Monday, December 8, 2014

Gap Creek by Robert Morgan

    Yes, I know I am notorious for leaving a good book on the shelf a long time before reading it. Here is another one.  

    Gap Creek is the story of Julie Harmon and Hank Richards' first year of marriage. It is the late 19th century in the Appalachians and life is hard. Julie is the oldest of three girls and the one who works "like a man" with her Pa. She does it because there is no one else to do it and it does not occur to her that there is even a choice. Her little brother dies in her arms and when Pa dies too the load falls mostly on her.

    Then along comes Hank. He is eighteen, handsome, and confident. Seventeen year old Julie falls in love knowing little of Hank and even less of what the future holds for her. She leaves home headed for Gap Creek and the home of Mr. Pendergast where she and Hank will work for room and board while Hank is employed at the sawmill nearby.

    Julie and Hank are plagued with a series of disasters made harder by Hank's short comings and his mother. Julie carries on again, with few complaints and great strength. Even so, this is a kind of love story.  It is clear that women like Julie are who truly built this country.

    Robert Morgan is expert at making his story reality as you read. You love the people, good and bad. You see the country side and the time period, never wanting the book to end. I love American history and this author's ability to bring it alive.

    Great book.