Some books hook you right from the beginning and won’t let you go until you’ve drained every last word out of them.  A Land More Kind Than Home is such a novel.

Told through the perspective of three narrators, Wiley Cash’s tale of fanaticism in the south is a coming of age story, a murder mystery, and a study of human character.

Addie Lyle is an old woman with brass roots sensibility.  She hasn’t stepped foot in the church since the first incident, and she has made it her business that the children of Marshall don’t need to see what goes on either.

Jess Hall is at that inquisitive age, and together with his older brother, Stump, and a neighbour boy, they do what boys do – explore outside the permitted boundaries.

The third narrator is the old sheriff, Clem, who understands too well the heartbreak and senselessness of loss.

Fire and brimstone is being taught at the local church, and there are way too many snakes involved.

I listened to the audio version of this book, read by Nick Sullivan, Lorna Raver, and Mark Bramhall.

A Land More Kind Than Home contains scenarios that are frightening, including death scenes.  Sex is referenced, but not explicit.  This would make a good book club selection.