| QME Winter Book Review |
| Copyright © 2012 |
Quiet Mountain Essays
| When the Dust Finally Settles review by Kara Vehar |
| novel by Kat Meads Ravenna Press, 2011; $12.95 available: Ravenna, Amazon, et al |
The point of view of Mable Stalling is shaped by her wish for her granddaughter, Amelia Nell, to
run the family farm and keep it out of the hands of a greedy landowner in Mawatuck County.
Clarence Carter, tells his story from the grave. He recalls how his behavior affected his family, in
particular his son Lucian. A young black man, Harrison Boxey recalls the 1968 integration of
South Carolina. This historical event influences his point of view.
It seems fitting the story should take place around the time of Amelia Nell, Harrison Boxey and
Lucian Carter’s high school graduation. After all, these three young characters weave the story.
Their search for racial equality, financial security, and a place to call home make this novel a good
read. Meads staccato writing style is a little intimidating at first but once the rhythm of the book is
established, the reader is fully involved in the lives of the characters.
run the family farm and keep it out of the hands of a greedy landowner in Mawatuck County.
Clarence Carter, tells his story from the grave. He recalls how his behavior affected his family, in
particular his son Lucian. A young black man, Harrison Boxey recalls the 1968 integration of
South Carolina. This historical event influences his point of view.
It seems fitting the story should take place around the time of Amelia Nell, Harrison Boxey and
Lucian Carter’s high school graduation. After all, these three young characters weave the story.
Their search for racial equality, financial security, and a place to call home make this novel a good
read. Meads staccato writing style is a little intimidating at first but once the rhythm of the book is
established, the reader is fully involved in the lives of the characters.
| Contributor's Notes... |
Kara Vehar has a degree in Organizational Communications. She works as an administrative
assistant for Zion Lutheran Church in South Dakota, and is an avid reader.
assistant for Zion Lutheran Church in South Dakota, and is an avid reader.
A story about the transformation of the South, Kat Meads' fictional novel,
When the Dust Finally Settles, is told from three points of view.
When the Dust Finally Settles, is told from three points of view.
