The Greatest White Trash Love Story Ever Told

The primary story is narrated by Angel Bonsecour (not Benny...as stated in another review), a girl who grew up with Terra Peoples, the prettiest and biggest bully in school, and Benny Carpenter, the nicest happy-go-lucky fella in the world. Benny loves Terra; Terra hates Benny. This story is about what happens when "profound inner complexity" locks horns with "plain old white trash craziness." Angel is in a platonic triangle between the two, but the love is still there. There are very subtle religious undertones of redemption and forgiveness, but they accentuate the story instead of obstruct it. Benny is really the star of the The Greatest White Trash Love Story Ever Told. We are held in suspense when his perennial good nature and instinctive sense of decency are repeatedly put to the test by the girl he unrequittedly loves. Days after completing the book, I thought about the possibility of attaining this blessed disposition. There are two short stories included in this book. A WAR STORY - a tale of two feuding neighbors whose grievances escalate to biblical proportions. The story is told from opposing sides, generating a delicious colloquial rhythm that tightens as an eye is demanded for an eye. THE KEY TO THE CITY is the strongest piece, expertly combining an Ibsenian tale (townspeople who can't "see"), with a morality tale, and metaphysics...all in 16 pages. I picked up this book to be entertained, but like the two bonuses, it also impressed me and made me think.

The title itself is one of the most intriguing I have seen. I read the book not knowing what to expect and found it to be unique in every way. It is written in the straightforward manner of a saga. The style is direct and powerful. While it is funny in parts, it is not primarily a comedy. It is about a rugged love in the white ghetto. I found myself laughing and crying. Terra Peoples, the main female character, has got to be the meanest, coldest character ever. That the kindest man in the trailer park has fallen under spell is like a cosmic practical joke. What can come of it? The story goes in an unexpected route and leaves one satisfied.

I wasn't sure what to expect after I ordered this book, but I was completely surprised. It's a long "short" story but packs a lot into its pages. The story is told from Benny's perspective and follows his love of Terra, the trashiest girl in town. From childhood to adulthood, Benny loves her, even when she's cruel. Ellis develops the story nicely and the book has a nice Southern tone to it. He also works in the idea of love as redemption. Now, about the ending, I gasped out loud and almost threw the book down--but then I read the last few pages and was completely satisfied. Excellent book.

This was an exciting story-- one that got my heart to pounding and my face to smiling. The hardship of the white ghetto is tough enough to live with-- to fall in love in that environment is just plain difficult. This was an emotional ride with a wonderful unexpected ending. Terra is the meanest girl I've ever encountered in literature. But even a mean girl can fall-- under the right circumstance. I'm looking forward to reading his next book.

Rhett Ellis knows how to pen a wild yet fun ride. I had a hard time putting this down for even a few seconds. I couldn't get enough of Terra Peoples and Benny Carpenter, and this would make such an excellent movie. If you've ever driven by one of those rundown trailer parks and wondered about what kind of stories are in the making, then you are going to love this book. What do they want out of life? Do they hurt just like you and me? And is their pride any different than anyone's pride? It is a love story, a sad story, and a story with a shocking twist that leaves ya with your mouth ajar. If you love reading stories that have been penned by a natural writer, you will love this book. See ya next review.