"An exquisite lyrical novel"
In 1861 when it comes to joining a side in the war, people
living in the Southern Appalachia believe neither side is
right because someone will detest you for signing up with
the wrong team. When her husband Keith signs on with the
Confederacy due to the pay, Malinda Blalock cuts her hair
and joins too as his younger brother Sam. They try to
receive a discharge, but soon become avenging outlaws even
while a mountain peer Zebulon Vance somehow becomes
governor of North Carolina. At the same time except in the year is 2003, Civil War
reenactment actors in the Appalachians reenact a violent
incident from 1862 when suddenly ghosts of Confederate
soldiers appear. Local residents Rattler and Nora
Bonesteel try to use their special gifts to calm the angry
ghosts and assist them in moving on to the next plane. Readers who enjoy a complete package with finality need
to look elsewhere. However, those fans that appreciate a
deep comparative look at generations over a century apart
with the ending of each "tale" left to the imagination will
value the powerful GHOST RIDERS. As expected Sharyn
McCrumb provides her audience with a strong story line
filled with wonderful protagonists as she displays why she
is so good at bringing together contemporary and historical
perspectives as few writers can do.
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted June 9, 2003
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