Sleeping Above Chaos
Ann Hite’s fourth Black Mountain novel is one fine read. It takes place before, during and after WWII, and Hite addresses issues of race, culture and tradition in ways that resonate with current events. And, though our country has been through the Civil Rights Movement and has made some progress in race relations, in too many ways, we remain mired in our prejudices. Hite’s story of two brothers and their divergent lives brings to light the injustices suffered by those whose skin is not white.
Set in the small town of Swannanoa Gap, Ella Ruth Allen, born on Black Mountain, meets Buster Wright, son of the local sheriff. Buster is on the wild side, always pulling pranks of one kind or another. His older brother, Lee, is different—a deeper thinker. And it’s Lee who is involved with Lacy, a black girl who works for the Wrights. When the war breaks out, both boys join up to serve their country. And both are damaged by their experience.
Lee has run away from Swannanoa Gap before he enlisted, leaving a pregnant Lacy behind. As a result, tragedy ensues for Lacy. Buster comes back badly wounded, losing part of his foot. He finds comfort in God and becomes a preacher, leaving his wife, Ella Ruth, to herself. Ella Ruth, raised by her grandparents under mysterious circumstances, longs to pursue her art. However, Buster wants her to be a proper preacher’s wife, not some Bohemian artist. When Lee finally returns to visit Swannanoa, he understands Ella Ruth’s desires and they seem to communicate almost without words.
Filled with a strong sense of place, a few useful ghosts, passion and compassion, Hite’s novel deserves a wide readership.
