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Whisper Mountain
Born in 1891 in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas, Ida Williams tells her compelling but true story of family events that turned her very early, loving childhood into one of disbelief, heartache, and horror. Because it was extremely difficult to verbalize the events to her own children years later, her adult family knew very little of the details until 30 years after her passing in 1967. That is when her granddaughter discovered her writings and promised to tell the story of what she endured.
- GenresNonfictionBiography
118 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 15, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
July 13, 2017
There's a reason why we have the saying "truth is stranger than fiction". If Whisper Mountain was a fiction book, I might have come away saying that it is a great story, but some parts just seemed too extreme to happen in real life. Since Whisper Mountain IS a true story and these things really DID happen, I walked away saying, "WOW! What a story, and what a life!"
It seemed more common than not that people of "older generations" were more selective in sharing details of certain experiences that life dished out to them. I know my grandfather and father-in-law who were both in WWII barely spoke about the details of their war experiences be they tragic or heroic. It seems the same for Ida Williams. If it weren't for her granddaughter's discovery, Ida's important and heroic story might never have been told. What a blessing it was that Vivian found her grandmother's journals!
Ida Williams and her siblings amazed me with their resilience and fortitude. Even when death was staring Ida in the face, she stared right back and didn't give up. Much of what their mother put them through was unimaginable, but Ida and her siblings fought hard to help each other to survive. This is a story of hardship, love, murder, determination, greed, and forgiveness.
I must confess, when I first saw that Whisper Mountain took place in the late 1800's and early 1900's, I thought, "Uh Oh, no TVs, no indoor plumbing, no telephones, no excitement." Boy was I wrong! I was so engrossed in Ida's story, that once I started reading it, I couldn't stop. I also liked the fact that much of it took place in Arkansas, since I am somewhat familiar with that area already.
This story is definitely worth the read!
It seemed more common than not that people of "older generations" were more selective in sharing details of certain experiences that life dished out to them. I know my grandfather and father-in-law who were both in WWII barely spoke about the details of their war experiences be they tragic or heroic. It seems the same for Ida Williams. If it weren't for her granddaughter's discovery, Ida's important and heroic story might never have been told. What a blessing it was that Vivian found her grandmother's journals!
Ida Williams and her siblings amazed me with their resilience and fortitude. Even when death was staring Ida in the face, she stared right back and didn't give up. Much of what their mother put them through was unimaginable, but Ida and her siblings fought hard to help each other to survive. This is a story of hardship, love, murder, determination, greed, and forgiveness.
I must confess, when I first saw that Whisper Mountain took place in the late 1800's and early 1900's, I thought, "Uh Oh, no TVs, no indoor plumbing, no telephones, no excitement." Boy was I wrong! I was so engrossed in Ida's story, that once I started reading it, I couldn't stop. I also liked the fact that much of it took place in Arkansas, since I am somewhat familiar with that area already.
This story is definitely worth the read!
January 27, 2021
Don't waste your time
The writer rambles and gives too many details about everyday events and little about the importance of what was happening. This book might be interesting to family members since it is supposed to be based on a true story but I couldn't wait to finish it.
The writer rambles and gives too many details about everyday events and little about the importance of what was happening. This book might be interesting to family members since it is supposed to be based on a true story but I couldn't wait to finish it.
April 12, 2023
Hmmm so I love historical memoirs and was very excited to read this. The premise is cool. You found your grandmother's diary and it was a really gnarly story about her secret identity and tumultuous childhood. Cool.
However, I thought the book could've used a bit more editing. The pace was a bit off. For example, I was very excited to get to the drama part that was alluded too early on, but that took forever. Too much time spent on the early life description and not enough near the end when the pace picked up.
I didn't like when she said she had suffered more than anyone ever had...that was too exaggerated.
There were some confusing parts that should have been clarified/explained better. Like who was writing it, wasn't figured out until the last page in the blurb about the author.
I liked the setting of this story and the true life feel of it. Overall it was a really cool story that could've benefitted from a more thorough editing process.
I was and still am disturbed by what happened to the children's father, Tom. He was described as such a sweet man. I loved his character. I was sickened by the part of drunken Charlie laughing at him in the window on his death bed. Can't get that image out of my head. What an evil mother too, to allow such things to happen to her kids. It's all pretty shocking. Could have been a longer book. Overall decent.
However, I thought the book could've used a bit more editing. The pace was a bit off. For example, I was very excited to get to the drama part that was alluded too early on, but that took forever. Too much time spent on the early life description and not enough near the end when the pace picked up.
I didn't like when she said she had suffered more than anyone ever had...that was too exaggerated.
There were some confusing parts that should have been clarified/explained better. Like who was writing it, wasn't figured out until the last page in the blurb about the author.
I liked the setting of this story and the true life feel of it. Overall it was a really cool story that could've benefitted from a more thorough editing process.
