Review of The World Made Straight by Ron Rash

The world made as straight as you can...

Up front: I'm a big fan of Ron Rash. His style, his craft, his storytelling. When I read this man I learn from this man.

That said, I realize that this book will not be to everyone's liking. Some have pointed out the slow pace in the middle. Others, the unsatisfying ending. I won't give any spoilers here. Suffice to say:

This book is Ron Rash the modern Southern gothic writer. Place means all and is all. Land mattes. Your people matter. What stock you come from matters. To someone born and raised in New York City or the Midwest, this will likely mean little to nothing. But to the people Ron Rash is writing about, it means their world. It *is* their world. His prose is at times light and tender, and at other times it is poetic and piercing, reaching into the beautiful spaces where some unwanted truths may be found.

Recommended for those interested in reading what new Southern gothic looks like. Highly recommended for fans of Flannery O'Connor and wondering if anyone could pick up where she left off. Answer: yes. It's Ron Rash.

I love it:
5/5 Goodreads
5/5 Amazon