Sassafras
An unexpected winter storm descends on the small town of Jolene, Kentucky, and with it a chill of fear and uncertainty when two of the town's children mysteriously disappear. The town, its little church, as well as the 9-ball-playing patrons of Gracie's Playhouse, must unite to confront tragedy and danger.
Is it some mythical presence come down from Sassafras Mountain to wander the hollows of this Appalachian community?
Among the congregation of Faith Rock on the Hill there is no doubting, something in the wooded shadows at least seems to be stalking the residents of Jolene, watching their every move. But why Jolene? Are they cursed in some way? Are they being punished by some higher power? "Be watchful," says the preacher, "be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour."
Reviews for Sassafras:
Review from Appalachian Heritage
Mary Ann Taylor-Hall
From Appalachian Heritage, Winter 2003
"This novel is written in language that "did not grow fast"-- unsentimental, precise, and deeply felt. As in the collection of poems, Sassafras seems the work of sustained, hard-won vision. Both works have their maker's mark upon them, language at once utterly concrete and also, seemingly, in the act of purifying itself into silence."
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