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Summary: Gap Creek Review
Review: Through many hardships, Julie Harmon takes charge with great perseverance and strong character. With her brother and Papa extremely ill, Julie is left with many responsibilities and accomplishes what needs to be done for the family. After both her brother and Papa pass away, Julie and her sisters begin to think about marriage and families of their own. Julie does not think for a moment that she would be one of the first to get married because she is not soft and delicate like her sisters, but much to her surprise, a charming and handsome man from church starts paying attention to her. He dazzles her with his allure and appeal. She looks forward to spending the rest of her life with him. Once married, Julie discovers that her expectations of being married with Hank are not entirely met. She realizes that living in the modern world is complex and she must find a way for love to keep the chaos in their lives far away. She finds herself being the rock through difficult times and often too many times, plays the role of both husband and wife. Julie does most of the work that needs to be done and never once complains. She is supportive, admiring, caring, and loyal to Hank, although she does not always agree with his behavior. She always puts others before herself, through good times and in bad. Near the end of the novel, the author changes the attitudes of Julie and Hank. Hank is no longer a bitter and confused individual, who feels sorry for himself because he can't get a job, but is sparked with hope that he can succeed. Julie becomes braver to speak up for what is right and is able to confront Ma Richards, her mother-in-law, whose negative mind-set is abusive to Hank. Both, Hank and Julie, become closer to God and accept the Lord to work in their lives. Their trust that everything will work out enhances as their trust in God heightens. The destitution involved with living at Gap Creek cradles Hank and Julie's relationship in a more secure and loving world. Julie's character would be best described as strong-willed, determined, sincere, loving, and compassionate. Hank's character would be portrayed first as scared, unstable, and tense, then transformed into sensitive, caring, genuine, and trustworthy. The theme of this novel is definitely screaming," You will overcome your troubles!" This book encourages the idea that God is in control of our lives and He does provide for us at all times. We just might need to look extra hard sometimes. I enjoyed the style of this book, as well as the tone and setting. The style, in which this book was written, was very relaxed and the tone is truthful and sincere. The setting is in the beautiful scenery of Appalachia, during the Depression. The book had many strengths and extremely well written points that can relate to many people's daily lives and struggles. It is satisfying to read something that you can relate to and say to yourself, "Oh, I know what that feels like", or "I've been there too!" Another strength that the book includes is that it enforces the feeling of determination and perseverance. You develop a desire within yourself to work hard and succeed. I don't believe there to be any weaknesses in this novel, but full of only strengths right after the other, chapter after chapter. The style of writing was perfect in expressing how common the hard work was for Julie to carry out in that time period and setting. I also don't believe that there is anything that the author did that he shouldn't have done for the benefit of the novel. There is nothing that he didn't do that he should have. The novel is perfect in expressing the hardships of Hank and Julie on Gap Creek. It is a breath-taking book, full of adversities and Julie and Hank always at risk of losing it all.
Rating:
Summary: A Book Worth Your While
Review: I enjoyed the way the author wrote and I enjoyed the story being told. It was fun to imagine myself in Julie's position. An inspiring book that took me far away from my everyday life and made me appreciate the conviences that I enjoy. Julie was a strong and likable character. Definitely worth the read.
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Summary: A great, comfortable read...
Review: I so enjoyed this book! It's one of those great stories that you can just sink right into. The main character is wonderful! I so enjoyed watching her develop and growth throughout the book. Loved it!
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Summary: A good Southern read
Review: Robert Morgan's use of dialect is especially well done. He doesn't hit you over the head with pronunciation in the way that Lee Smith does, for example. He gives us a clear picture by simply showing verb misuse.I did not find this book depressing, just gritty. An earlier reviewer thought Julie was not a credible character, too mature for her years. She was reared in an earlier era where girls married earlier and accepted responsibility far beyond what we would expect a 17-year-old to assume today. I found her to be entirely credible and her ability to deal with the many, but believable hardships that came her way was what kept the book from being depressing.
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Summary: Excellent book
Review: A great story about a young couple and one of them being a very strong, determinded, hardworking woman. This story reminded me of our ancesters that worked hard frombefore daybreak to after sunset. They didn't eat if they didn't grow and harvest it. If it flooded and ruined the food stored for winter, they had to work out another plan. It was a very good book and I'm happy that I have it in my growing library. WELL WORTH READING AND IT'S SUPER INTERESTING................And we think we're stressed out now-a-days!!!!
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Summary: Very heart warming and beautiful
Review: The story of Gap Creek got me in the first few pages. The story of Hank and Julie was so moving. Julie strength to go on after her brother and father wer egone. Also her courage to deal with all of what happen to her, makes her such a strongh woman. I've read a lot of books about woman like Julie, but always in the end the story turns out to work out, they move away and go on with there lives living richer and happier. All problems solved. But this book left with such a open ended story. I would recommend this book to anyone.
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Summary: sad and uplifting
Review: After reading this book it made me a great deal more appreciative toward what my Grandparents went through. I always knew they endured many difficult times and grueling work. This book was able to really catch the details of such hardships. I certainly know I would not have the strength or determination to survive such a life. The main charactor Julie always had to work hard. Getting married did not mean that her duties would lighten up. In fact she had to work harder than ever and found strength which she never knew she possessed. What I appreciated the most is the description of Gap Creek. At one point it sounded like a beautiful place rich with scenery and wildlife. At another point it sounded like a miserable prison. What was interesting is how the main charactors Hank and Julie grew. Especially Julie who never had to do kitchen duties before getting married. By the end it all seems very natural. Hank who is essentially a mama's boy begins to think and speak for himself. The only weakness(very small weakness) that I feel worth mentioning is that I felt there was no follow through with Julie's family . Especially her spoiled sister Caroline. Otherwise this is an excellent read. Eventhough it is fiction, I feel that it truly captured the true hardships and defined perseverence. It should be a required read for all high schoolers. Afterall, they could not imagine life without a computer!
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Summary: A bit gritty, but worth it!
Review: I wasn't sure if I would like this book. With its title being "Gap Creek, a story of a marriage". Hmmm, how mundane? Not really! This book has a very strong character in Julie. I found myself respecting her and her decisions and feeling discomfort in her agonies. She was above it all (as a woman)...really, she could chop wood to heat a house, carry her sick brother for miles, slaughter a pig (quite a gruesome scene by the way) and even deliver her own child by herself. Yet, she has real emotions and letdowns that you can really relate to. The book, being set in the time period that it is, makes the lives of these mountain people excruciatingly difficult, and you find yourself being grateful for the local "Piggly Wiggly" and modern medicines. There are a couple scenes that are quite gritty...for example the slaughtered pig scene (as aforementioned). I am not an animal activist mind you, but this was like 4 pages of pig guts and gore...yuk. All in all, I really found myself enjoying the book, I read it quickly and didn't want to put it down. I was reading the Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison at the same time, and had to put that one down for a day or so...ugh! I found this book much more entertaining and enjoyable.
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Summary: Kinda like a soap opera- my life looks good in comparison...
Review: This is an entirely readable book. I was FASCINATED by just how hard these people had to toil in order to stay alive. It was depressing and curiously fascinating. Watching the main characters grovel with nothing to their names and getting swindled out of the little they had... Floods, sick animals, farm life- ugh. Guess I'm a city gal. But it was a interesting voyeuristic look at someone else's trials. There was hope and love in there, but not at the magnitude I thought these folks deserved for all of their hardships. Somehow, I really liked it.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Book!
Review: If you like reading about the early 1900's and all the hardships Americans faced, you will love this book! Robert Morgan also has several other great books: "The Truest Pleasure" and "The Hinterlands."
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