A Land More Kind than Home

Hey, it's Mom!  As you now know, Meagan reads 3+ books before I finish 1.  But that's ok, at least I finished one! 

"A Land More Kind than Home" is a fantastic novel by first time author, Wiley Cash.  Jess Hall is a nine year old boy who is forced to grow up quickly after his older, mute brother "Stump" dies under highly suspicious circumstances at the local church.  Jess knows Stump saw something he shouldn't have.  And Jess himself saw horrifying things happening in that church.  But should he reveal what he saw, and admit to snooping? 

Cash tells the story from the point of view of three characters: Jess Hall, Sheriff Clem Barfield, and Addie Lyle.  It really adds to the story to have the story told from different points of view.  However, I must admit that every time I picked up the book I had to reread several pages to reorient myself to who was narrating and if it was present time or a flashback. If I were able to complete an entire narrator's section in one sitting, then this probably wouldn't have been a problem.  I would be negligent if I didn't mention one other character, Pastor Chambliss.  He's the villain of this story, and quite an evil one.  You will find yourself asking, "could people really believe such a phony?"

The story touches on morality, evil, trust, faith, anger, forgiveness, and family bonds.  Many of the reviews call this book a thriller.  I never considered it a thriller.  Perhaps it is, but it's also much more than that.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I think you will too. 

Oh, one last thing!  I can easily see someone making this into a movie!