What Mama Left Behind by Cindy K. Sproles - a book review

I loved this book.  From the first page to the last it was interesting and engaging. 

The author writes it using the terms and pronunciations of the area and culture which helps to immerse the reader in the story.

There is an historical note prefacing the book that was extremely informative. 

The story is set in the Appalachian Mountains in the late 1800’s and begins with a tragedy. Worie’s mother has just committed suicide and left her to take care of the rest of her disfunctional family.  Worie is confused and conflicted about her feelings for her mother, whom she thought was the most selfless and “a givin woman”, how she would suddenly turn selfish.  By the end of the story she will learn the reasons behind her action. 

Worie ends up dealing with her older brother who seems to have no conscience, another brother who is an alcoholic and an ever increasing number of orphans that come her way. 

The author deals with a number of issues including greed, poverty, adoption, addiction, suicide, racism to name just a few.

There is also a thread of mystery woven through the story.

This is from the publisher’s website:

“In the face of overwhelming obstacles, she'll need courage, grit, and a tender heart 

Worie Dressar is seventeen years old when influenza and typhoid ravage her Appalachian Mountain community in 1877, leaving behind a growing number of orphaned children with no way to care for themselves. Worie's mother has been secretly feeding several of these little ones on Sourwood Mountain. But when tragedy strikes, Worie is left to figure out why and how she was caring for them.

 Plagued with two good-for-nothing brothers--one greedy and the other a drunkard--Worie must fight to save her home and the children now in her begrudging care. Along the way, she discovers the beauty of unconditional love and the power of forgiveness as she cares for all of Momma's children.”

Worie’s idea of what her mother has left behind changes by the end of the story.  She realizes that ultimately, God is in control, even through the most troublesome times.

Go HERE to read an excerpt and watch a video trailer.

Learn more about the author HERE

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and Baker
Publishing Group through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”