Review of "Hang the Moon" by Jeannette Walls
As a devoted fan of Jeannette Walls and her compelling memoir The Glass Castle, I found myself irresistibly drawn to her new historical novel, Hang the Moon. The very notion of diving into another tale from the mind that so vividly painted her own tumultuous childhood sparked my curiosity. However, I quickly discovered this narrative to be a vastly different world entirely—one defined not by dysfunction, but by the complexities of a family empire amid the Prohibition Era. Set in the charming-but-chaotic town of Caywood, Virginia, Hang the Moon offers readers an engaging peek into the life of the Kincaid family and their hidden struggles amidst the glitz of wealth and influence.
From the outset, we meet the Duke, the patriarch of the Kincaid dynasty and a man who revels in his control over the local Democratic Party and his expansive business empire, amassed from the industriousness of his father, the Colonel. Walls masterfully crafts a narrative that delves into themes of power, familial loyalty, and the harsh realities of gender dynamics during this transformative period. At the heart of the story lies young Sallie, a character bursting with spirit and determination. Her journey from being sent away as a child to returning a feisty young woman is depicted with such vibrant detail that I found myself rooting for her success at every turn. Sallie’s fierce independence and inclination towards adventure shine as a stark contrast to the entrenched patriarchal attitudes surrounding her.
The writing itself flows with a remarkable ease, painting vivid images of the time and its characters. Walls employs a pacing that keeps readers on the edge of their seats; one moment we are enveloped in familial tensions at the Kincaid estate, and the next, we are breathless during the brazen escapades of Sallie and her escapades as a driver collecting rent from bootleggers. The backdrop of Prohibition adds a layer of complexity, illustrating not only the absurdity of this era but also the inevitable chaos that ensued—an ironic twist that Walls emphasizes beautifully. I couldn’t help but chuckle at the absurdity of the tenants paying in liquor, a clever and often humorous tactic that serves as social commentary on the futility of the Prohibitionists’ efforts.
Walls presents each character with distinct depth, especially the Kincaid women, who gradually emerge as pivotal figures amidst their male counterparts. The glaring differences between the entitled behavior of the Duke and his family versus the resilience of Sallie and her sister Mary paint a broader picture of power imbalance and the fight for agency. One standout moment for me was when Sallie, faced with the chaos wrought by her sister’s ideals of Prohibition, decisively asserts her own beliefs. It’s a stirring moment that encapsulates the essence of her character—defiant, brave, and unapologetically herself.
As I turned the last pages of Hang the Moon, I reflected on its rich tapestry woven with themes of resilience, familial loyalty, and the sometimes absurd nature of societal expectations. This novel would undoubtedly appeal to readers who enjoy lively historical fiction, as well as those who seek inspiring tales of women carving out their own paths against overwhelming odds. Walls has delivered an engaging read that not only showcases her multifaceted talent but also left me pondering the weight of our legacies.
Overall, Hang the Moon is a can’t-miss for anyone looking to be transported back in time and experience the thrill of overcoming adversity with grace, grit, and just enough gumption. Trust me—you won’t want to miss this ride!
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