Another Review at MyShelf.Com

When Crickets Cry

by Charles Martin



      Charles Martin's latest book, When Crickets Cry, is a heart-warming story from an emerging southern writer.

The day Reese, the only way we know him through most of the novel, stops and buys lemonade from Anne, who is raising money for a heart transplant, is the start of a tender and mysterious relationship between the two.

The reader is held in suspense as to the complete reason for Reese's concern for Annie. Gradually the reader knows the reason and is drawn to Reese for his actions.

The action is set in Eliot Wiggington country, Rabun Gap, Georgia and the story reflects the southern mores and traditions at their best. The episodic events are examples of humans at their best behavior.

All the major characters are broken, either physically or emotionally, but as Annie would say, "They have heart." The actions of this diverse group of people carry the plot swiftly forward.

The literary allusions, of which there are many, always aptly fit the plot at the time they are used. I suspect Martin was an English major in another life.

If you want a novel that will leave you with warm fuzzes, this is it. Like his previous novel, The Dead Don't Dance, this is definitely Hallmark Hall of Fame material.

The Book

WestBow Press
April 4, 2006
Paperback
1595540547
Mainstream Fiction
More at Amazon.com
Excerpt
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The Reviewer

Willie Elliott
Reviewed 2006
NOTE:
© 2006 MyShelf.com