I was and still am disturbed by what happened to the children's father, Tom. He was described as such a sweet man. I loved his character. I was sickened by the part of drunken Charlie laughing at him in the window on his death bed. Can't get that image out of my head. What an evil mother too, to allow such things to happen to her kids. It's all pretty shocking. Could have been a longer book. Overall decent.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2021
"After all these long years, the Ozark Mountains still whisper the secrets of our dead." Such an ominous forewarning crafted by the author is an understatement of what lies ahead for any reader who craves a [lengthy] novella with a storyline that is difficult to stop reading. The narrative's path forward is metaphorically reminiscent of a day in "tornado alley" one that can turn on a dime by opening with sunny breezes that vanish into a night of living hell. "Whisper Mountain" sets out with a lesson in late-19th Century American history reminiscent of "Little House on the Prairie" and its rural familyhood. But midstream, the author subtly introduces suspicion that the simple, loving "sunny" days of the central characters will turn into a living nightmare. Kudos to the author who elected to write with unpretentious, matter-of-factual prose that not only reflects the circumstances of the principal characters but more importantly compels the reader to keep turning the page. Great reading inside on a wintery night in front of a crackling fire!
February 20, 2020
This is quick read, only 118 pages, & moves along without bogging down in unnecessary details or side stories. The book seems to go from 3rd person narrative to 1st person as the youngest child, Ida, grows. At the very end it switches to Ida's granddaughter finishing the narrative based on her grandmother's diaries.
The book starts with a brief family history then proceeds to Ida's birth & childhood. The book covers the years from the 1850s to the early 1900s then wraps up with Ida basically giving a synopsis of her life after she grows into adulthood & reconnects with her 3 siblings.
It was amazing to read how a mother could actually contemplate killing her own children in hopes getting her hands on a promised fortune. She had a loving husband, a relatively comfortable life & threw it all away for drunkard & a pipe dream.
The book starts with a brief family history then proceeds to Ida's birth & childhood. The book covers the years from the 1850s to the early 1900s then wraps up with Ida basically giving a synopsis of her life after she grows into adulthood & reconnects with her 3 siblings.
It was amazing to read how a mother could actually contemplate killing her own children in hopes getting her hands on a promised fortune. She had a loving husband, a relatively comfortable life & threw it all away for drunkard & a pipe dream.
June 30, 2017
Wow!
We get caught up in novels, fiction, then Whisper Mountain comes along. What an amazing, terrifying adventure!
In our fast-paced world we have taken our modern conveniences for granted! How far we have come in the last 100 years of which, 69 have been mine.
I remember how hard life was for my grandparents. Dirt poor farmers. No car. They had a phone that hardly rang in a years time, but my fondest memories are spending my summers with them. Fishing with my Grandmother and walking a mile to the mailbox with my Granddaddy.
Whisper Mountain speaks to me also: "never forget!" I never shall.
Thank you Vivian. It is wonderful!!
We get caught up in novels, fiction, then Whisper Mountain comes along. What an amazing, terrifying adventure!
In our fast-paced world we have taken our modern conveniences for granted! How far we have come in the last 100 years of which, 69 have been mine.
I remember how hard life was for my grandparents. Dirt poor farmers. No car. They had a phone that hardly rang in a years time, but my fondest memories are spending my summers with them. Fishing with my Grandmother and walking a mile to the mailbox with my Granddaddy.
Whisper Mountain speaks to me also: "never forget!" I never shall.
Thank you Vivian. It is wonderful!!
September 21, 2020
What a book
This book was very sad and scary. I can not even think what those poor children went through. The suffering that that poor family went through because the Hobbs was so great. I'm so happy at least Mrs. Hobbs went to prison. What a gift it was that this family found there grandmother's journals.
This book was very sad and scary. I can not even think what those poor children went through. The suffering that that poor family went through because the Hobbs was so great. I'm so happy at least Mrs. Hobbs went to prison. What a gift it was that this family found there grandmother's journals.
December 16, 2021
I didn't finish the book; I read about halfway through, just about when the 'terrible' thing happens (apologies for using quotation marks; trying to avoid spoilers).
I dropped it because it's written like a 10 year old school essay, it's painful to read. It's like a child telling you what happened in school, and goes on and on, repeating same things, etc.
I dropped it because it's written like a 10 year old school essay, it's painful to read. It's like a child telling you what happened in school, and goes on and on, repeating same things, etc.
April 17, 2022
How greed, lies and love can tear a family apart
What a tale of love and yet horrifying memories. Such things for ones so young to even fathom. Ida was definitely a strong woman to have overcome so much. I always thought in those days neighbors where kind and your word was truthful. Just goes to show a few bad apples can reek havoc among the innocent ones of the bunch.
What a tale of love and yet horrifying memories. Such things for ones so young to even fathom. Ida was definitely a strong woman to have overcome so much. I always thought in those days neighbors where kind and your word was truthful. Just goes to show a few bad apples can reek havoc among the innocent ones of the bunch.
May 12, 2023
Great read
I really enjoyed this book it was very interesting. I know this was a long time ago but the mother seemed like an absolute idiot. How can you be so ignorant and blind? Makes me wonder if she didn't have some sort of mental disability. At least that could logically explain her odd behaviors.
I really enjoyed this book it was very interesting. I know this was a long time ago but the mother seemed like an absolute idiot. How can you be so ignorant and blind? Makes me wonder if she didn't have some sort of mental disability. At least that could logically explain her odd behaviors.
