Fox's Earth

I truly LOVED this book. Once I started reading, I couldn't stop. I found myself sympathtic for Ruth Fox at the begining of the story however by the end my feelings completely changed. I do feel some of the sterotypes are not realistic of "us true southeners" however it all just adds to the true mystery and grace of the south. I still wonder if Ruth Yancy Fox just happened to, well I will leave the suspense of the ending of this book to you to read and wonder about yourself. I do have my own conclusions. Happy Reading.

If you're looking for a great multi-generational southern gothic-type tale, this book is for you. The story of Ruth Fox won't leave you quickly. Rich in characters and detail, I really didn't want it to end. The story of madness in a Southern setting; complete with ghosts, affairs, whispers in the night and downright evil. I'm glad I bought a new copy because I'm sure it will be passed around to many of my friends for a long time to come.

I really enjoyed this family saga by Siddons written about a young girl who lives in poverty, and with her schizo-father, and mother who is afraid of this man as you can tell from reading the book. But Ruth Yancey has an opportunity to go live with the Fox family, and from then on in the story she becomes her own domineering person as time goes along. Ruth is a very very strong character who later calls the shots at the mansion after the death of Alicia Fox. Over the years, the family continues to grow, and many exciting events take place over the chapters. A very absorbing book!

I have to give Fox's Earth five stars as this book has been so well written. Set in the Southern state of Georgia, Siddons delves into the lives of three generations of women. The main character is Ruth Yancey, the daughter of impoverished and demented mill worker Cater. Cater is an embarassment to his family and makes a spectacle of himself on market days as he leads them shepherd-like into town, where he cusses and carries on any person he encounters who is better off financially than he. Returning home in a drunken state he strips his wife Pearl Yancey and daughter Ruth of what little self esteem they have, with brutal beatings,horrible rapings and screams which can be heard far into the night. It isn't any wonder then that at such an early age, Ruth Yancey is forced to embrace the adoption offered by the seniors of Fox's Earth; Alicia and Claud Fox. Pearl Yancey convinces Ruth that going there will be the answer to all her dreams and the end of her nightmares. So they wait impatiently until Cater Yancey's death, and then Ruth is driven by Alicia Fox's chauffeur to her new life. The story takes full swing from here with Alicia turning Ruth into the lady who should be readily accepted by society. She learns all the social graces and proper etiquette, and all the finer things of life. Soon Paul Fox, son of Fox's Earth takes her hand in marriage and she now feels more in control. See how quickly Ruth Yancey Fox forgets where she has arrived from, as she gains power over all her contacts by evil manipulations and such unpleasant dominance she lauds over all who live at the 'big house'including her husband and eventually the coming generations of Fox's children. It almost leaves you with your mouth open to see such ruthlessnes; for Ruth Yancey Fox rules, and she rules with a very long whip. A whip which leaves indelible marks. A highly recommended saga from Siddons. Reviewed by Heather Marshall Negahdar (SUGAR-CANE October 2nd, 2001)

This is the 3rd book I have read by Ms. Siddons, and so far the best. I am looking forward to reading every book she has written now, and intend to do so. I hope more people get a chance to experience this little-known early novel by this author. Ms. Siddons has wonderful descriptive powers and sense of location, and makes you feel as if you are right there experiencing the events along with the characters.