The Well and the Mine by Gin Phillips
 
The Well and the Mine is a beautiful book and simply a joy to read. The story is set in Depression-era Alabama and begins when nine-year-old Tess witnesses an unknown woman throwing a baby into the family well. For a time no one believes her story, but then the dead baby’s body is found. Haunted by nightmares, Tess, and her teenage sister, Virgie, set out to find out who the mystery woman is and why she did what she did.
There is much more to this novel than this mystery, however. This is primarily a story of a tight-knit family and a community struggling to survive desperate, dark times. The story is skilfully told from the point of view of each of the family members, each of their voices unique and powerful. Albert, a coal miner, works so hard that his wife, Leta, massages his back even after he falls asleep so he’ll feel a little better in the morning. Leta often goes without food to feed her children. Virgie is a beautiful girl on the cusp of womanhood who is beginning to think of her future, whether it is an early marriage to one of the local boys who court her, or possibly even a career. Tess is a dreamer, and delightfully imaginative. Jack, their son, feels the weight of his father’s burden of providing for the family. Together they do what they can do get by, tackling issues of poverty and racism as they go about their daily lives
This book almost didn’t get published. It was rejected by a number of publishers before being picked up. It has since gone on to win the Barnes & Noble Discover Award in the U.S and is causing quite a stir around the world. The Well and the Mine is an inspirational and evocative novel, one with honourable, vibrantly draw characters that leap from the pages. Gin Phillips illuminates both of the beauty and pathos of hardworking people in hard times. I can only admire the backbone and spirit of the characters she has created. Remarkable.
 

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