And the Crows Took Their Eyes
Raw and powerful, like the book, says the editor.
Well, the book is no cozy--though it has lots of warm, human moments--but the massacre is the central event that informs the story and the lives of those who tell the it.
I'm tweaking my blurb for the back of the book. You are welcome to tell me what you think. It's tricky--trying to hit the high points without giving away too much.
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During the Civil War in bitterly divided western North Carolina, Confederate troops execute thirteen men and boys from a rural community opposed to secession. The Shelton Laurel Massacre, as it came to be known, is a microcosm of the deep horrors of civil war – neighbor against neighbor and violence at one’s own front door.
Told by those who lived it– the colonel’s wife, helpless witness to the outrage that precipitates the massacre; the jealous second-in-command whose ambition and rage fuel the fatal order; the canny mountain woman who endures torture to protect her people and her land; the mute girl, whose gift of second-sight and spell-working brings an unexpected revenge; and the young conscript, haunted by his part in the massacre and seeking redemption—these voices offer an intimate glimpse into the lives of five people tangled in history’s web, caught up together in love and hate. All five will bear the mark of the massacre long after the event as they struggle to come to terms with the bleak consequences of civil war.
Based on an actual event and historical characters, And the Crows Took Their Eyes is a richly imagined portrait of a dark and bitter time—illuminated by sudden gleams of warm humanity and undying strength.
Based on an actual event and historical characters, And the Crows Took Their Eyes is a richly imagined portrait of a dark and bitter time—illuminated by sudden gleams of warm humanity and undying strength.
10 comments:
On a very quick scanning, it reads well to me.
I am surprised that you are writing your own blurb. I thought they would want to control this.
Oh, they have the final say -- this is e rough draft I'll submit to them.
Your book sounds very interesting. I am particularly interested in the border states.
I love the title. It is graphic and foretells the horror of the massacre.
If a cover and its title should conjure up feelings in a reader, they both certainly do so for me. I also felt somewhat disturbed by your blurb, as I think I should. The story is no romp in the woods!
I'm looking forward to reading it, Vicki.
Here's a shorter version, in response to comments here and on FB:
SHORTER VERSION: In bitterly divided western North Carolina, Confederate troops execute thirteen men and boys suspected of Unionism. The Shelton Laurel Massacre, as it came to be known, is a microcosm of the horrors of civil war – neighbor against neighbor and violence at one’s own front door. Told by those who lived it– the colonel’s wife, a helpless witness; the jealous second-in-command who gives the fatal order; the canny mountain woman who cares only for her people and her land; the conscript, haunted and seeking redemption; and the mute girl, whose spell-working brings an unexpected revenge —these voices offer an intimate glimpse into the lives of five people tangled in history’s web, caught up together in love and hate.
Based on an actual event and historical characters, And the Crows Took Their Eyes is a richly imagined portrait of a dark and bitter time—illuminated by sudden gleams of warm humanity and undying strength.
Sounds like a great book for these times. A wood cut black and white image can be very emotive.
They're both good but the second one is briefer & more succinct. That's what publishers prefer.
My God, Vicki! I can't wait. Sounds incredible, but I would expect nothing less.
Just wish Floyd was still here to read it, too. It took me years of nagging, but when he finally read your first novel, he was hooked and just devoured them. I credit you with getting him to read the Louise Penny books, too.
Best to you always,
Sue
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