Tempest

A captivating and moving novel in the classic southern literary form, set in the Ozark hills.From an early age, Caleb Pearson understood he was an unwanted child forever to be in the shadow of his older brother. When tragedy strikes, Caleb discovers what he needs for survival is his grit and an almost spiritual attachment to the Arkansas Ozarks. He discovers magic can be found in a tangle of old muscadine vines and purpose can be found joining the barter economy of scattered hill-folk. But his new life is challenged by his ongoing conflict with an increasingly powerful prosperity preacher who demands uniformity and obedience, seeming to mark Caleb as the personification of sin.Inspired by characters from Shakespeare's play of the same name, Tempest twists the story to explore the suffering and hopes of a protagonist abused by those in power. Convinced that he lacks traditional charm and grace, Caleb struggles to discover his own sense of worth. Along the way he discovers new friends, including a childhood fable come to life.Tempest immerses your senses in a part of America still coming to grips with the twentieth century at the dawn of the 21st. You will feel the warmth of the earth, smell the tomato vines, and be surrounded by the drone of summer insects. And you will discover a love story with many dimensions: for neighbors, unexpected friends, and a loss forever mourned. Read more