Review
'[A]n intensely lyrical, emotional debut' Publishers Weekly
Review
"This dark, dramatic novel set in the Appalachians is an impressive and often lyrical debut by a young writer born in Virginia . . .Rachel Keener shows some serious literary chops; her characters are complex, her plot twists are pleasingly unpredictable and her writing oozes atmosphere. Put this one on your summer reading list." (
Minneapolis Star Tribune Pamela Miller 2008)
"Keener reveals the dignity and sense of community among the outcast and itinerant." (
The Charlotte Observer )
"It has been years since I've read a book as profoundly dramatic in its examination of survival as Rachel Keener's 'The Killing Tree. This is a story of the magic and the meanness of southern mountain people. In one way or another I have known each of them, and Rachel Keener knows them also. Her writing in this debut novel is wonderful."
(
Terry Kay, author of "The Book of Marie" )
"An Appalachian coming-of-age novel...intensely lyrical, emotional debut...Keener's vivid imagery and lush, folksy language evoke traditions...the novel succeeds in bringing to life a slice of mountain life..." (
Publisher's Weekly )
