Hang the Moon Summary
Jeannette Walls, the bestselling author of "The Glass Castle," has once again captivated readers with her newest novel, "Hang the Moon." The book tells the story of Sallie Kincaid, a woman who defies expectations and overcomes adversity to reclaim her place in a small town ruled by her powerful and charismatic father.
Sallie Kincaid was born into a life of privilege, the daughter of Duke Kincaid, the biggest man in a small town. However, her life takes a turn for the worse when her mother dies in a violent argument with the Duke. By the time Sallie is just eight years old, her father has remarried and had a son, Eddie. While Sallie is sharp-witted and resourceful like her father, Eddie is timid and cerebral like his mother.
Sallie tries to teach young Eddie to be more like their father, but her daredevil coaching leads to an accident, and Sallie is cast out of the family. Nine years later, Sallie returns to the town determined to reclaim her place in the family, but she soon finds herself in a world of conflict and lawlessness.
Sallie is a feisty and fearless young woman who refuses to be corralled. She confronts the secrets and scandals that hide in the shadows of the Big House, navigates the factions in the family and town, and finally comes into her own as a bold, sometimes reckless bootlegger. Throughout the book, readers witness Sallie's transformation from a terrified and damaged young woman to a confident and powerful force in the town.
One of the strengths of "Hang the Moon" is its character development. Sallie Kincaid is a complex and multi-dimensional character, and Walls does an excellent job of bringing her to life on the page. Sallie is a survivor who has been through a lot of trauma in her life, but she refuses to let it define her. She is both vulnerable and strong, and readers will find themselves rooting for her throughout the book.
In addition to Sallie, there are several other well-developed characters in the book, including Duke Kincaid, Sallie's father, and Eddie, Sallie's half-brother. Walls does an excellent job of exploring the dynamics between these characters, as well as the larger power struggles within the town.
Another strength of the book is its setting. Walls transports readers to a small town in the early 20th century, a time when Prohibition was in full swing and bootlegging was a way of life for many people. Walls vividly describes the town and its inhabitants, bringing the setting to life in a way that is both immersive and engaging.
Overall, "Hang the Moon" is a well-written and engaging novel that will appeal to fans of historical fiction, coming-of-age stories, and tales of strong, independent women. With its compelling characters, vivid setting, and expertly crafted plot, this book is sure to captivate readers from start to finish. If you're looking for a new book to add to your reading list, be sure to check out "Hang the Moon" by Jeannette Walls.
