I received this book at the age of eight. Every November since then my brother insisted I read the entire book aloud to him. A true Christmas tradition at our home.
Somehow I misplaced the original over the years and I'm thrilled to be able to order another copy at this time.
All children, young and old can learn/relearn about a true country Christmas.
Written about a much simpler, less commercial Holiday season; where love of family IS what Christmas is about, this book is a must-have for the family library.

Lilian Smith's recollection of Christmas as a child at the turn of the century transports one to a kinder and gentler time--one where the anticipation of hog killing is at once a wondrous and dreaded occasion! My family and I roll with laughter at the exploits of a large family in the south. Our mouths water at the descriptions of traditional southern delights. Truly a book of rare insight and warmth. A must read every Christmas season.

Lillian Smith is known by most people as the author of Strange Fruit, the compelling story of a doomed relationship between two southerners; a Black woman and a white man. Upon its publication it stirred controversy in the south and propelled Smith into the swirling cauldron of racial debates. This wasn't the first time Lillian Smith expoused her views about the south's apartheid. Throughout her life she challenged the convictions of her southern region and refused to condescend to the conventions of her time.

In this volume of the Southern Biography Series, Anne Loveland takes us into the heart and mind of one of the south's most outspoken crusaders about race. Dr. Loveland presents us with an intellectual biography of a complex woman who was far ahead of her time in racial, feminist and political issues but never felt the affirmation she deserved. The Lillian Smith presented by Loveland is uncompromising, used discretion in presenting her views, attempted to form coalitions and was a prolific writer.

Here we find a woman consumed by a passion to confront the wrongs that made one less than a human being regardless of race. Even though civil rights was her platform, Smith saw herself moving beyond race. In this book we find a tireless worker and a person who is uncompromising in her views to the point of isolating herself from those who believed in her cause. Smith could become so extremist to the point of being just as bad in attitude as those she opposed. Although a prolific writer she was never taken seriously as a literary writer. She was praised for Strange Fruit but merely because of the racial conflict it brought out.

Dr. Loveland did an excellent job in presenting the complexity of this woman filled with energy in her fight against injustice. What is missing is Lillian Smith, the personal woman. What were her deepest feelings? Did she have any lovers? What was her life like beyond civil rights? Was her relationship with Paula Snelling a lesbian one? Why wasn't she recognized as a significant literary figure? The personal woman is left out giving you a one sided picture of a woman who is totally cerebral in her views on life. Loveland recognizes this and attributes it to Smith's deep sense of privacy. Unfortunately we have missed a balanced view of a very special woman.