Lost Cain

by T. Daniel Wright

Cain McAllister is named after the tiny delta town on the banks of the Mississippi where he was born. The infamous circumstances of his birth forever change the strong, troubled women who love him. Though he is shunned and bullied by the other children in town, when a new preacher and his family arrive, Cain finds what he has always longed for--a best friend. Things take a deadly turn when a troubled young girl named Macy befriends them both and the town ignites into spiritual revival. Distinctly Southern Lost Cain is the kind of story that will make you laugh, then cry, then laugh again--a hilarious, tender look at a fading town struggling against both the encroaching waters of the Mississippi and the coming cultural change of the 1970's.

358 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 23, 2015

Reviews

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book although it did take me a little time to adjust to the writers style of writing which included writing from different characters perspectives. He switched characters often and there are so many that it takes a little effort to keep them straight. Once you do though, it flows and one can even feel the mood of the chapter just from the characters name at the beginning. Mr Wright pegs small town in the Delta perfectly. I could even feel his love/hate relationship which ekes out subtlety throughout the book.

The story is rich and complete with many surprising details that someone unfamiliar with the area would never have included. I loved that he didn't stop with just stereotypes but added unpredictable story line as well. I felt joy, disappointment and confusion just as Cain was experiencing it. I found myself today thinking about Cain, Macy and Mark as well as the other characters.

The only thing I didn't really like was that, although the Baptist church is pretty accurately represented, he left off genuine believers. In his story he presents either "you are a sinner and going to hell" or "I don't believe that so I am more enlightened than you". There are no "I believe in God's all encompassing love AND even though I don't understand everything I am going to trust His word"

Read it! It has a nice after taste that sticks with you and keeps you thinking after you lay the book down.

[Cj Byrns · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very absorbing book

Surprisingly engrossing. Very believable characters and dialogue that encompasses the pettiness and judgmental behavior that can fire the emotions of small town lives.

[Conchita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book.

[Brenda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Enjoyed the read, but just really didn't like the ending.