Fields of White Gold: Remembering a Forgotten Time in the Arkansas Delta

by George Ann Byrd Danehower, Isz (Illustrator)

Once in a great while, a book captures the essence of a particular place and time. George Ann Byrd Danehower has done this with her first book of non-fiction short stories, set in the 1930s-1950s and centered in Mississippi County, Arkansas, at the northeastern corner of the state along the western bank of the Mississippi River. Fields of White Gold is alive with detailed memories of Daddy, Mother, Ruth, Papa and Mama Edwards, and her siblings and countless relatives, friends, teachers, and customers, as well as characters like the Medicine Man, the Witch, the TB Lady, Tight the hired hand, and Caleb the thief and murderer. She tells of growing up in her family s house-store in Mandalay, Arkansas, which was surrounded by fields of white gold (cotton), and then later in the small Arkansas town of Blytheville. As George Ann (her given name) points out in her We Southerners do love our tradition of storytelling; often our stories cause us to laugh to keep us from crying. Each story captures a vivid memory of growing up in Arkansas, with its fierce natural beauty, strong family traditions, and complex social challenges.

192 pages, Paperback

Published November 21, 2019

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection of memories was a delightful weekend read. I have already recommended it to friends and family. I only wish it had been longer.

[Edith Byrd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book of growing up in the Arkansas Delta area set in the 1940's and 50's. George Ann tells of growing up in their house-store and the many personalities that frequented the store, as well as her family and the people that framed her early life.

[Alissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charming, recollections