From Terry Kay, one of America's most gifted storytellers, comes a poignant novel of love, acceptance, and the wonders of the world in which we li...
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reviews
Feb 08, 2009
Barbara
rated it: 
Wow! This is a beautifully told story; one of those stories where nothing seems to happen in a big way but things change, people grow and learn and continue their life journey. A young wandering man, carries his fishing pole and his memories of WW2 into a small Southern community in the late 1940s. Very mellow in tone, like late summer sunshine and long shadows, and if you're willing to just sink into it, you'll be quietly rewarded.
This is the first I've read of Terry Kay; he's very More...
This is the first I've read of Terry Kay; he's very More...
Jun 11, 2009
booklady
rated it:
I was sad and satisfied to reach the last page: sad to leave behind new friends; satisfied with the way the story ended. The Valley of Light is both the novel’s title and nostalgic setting; the Hiawassee River running through a little valley in post-World War II North Carolina.
It’s a quiet story involving a drifter fisherman who comes in search of a certain lake and a particular fish. In the process, he provides the catalyst for mystery and change. Who is this Noah Locke? What More...
It’s a quiet story involving a drifter fisherman who comes in search of a certain lake and a particular fish. In the process, he provides the catalyst for mystery and change. Who is this Noah Locke? What More...
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(3 people liked it)
May 23, 2009
Karen
rated it: 
It is always a sweet surprise to pick up a book in the bargain bin and have it turn out to be a jewel. I felt that way about this novel. The author writes in such a beautiful, lyrical way that just feels calm, yet rich in his descriptions of thoughts and feelings. A sample passage: "She did not have friends. Not really. She knew people, but she did not have friends. Not the kinds of friends who left little pieces of themselves with her after a visit, little peices of laughter and nois
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Jul 15, 2010
Russ
rated it:
I discovered Terry Kay at the Blue Ridge Community College BookFest. He pre-dates Ron Rash, Charles Frazier and Bob Inman in writing about mid-century southern life. I read The Valley of Light in less than 24 hours. I couldn't put it down. Kay's writing has been likened to poetry disguised as prose and I agree 100%. The story had a spiritual quality for me. Was Hoke a ghost? Was Noah an angel? It ended with more questions... Will Noah reunite with his brother? Will he ever return to the val
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Mar 29, 2011
Kathy
rated it: 
Rather slow, but perhaps reflective of the rural south in the post-World War II years. WWII veteran Noah is a likeable protagonist, despite his lack of education and very quiet personality. A man of few words, for sure. I found myself LIKING this story for several reasons -- for the well drawn portrait of southern life at the time, for the interesting fishing lore, for the diverse characters, and for Kay's deft writing. Well worth the read.
Jan 17, 2009
Jennifer
rated it:
Noah Locke arrives in a small town in NC. A quiet simple man, war vet (WWII) with a mystical gift for fishing. He is haunted by the war and his only sibling in jail. He wanders doing odd jobs and fishing. He meets a young widow. He is brought into the lives of the people in this "Valley of Light" and learns why he was sent here.
Apr 16, 2009
Debbie
rated it:
I really liked this book. I visited the south every year as a kid and knew the South was a world of its own. Terry Kay captured the southern vernacular and brought back memories of those yearly visits. He has an easy flow to his writing, making an enjoyable read. I would especially recommend this novel to anyone who loves fishing!
Nov 20, 2008
jane
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This is a quiet book with a different kind of main character. By the same author as "To Dance with a White Dog." I enjoyed it but I don't think I will read everything Terry Kay has written.
Aug 09, 2011
Vicki
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First book I've read by this author, and I will definitely read more. Terry Kay has a beautiful way of developing characters in such a short space of time. Beautiful book!
Oct 21, 2009
Lynnette
rated it:
"From Terry Kay, one of America's most gifted storytellers, comes a poignant novel of love, acceptance, and the wonders of the world in which we live."
Jan 23, 2009
Jessica
rated it:
very slow beginning but then it kinda picks up-about a roaming fly fisherman who has a special 'knack' for catching fish...and the one that got away
Sep 16, 2011
Marcy
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This was one of my favorite reads and was so well written that Hallmark made it into a movie! Very romantic as well as inspiring in belief!
Mar 18, 2011
Chapple
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Terry Kay is so good. It's a shame more people don't discover him. This is one novel that truly deserves the adjective luminous.
Mar 10, 2009
Terry
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This was a very comfortable and enjoyable novel about a gifted fisherman who touches the lives of several people.
Jul 29, 2011
Amy
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Wonderfully told story, simple but heartfelt just like the time and location the story is set in.
Nov 30, 2011
Cheryl
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Wow! Loved it! Not big on fishing, but this was a very enjoyable fish tale. Haha.
Jan 15, 2008
Malcolm
rated it:
A soldier who returns home from the World War II and ends up in a small town where he does odd jobs including catching fish for the local market. He has a great talent, for he can touch the water and sense the fish. He plans to stay for a couple of days, a week maybe, but begins finding it hard to leave. A great fishing story and a whole lot more.
Jan 24, 2008
Mary
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so the story isn't all happy happy, but it was heartwarming the setting (late 40's, North Carolina near Georgia) was peaceful - and helped me calm down from the holidays and get ready for "real life" again.
Mar 29, 2008
Lynn
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Charming story of a young man in 1948 who is a wanderer. He is a remarkable fisherman. Revolves around fishing, life in a small town, helping others, finding himself.
Jun 22, 2008
Anna
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Heartwarming story of a young man, who makes his living from fishing and tries to get over the nightmare visions of war events he'd seen, set in late 1940s.
Jun 02, 2010
Kristin
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I LOVED this regional novel ... it transported me to a hazy hot afternoon shadowing my grandfather and uncles while they were fishing ...
May 16, 2007
Liz
rated it:
This is a good (although not terribly exciting) book. If you like Lifetime/Hallmark Channel movies, you'll like it.
Jun 05, 2008
Jillain
rated it:
This was the first book I have read of Terry Kay...it was a good story...
Feb 06, 2012
