Synopsis
Haunted by her sister's
mysterious disappearance, Lucy Wilson arrives in Rowan County, Kentucky,
in the spring of 1911 to work for Cora Wilson Stewart, superintendent
of education. When Cora sends Lucy into the hills to act as scribe for
the mountain people, she is repelled by the primitive conditions and
intellectual poverty she encounters. Few adults can read and write.
Born
in those hills, Cora knows the plague of illiteracy. So does Brother
Wyatt, a singing schoolmaster who travels through the hills. Involving
Lucy and Wyatt, Cora hatches a plan to open the schoolhouses to adults
on moonlit nights. The best way to combat poverty, she believes, is to
eliminate illiteracy. But will the people come?
As Lucy emerges
from a life in the shadows, she finds purpose; or maybe purpose finds
her. With purpose comes answers to her questions, and something else she
hadn't expected: love.
Inspired by the true events of the
Moonlight Schools, this standalone novel from bestselling author Suzanne
Woods Fisher brings to life the story that shocked the nation into
taking adult literacy seriously. You'll finish the last page of this
enthralling story with deep gratitude for the gift of reading.
My Review
I enjoyed this gentle story of a young woman's journey of self-discovery as she blossoms in the serenity of nature with the new good people in her life. The romance is definitely on the back burner even though she has a beau in a lumber rep, a good friend in Brother Wyatt, and a young student in love with her. She is completely out of her element when she arrives, but her determination gets her through and she thrives on the feeling of making a difference in the lives of the mountain community. I loved the variety of people she befriended and interacted with, and it's neat that some were based on the lives of real people! Most of the story builds to the creation of the Moonlight Schools at the conclusion of the story, helping the reader understand how the idea came about and the vital need for and importance of literacy in the area. A fascinating slice of history that made me so appreciative of the trailblazers who worked and sacrificed for change and improvement in the lives of others.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
Title: Cast the First Stone
