Marbles

by Oxford S. Stroud

In a coming-of-age novel colored with antebellum mansions, moonshine, deadly moccasins, and marbles, Silas O'Riley Simeon must sift through mixed messages sent to him as he grows up with eccentric characters in rural Alabama in the 1930s

294 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1992

Reviews

[Debra B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had good character development. At first, there was a disconnect for me between the sophistication of the language and the age of the narrator/protagonist, but I was less bothered by it as the book unfolded. A good coming of age story in a rural Alabama town before and during America's involvement in WW II.

[Thing Two · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having recently read a short story collection which included something penned by Oxford Stroud, I was eager to read more by this author. However, I had a dickens of a time finding this book! I finally ordered a used copy from Amazon.com and received a musty old copy with a goodwill sticker on the label. I wasn't anticipating much ... but I was wrong.

This is a delightful coming of age book set in the early 1940s south, about a boy and his townspeople - his fanatically religious Aunt, his best friend the math savant, his sometimes girlfriend(s), and other equally eccentric characters. It reminds me of Ferrol Sams with a little Carson McCullers thrown in.

[Rebecca Reardon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Stroud was my creative writing professor at Auburn University back in the 1970's. He was such a positive and funny man, and became a friend of mine after a while. This book, Marbles, reminds me of his quick wit and
sense of fun. Really enjoyed it.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up because I found it in my Grandmother's house (she knew the author) and it was great! Hilarious.