Gentle's Holler

Gentle's Holler
by Kerry Madden


This is a truly exquisite family tale set in sixties North Carolina, although it feels much earlier to me. I would draw comparisons to Little House on the Prairie, when it comes to lifestyle, although the fact the family have a car is a bit of a giveaway to a later era.

The story is told by twelve year old Livy Two, who is a real bookworm and a bit of a tomboy. She likes nothing better than to climb a tree and read a good book, in peace. Unfortunately, peace is scarce in this family of 2 boys and 8 girls, and Livy Two is often called on to help with the chores and to look after the other children, especially her little sister Gentle who as the family put it has eyes that “don’t work so good yet."

Life is tough for the family. Dad is a dreamer, who doesn't provide much for the family, a banjo player by trade, he is waiting to become the next big thing, unfortunately, this doesn't pay the bills and the family live on the produce from their garden. Mum knits like crazy to try and bring a bit of money in and tries to keep her family's spirits up. The highlight of the family's month is when the mobile library visits.

Things come to a head when mum becomes pregnant again and grandma comes to stay. Grandma insists that Gentle go see a professional to check out her eyes and their worst suspicions are confirmed. Gentle is blind. This bad news galvanises the family into action and the children set about training their goofy dachshund to become a seeing eye dog. It seems like the family will be fine, but then tragedy strikes.

If you feel in the mood for a lovely, gentle tale of family life, with a bit of drama thrown in then these are the books for you. Great rainy day reading.

I am looking forward to read the continuing adventures of Livy Two and her family in the next two episodes of the Maggie Valley Series Louisianna's Song and Jessie's Mountain.