by Kim Michele Richardson
Published May 7, 2019
322 pages
This book is listed as southern, historical fiction. I would also classify it as women’s fiction and an important book of history for all to read. It tells the story of the pack horse librarians as well as the blue people of Kentucky. This story left me feeling disturbed over the difficult life of the protagonist and although it was a little painful to read, it was a satisfying story in the end.
I didn’t want to accept the rampant racism of that area based on my own personal background knowledge from east Tennessee and western Kentucky but I’m sure it is accurate for that time in history. Although the poor white hillbillies also experienced discrimination as they barely held life and limb together, it seems their experience from the town people was more humane at least.
The townspeople were so mean – and I don’t doubt they could be – but it seemed too much out in the open. Most people are mean behind your back. Maybe that’s just for the socio-economic disadvantaged. People of color – including the blue people of Kentucky – were perhaps more openly mis-treated.
The language was almost too authentic. Beautiful descriptive prose was poetic in places. The reader can see the main character, Blue, riding her mule through the forests and hills of this beautiful mountain area. You can’t help but cheer her on with each step.
Let me know what you think!
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