Based on a true story, this is an unusual insight into Civil War life of mountain-folk living in North Carolina. As the author is related some of the characters in the story, she had access to "inside" information of the clan life-style in that period of time. Quite illuminating. It captures the spirit of the rough and hardy people who were able to eke out a living in those stark environs. I found myself reading well into the wee-hours of the morning several nights in a row. A 'must' read to balance the understanding of Civil War on all our peoples.