May 22, 2019
Wow!
This was definitely an interesting story. This is a true story that takes place in the late 1800s. One of an adulteress affair, a scheming and murderous stepdad, and a mother who stood by his side.
This was definitely an interesting story. This is a true story that takes place in the late 1800s. One of an adulteress affair, a scheming and murderous stepdad, and a mother who stood by his side.
December 27, 2020
Unbelievable story!
I have never read anything like this. How these children survived their first wonderful than tragic childhood is beyond belief. Love, murder, survival all in one lifetime. Excellent read.
I have never read anything like this. How these children survived their first wonderful than tragic childhood is beyond belief. Love, murder, survival all in one lifetime. Excellent read.
January 11, 2021
Short Satisfying Story
I enjoyed this remembrance from a woman who was caught in a situation she could not avoid. Her grandfather read her journal and felt compelled to share this tale of misfortune and deceit. Good story and a page turner.
I enjoyed this remembrance from a woman who was caught in a situation she could not avoid. Her grandfather read her journal and felt compelled to share this tale of misfortune and deceit. Good story and a page turner.
July 14, 2021
Great read!
I love reading stories like this! I too had to live through a difficult childhood. It's amazing how we can overcome what life throws at us, if we have faith and put our trust in the Lord.
I love reading stories like this! I too had to live through a difficult childhood. It's amazing how we can overcome what life throws at us, if we have faith and put our trust in the Lord.
March 17, 2022
Angels watching over!
A sad, beautiful story. Thankful for the faith of the children and for protection that saved their lives. As Ida said, the lives of her siblings and her own family were more valuable than anything.
A sad, beautiful story. Thankful for the faith of the children and for protection that saved their lives. As Ida said, the lives of her siblings and her own family were more valuable than anything.
April 28, 2022
lack of details
I found this book wanting and not having details that the author hinted at or touched on but was fairly time wasting. What was the nature of a marriage that put her husband above her children. I would not recommend this story.
I found this book wanting and not having details that the author hinted at or touched on but was fairly time wasting. What was the nature of a marriage that put her husband above her children. I would not recommend this story.
September 9, 2023
entertaining short read
Well told short story written from her grandmother’s found journal. I’m on an overnight very mini vacation and it was nice to have something to read for a couple hours. Made me a bit sad at times, I very much admire her grandmother’s faith and strength.
Well told short story written from her grandmother’s found journal. I’m on an overnight very mini vacation and it was nice to have something to read for a couple hours. Made me a bit sad at times, I very much admire her grandmother’s faith and strength.
March 9, 2024
Very Interesting Read
This was a well written story.. the characters well defined and interesting.. that being said.. it was tragic and gut wrenching.. a living nightmare.. it’s a true testament to family and faith…
This was a well written story.. the characters well defined and interesting.. that being said.. it was tragic and gut wrenching.. a living nightmare.. it’s a true testament to family and faith…
September 7, 2017
Waldron, Arkansas area
I enjoyed this because I was raised in Waldron and know of the places in this story. I hate the evil that was done to this family.
I enjoyed this because I was raised in Waldron and know of the places in this story. I hate the evil that was done to this family.
February 18, 2020
What a bizarre story! That fact that it is a real story is mind boggling. It was an interesting read but written in a way that was a bit confusing.
May 19, 2020
Interesting book.
July 31, 2020
Brilliant. I found it captivating and intriguing in the most thrilling way. It was a wonderfully written and engaging book. I would recommend it to everyone!
November 29, 2020
Evil
Book was written well but the true story is haunting with the greed, evil, throw in a witch and is bad. Things kids saw unbelievable. Evil humans.
Book was written well but the true story is haunting with the greed, evil, throw in a witch and is bad. Things kids saw unbelievable. Evil humans.
April 5, 2021
Sad book, but good
Good book, but so sad I wish they would have gone deeper into this story,but still good none the less.
Good book, but so sad I wish they would have gone deeper into this story,but still good none the less.
April 19, 2021
Arkansas History
Enjoyed the book as a look into some Arkansas History that I'd never heard of. As usual my mind is blown at how horribly people treat children.
Enjoyed the book as a look into some Arkansas History that I'd never heard of. As usual my mind is blown at how horribly people treat children.
July 13, 2021
Dull style
Written on about a fourth grade reading level How did this get published?Horrible story!Mother must have been nuts!Nit good
quality!
Written on about a fourth grade reading level How did this get published?Horrible story!Mother must have been nuts!Nit good
quality!
August 2, 2021
Survival of so much
These poor children, what they endured in order to survive despite the neglect and worse at the hands of adults.
These poor children, what they endured in order to survive despite the neglect and worse at the hands of adults.
September 12, 2021
True story
Really was an interesting book
How people could do such things for money and children’s pain is unbelievable good short read
Really was an interesting book
How people could do such things for money and children’s pain is unbelievable good short read
September 25, 2021
We never know what others are capable of doing, even to their own blood.
January 1, 2022
I'm not even sure what to say about this book without speaking ill of the dead...it's odd though.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews