for a book that will move you, inspire you, and keep you reading late into the night, Lying In is it. Highly recommended.
Tucker masterfully captures the voice and spirit of the early 20th century, immersing the reader in a time when survival was a daily struggle, especially for those living in the remote, unforgiving terrain of Virginia. The authenticity of the narrator’s voice, perfectly attuned to the era, pulled me into Telly’s world, making it impossible to put the book down. In fact, I found myself so engrossed that I finished the entire book by 2 a.m.
Telly’s journey is one of remarkable courage and resilience. Though her life is filled with limitations—no home, few belongings, and a disfiguring condition—she embodies a rare kind of freedom, moving from one challenge to the next with an indomitable spirit. One of the most poignant reflections on her life is captured in the quote, "But having a place to live was not the same thing as a home," a reminder that a true home is more than just a physical space.
Another powerful moment in the story is encapsulated in the line, "Cotella's life did not return to what it was before, because she was not her former self." This profound statement underscores the transformative nature of Telly’s experiences, illustrating how deeply she is changed by the trials she faces.
Tucker’s writing shines in the vivid portrayal of mountain life, where almost everyone is "scratch poor" and survival requires grit and determination. My favorite paragraph, which beautifully encapsulates this reality, reads: "It was not an easy life, but no one's life in the mountains was... She had her two feet and two hands, as blemished as knobby as they were, and she had a little bit of what few women had: freedom to move on to something else."
Lying In is not just a historical novel; it’s a tribute to the strength and endurance of those who faced overwhelming odds with grace and grit. Telly Barlow is an unforgettable character, and her story is one that will stay with readers long after the last page is turned. If you’re looking for a book that will move you, inspire you, and keep you reading late into the night, Lying In is it. Highly recommended.
June 20, 2025
Raw, relatable, and rich with empathy. A quiet triumph.
Lying In moved me in a way I didn’t expect. Barbara G. Tucker crafts a beautifully layered story through the lens of Cotella “Telly,” a young woman who dreams of becoming a nurse but is instead faced with the challenges of a rare, deforming illness. Her life takes a sharp turn, yet she becomes a fierce caretaker to children who aren’t her own—because deep down, she sees herself in them.
Telly’s empathy is the core of this story. She knows what it’s like to rely on the kindness of others, and she offers that same compassion to those around her. The quiltwork metaphor throughout the book is masterfully done—stitching together themes of identity, chosen family, and acceptance.
The turning point for me was her fight with Pansy, when Telly storms out of the house. It’s messy, emotional, and deeply human. That moment sealed them as family in my heart.
This is a story about quiet strength, about resilience born not of perfection but of imperfection. I felt seen by this book, and I’ll be thinking about it—and Telly—for a long time.
Lying In moved me in a way I didn’t expect. Barbara G. Tucker crafts a beautifully layered story through the lens of Cotella “Telly,” a young woman who dreams of becoming a nurse but is instead faced with the challenges of a rare, deforming illness. Her life takes a sharp turn, yet she becomes a fierce caretaker to children who aren’t her own—because deep down, she sees herself in them.
Telly’s empathy is the core of this story. She knows what it’s like to rely on the kindness of others, and she offers that same compassion to those around her. The quiltwork metaphor throughout the book is masterfully done—stitching together themes of identity, chosen family, and acceptance.
The turning point for me was her fight with Pansy, when Telly storms out of the house. It’s messy, emotional, and deeply human. That moment sealed them as family in my heart.
This is a story about quiet strength, about resilience born not of perfection but of imperfection. I felt seen by this book, and I’ll be thinking about it—and Telly—for a long time.
January 13, 2025
Oh, so captivating! Fiction that reads like a true story. I found myself crying and cheering for Telly and the children. The story line will keep you reading long into the night. So well written. Highly recommend!
March 14, 2025
Excellent historical fiction set in the Appalachian Mountains during the great Spanish Influenza outbreak in 1918.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews