The Hard to Catch Mercy

First novel from an older man who has heard the stories. Baldwin tries hard and at times achieves that "out there in oblivion" feeling of a Faulkner work. The title character is a memorable wretch, and there are some other instances of solid character development. But the author loses control in the latter part of the book, bringing it up a bit short of rewarding.

Anyone who likes southern fiction must read this book

Baldwin serves up a great Southern tale but lets you have some say in the seasoning. Stories are told from different angles and so you have to reason out your own version of events. It's not the least bit confusing, however; because Baldwin is too good of a story teller for that.You can believe that the Hard to Catch Mercy's (yes, that is a character's name) sister was or wasn't pregnant. You can believe that a great family treasure (buried somewhere) exists or never existed. Was the preacher's wife guilty in deed or only in thought? I enjoyed entertaining the different possibilities and the subtle flavor changes they brought to the tale. Maum Anna is so complex and rich of a character that I can't imagine that Baldwin invented her. Instead, I choose to believe that he knows Maum Anna personally. I hope he does because I really have to know what kind of Christian, Voodoo-whammy Maum Anna unleashed upon the sheriffs poor ole dogs! I'm listening Mr. Baldwin,! tell me another tale.

While this book may not be quite as well crafted as a Faulkner tale, it is easier to read and just about as interesting. Like most good books, when this one ended, I wanted to know what happened next and have continued to think about it for days. We see a boy come of age and face challenging questions about the authenticity of the truths he has been raised with. His sheltered life is turned upside down with the arrival of outsiders who shed a new light on family history and personal values. Teenagers of every generation deal with these changes, and watching Willie T. struggle through them reminds us that we should challenge presumptions, prejuidices and rumors, that we should look beyond outward appearances and find the real truth, or at least pursue it. Don't worry though, it isn't a preachy book. In the fine tradition of the South, it is much more subtle than that. It's a romance, an adventure and a look into a way of life that probably hasn't disappeared all together no matter how much some people prefer to think that it has.