Questions about Wolf Whistle, the Emmett Till Murder Case? Ask Here

[Lawyer, "Moderator Emeritus"]

Here's the spot to ask any questions you may have about Lewis Nordan, this novel, and the Emmett Till murder case on which Nordan's novel is based. No holds barred. Spoilers welcomed. Be aware. If you don't want to know the answer, don't ask the question! *grin*

[Laura, "The Tall Woman"]

There's a reference to a visit by a sin-eater. I read The Last Sineater by author Francine Rivers many years ago. Anybody know what exactly a sin-eater is? In the other book it was a person chosen in a lottery by community to take on the sin of the community. The people confessed the sins to the sin-eater and he lived in isolation. Thoughts or insights appreciated.

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

I've read about sin eaters in English novels, but have never been sure exactly what they do. The job description doesn't sound very appealing. It gives me visions of "The Exorcist".

[Laura, "The Tall Woman"]

The first reference I've read about a sin-eater, I think was in an Appalachia setting. It had that folklore feel to it. This was the 2nd time I have seen the word but no description other than they were visiting. Almost like a traveling side show or service was performed.

[Tina]

Mike, I read Sharpshooter Blues. I liked it okay, and think Norton definitely has talent in creating unique characters, but I don't think I had the same appreciation you did. Although, I did catch myself referring to a couple of thug boys in front of 201 Poplar (Memphis Jail to us natives) as "lovely children" when they walked out in front of my car today with their pants hanging under their bottoms. I digress... The jury is still out on if I will read Wolf Whistle. Maybe Laura can talk me into it.
;0)

[Laura, "The Tall Woman"]

Tina
I thought it was going to be a flop but it turned out really really good. Good as in, it held my interest.The 4th graders make me smile so much....oh you'll have to read it!!!! You are going to love the field trips. I always tell my daughter being different is more interesting than being the norm. The field trips are definitely out of the norm.
Tina, on another note....I'm struggling with Gilead. What says you....keep on?

[Tina]

Gilead requires patience. Press on and I think you will appreciate it in the end. I give 5 stars only to books I consider worthy of becoming a classic or that I feel should be read for generations to come for one reason or another. I gave Gilead 5 stars.

[Laura, "The Tall Woman"]

I know, I know. I went and looked at your rating. I'm on predestination right now. I'll press on....over half way done. Last question, can I read the others out of order as stand alone or must I follow with the order?

[Tina]

I read Home when it came out (book 2) and I can honestly say that it could have been read as a stand alone novel. I've not read Lila yet. Home takes some patience too.

Press on! You will either love me or hate me for this advice later. My friend Josh forced me to read Infinite Jest (worst book I have ever read) and I still speak to him. Of course, he did offer me a free lunch if I could finish it.

[Laura, "The Tall Woman"]

I know a "Josh" that "encouraged" me to read a Rick Bass book and it was miserable....I finished and I'm happy to say I'm still married to this "Josh" but I don't think I've buried the hatchet over that book. I still blame that book for being 4 books shy of my 2014 reading goal.

[Tina]

Laura, you made me laugh out loud! Tell your Josh he owes you a steak dinner!

[Laura, "The Tall Woman"]

I just told my Josh to friend you!

[Lawyer, "Moderator Emeritus"]

Laura wrote: "There's a reference to a visit by a sin-eater. I read The Last Sineater by author Francine Rivers many years ago. Anybody know what exactly a sin-eater is? In the other book it was a person chosen ..."

The concept of the sin-eater dates back to ancient times. It is found in various cultures as ancient as the Aztecs who believed their god Tlazolteotl, who presided over the earth, could cleanse the soul of the dying who confessed their sins to her by eating its filth.

Of course, the metaphorical interpretation of Christ's crucifixion is that of the ultimate sin-eater taking on the sins of all mankind by his sacrifice. In effect creating a new Covenant between God and Man.

The practice of sin-eating is rife throughout folklore tales of Scotland and England. The most common ritual was placing a "sin cake" on the chest of the deceased. Most commonly a relative would eat the cake, cleansing the dead of its sins.

Most recountings of sin eating appear as folklore tales. The practice apparently migrated from its English and Scottish roots to Appalachia.

Supposedly the last documented sin-eater grave was restored in Shropshire, England in 2010. BBC covered the story. See: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-... .

The book Funeral Customs by Bertram S. Puckle, 1926, details the history of sin-eating in England. Puckle documented the theory that the sin-eater lived apart from general society and appeared only when called upon to perform his services.

[Lawyer, "Moderator Emeritus"]

Tina wrote: "Mike, I read Sharpshooter Blues. I liked it okay, and think Norton definitely has talent in creating unique characters, but I don't think I had the same appreciation you did. Although, I did catch ..."

C'mon, Tina. *GRIN* Give Wolf Whistle a shot. I admit, I'm a great admirer of his work. For me, this is his best, as it is based on the Emmett Till murder. It was published to great acclaim. I'm on my third read of it.

[Laura, "The Tall Woman"]

Mike
Thank you for the info. As you presented the details some of the specific details from The Last Sineater book were like you mentioned. I didn't remember all this until you mentioned it. Thanks for article.

[Lawyer, "Moderator Emeritus"]

Laura wrote: "Mike
Thank you for the info. As you presented the details some of the specific details from The Last Sineater book were like you mentioned. I didn't remember all this until you mentioned it. Thanks..."

You're welcome! I groove on this stuff, y'know. *grin*