Reminiscent of Christy; Strong Mountain Woman
"I want this over with. I want things back to the way they was. We didn’t ask for this mess. And every minute that passes just pours more manure on top of us.” No, this is not someone present-day talking about the Corona virus. This is 17-year-old Worie Dressar, who in 1877 has watched both the flu and typhoid decimate her part of Appalachia. Now, Worie’s mother is gone, and Worie’s faith is put to a fearsome test as 1877 proves to be the hardest year of her young life.
Why should you pick up this book, what Momma Left Behind, by Cindy K Sproles? First, it’s amazing to think sometimes that there was another time and place as arduous as this year (2020) has seemed. There can be something comforting to see someone go through something- a pandemic and separation from society, no less, and realize it’s possible to come out alive and more mature on the other side. Oh, but the process!
Then there’s that quaintness about the speech patterns of the mountain people that pulls you into the story faster than you can say "moonshine.” One example:
"Anger crawled up from the deepest part of me, hurt seeped outta my heart, and fear eat at me like a hungry buzzard. Momma had left me in more ways than one.”
This novel is very reminiscent of Christy by Catherine Marshall. There’s even a young, interested preacher. Pastor Jess is such a good complement to Worie. He has such a great soothing way with people when Worie tends to fly off the handle.
I loved all, no, most, of the secondary characters. But all were well-drawn, even Calvin, Justice, and deceased Momma.
Ely is a voice to be reckoned with. One part comfort, one part Scripture, one part reproof, one part encouragement.
The children. They were my undoing.
I never knew what to expect around the bend, be it literal or figurative.
Sproles deftly diffuses more than one molasses-like sticky situation with humor and I found myself laughing out loud. Sometimes the tears came. But then, I’d think how strong the mountain women were.
As Momma would say, "Take a day to mourn your lot, then shovel it over your shoulder and move ahead.”
The values of family, hope, and forgiveness shine above judgment and false self-perception. You may move beyond this novel, but a piece of Sourdough Mountain will forever rest in your soul.
Notable Quotables:
"I’d heard folks talk about lightnin striking twice in one place. I reckon it had done struck me twice and then some.”
"Them mountains, they’s like the hills and valleys in our souls. We can’t have one without the other, but we can figure the best way to
climb.”
"I thought trust was something you could find, but I’m seein it ain’t found- it’s gived.”
"...truth ain’t promised to be easy, but it is promised to always be right.”
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell. This in no way affects my opinions, which are solely my own.
