Tonya Holmes Shook Reviews

Added July 6, 2006

The Drifters

A Christian Historical Novel about the Melungeon Shantyboat People

Author: Tonya Holmes Shook
Publisher: Marquette Books
Available At: www.marquettebooks.org
Publishing Date: November 2004
Genre: Fiction: Historical
Format: Trade Paper
Price: $24.95
ISBN: 0-922993-19-X
Author Email/Website: www.lzangel.com/AAA/tonya_holmes_shook.htm
Reviewer: Joyce Handzo
Rating: 9 Gargoyles

Amidst the backdrop of the river, The Drifters meanders through history with some unforgettable characters. Based on word of mouth stories about the author's great-great grandmother, these pages offer an extraordinary look at life during some of the most difficult time periods in America. Although this is a fictionalized biography, there is a superb blending of facts and feelings, which creates an incredibly riveting tale.

Harriett Holmes, fifteen-year-old pregnant bride, began her new life on a houseboat during the same year as the Trail of Tears. What follows was a steady progression of childbirth and conflicts, along with mental and physical calamities that would have destroyed a weaker woman. Woven into this story is the fragile thread of Christianity, which grows in intensity and importance as time passes. Through sheer willpower and a hope for the future, Harriett endures the best of times and the very worst of times.

As a member of the Melungeon people, a relatively unknown ethnic group, Harriett endured discrimination and prejudice. Readers will understand the importance of historical events as they directly related to Harriett and her family. With skill and creativity, the author placed this story within a factual framework, while emphasizing the emotional impact. The ravages of the Civil War and the famous Texas cattle drives take on a renewed significance as the Holmes family struggled to survive through each new setback and trial.

At times shocking, and at other times poignant and sweet, these pages are a kaleidoscope of emotion. Photos of actual family members are a startling reminder that this story is based on real people. However, the use of fiction allowed this tale to be told with compassion and courage, breathing life into these characters and filling their hearts with both anguish and hope.

The Drifters captures readers with a strong, emotional undertow!

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