North Carolina, 1959-61: Jessie Sasser, a young teen girl, struggles to feel accepted by her family who runs an illicit moonshining business. Not only because it is illegal, but because it can cause drunkenness or ultimately death, Jessie refuses to support her family. Unpopular, self-conscious, and motherless, she feels shame about her family’s reputation for moonshining and worthlessness about herself. But when harm comes her family’s way, Jessie must decide between her family and her integrity.
“I didn’t want to be known as the moonshiner’s daughter.”
A big topic explored in this novel is eating disorders. Very early on, Jessie’s eating disorder is introduced, and she struggles with her self-value and appearance throughout the novel.
“Out the windows to my left were my classmates standing or sitting under a perfect blue sky, a buttery sun shining warm on their flawless world. I saw myself in their midst, a mar on their perfection, a weed in their manicured garden.”
The names of characters are simply amazing. And, in my opinion the name “Sasser” is one of the most epic last names for a Southern family. The southern language was remarkable, and the setting and environment set by the author was outstanding. The stark reality of Jessie’s situation with her family feels tangible.
Historically, this novel was extremely well-researched. After searching the internet because of this novel, I came to realize the area of the setting Wilkes County, NC was a huge moonshining contributor in the south during the 50’s and 60’s. The cars to transport the juice, the moonshining process, and the rivalry seem to be developed from genuine past reports. As the author mentions in the end, moonshining was prevalent in Wilkes County, NC because voters continue to delay the license of regulated Alcohol Beverage Control stores.
The first few chapters started off strong, but then it started to get slow here and there. I experienced a few static moments with the pacing in the first half of the story-line. On the other hand, I can see the slow-moving pace in the beginning could benefit the solid foundation set for characters and the environment they live in. I really felt like I knew Jessie and her family; I felt connected and emotionally entangled with Jesse and her family. The last half, of course, was my favorite and everything was woven together beautifully. The very ending, the epilogue, truly made my heart sink.
There is no romance in this novel. Triggers in this novel include self-harm through eating disorders and abuse to a child.
I really liked this story and recommend it to lovers of Southern historical fiction. This would make for a great group or book club read. There is also a “Reading Group Guide” with questions included in the back.
Willie Clay Call- The Uncatchable Moonshiner
Women’s Health- Eating Disorders
I won an advanced print copy of this via Free Book Friday on Donna Everhart’s blog. Thank you!
Click here to watch the book trailer for The Moonshiner’s Daughter.
