Susan answers “Was anyone else as horrified as I at those...”

Angela Mogin asked this question about Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis:

Was anyone else as horrified as I at those aspects of the Hillbilly culture the author praises? Mamaw was mean; she cussed, threatened and used physical violence and he admires her- why?

Susan As a child he deeply loved her and cleaved to her. She was a mother to him because his own mother was unable to be one. I believe he is indebted to he…moreAs a child he deeply loved her and cleaved to her. She was a mother to him because his own mother was unable to be one. I believe he is indebted to her for her encouragement and unwavering love for him -- which he so desperately needed to get him through the toughest years. I don't think he ever admired her behavior. He loved her in spite of her Hillbilly ways. (less)

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