This book was very moving to me as I thought back on my mother's role in my life growing up on a farm. Though not near as stark or hard as the main character's, Judith, it was fairly brutal at times. I love my mother more for having experienced this book.

While there were times when this book was difficult to read, it's unflinching look at rural poverty -- and at life for women before birth control, central heat, running water, electricity, supermarkets, washing machines, etc. -- was powerful and incredibly moving. You don't always like or understand Judith, but you feel deeply for her and her family. If you are interested in learning how people lived -- really lived, day to day -- in early 20th century Appalachia, you must read this book. I loved it.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Judy's story is told with humanity but without sentimentality. Never has life in rural Kentucky been more searingly told. Judy's transition from tomboy is real, and our own lives' disappointments and grinds seem frivilous next to the struggles these people live with daily. However toward the end of the book, one character tells what he loves about his life and where he lives, and the beauty of the area comes alive. The smells and sounds of rural living.