Title: Ghost Riders
Author: Sharyn McCrumb
First published January 1, 2003
416 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780451211842 (ISBN10: 0451211847)
Rating: 3.95
Overview
In her captivating novel, Ghost Riders, Sharyn McCrumb delves deep into the heart of the Civil War and its impact on the Appalachian region. This historical tale sheds light on the bitter conflict that turned neighbor against neighbor and left a haunting legacy that continues to linger in the wilderness.
Through the eyes of frontier lawyer Zeb Vance, readers witness the war’s far-reaching consequences, from the Governor’s mansion to the depths of the mountains. Meanwhile, Malinda Blalock’s story unfolds as she joins her husband in battle and takes up arms as a Union bushwhacker, fighting against confederate sympathizers in the rugged terrain.
With her masterful storytelling, McCrumb brings this gripping story to life, immersing readers in the drama and tragedy of one of America’s most pivotal moments in history.
About the Author
Sharyn McCrumb is a celebrated Southern writer who is known for her Appalachian “Ballad” novels. Her works include the New York Times best sellers The Ballad of Tom Dooley, The Ballad of Frankie Silver, and The Songcatcher.
McCrumb’s Ghost Riders was honored with the Wilma Dykeman Award for Literature from the East Tennessee Historical Society and the national Audie Award for Best Recorded Books. Her latest novel, The Unquiet Grave, is a meticulously researched story about West Virginia’s Greenbrier Ghost, and it will be published in September by Atria, a division of Simon & Schuster.
McCrumb’s achievements extend beyond her literary works. The Library of Virginia named her a Virginia Woman of History, and the national Daughters of the American Revolution honored her as a Woman of the Arts.
In 2014, she was the recipient of the Mary Hobson Prize for Arts & Letters. Her books have been recognized as New York Times and Los Angeles Times Notable Books.
In addition to her writing, McCrumb shares her expertise with aspiring writers through workshops and residencies. She has presented programs at universities, libraries, and various organizations across the US.
McCrumb has even taught a writers’ workshop in Paris, and she has served as a writer-in-residence at King University in Tennessee and at the Chautauqua Institute in western New York.
Editoral Review
Sharyn McCrumb’s Ghost Riders takes readers on a journey through history, the supernatural, and the human psyche. McCrumb is an American author known for her Appalachian ballad novels, and in this 2003 publication, she once again showcases her literary prowess by creating a tense and thrilling story that illuminates the complicated and often dark history of the American South.
The novel opens with a group of four living history enthusiaststwo coupleswho embark on a motorcycle trip to retrace the steps of the Confederate General John Hunt Morgan during the Civil War. However, when they visit a historic inn on their journey, theyre unwittingly drawn into another world.
The inn is reputed to be haunted, and the ghostly apparitions of Morgans Riders who once occupied the inn are believed to have returned. McCrumb expertly weaves together the past with the present, taking the reader on a narrative journey from one era to another and back again.
McCrumbs novel immerses readers in the lives of the four characters, revealing their deepest fears and desires. The story is narrated by each of the four riders, including the ghosts, who share their thoughts and innermost desires, allowing readers to connect with them on a personal level.
Through the characters personal stories, McCrumb explores themes such as loyalty, courage, love, and sacrifice. Additionally, she delves into the harsh reality of the Civil War and how it tore families and communities apart creating deep wounds, some of which still exist in American society today.
McCrumb does a magnificent job of capturing the essence of the Southern landscape and its people, giving Ghost Riders a strong sense of place. Her writing style is concise yet descriptive, and she develops each character well, allowing the reader to understand their motivations.
For fans of paranormal or historical fiction, Ghost Riders is a must-read. Its a beautifully crafted novel that transports readers through time, explores the complexities of the human condition, and keeps them on the edge of their seat until the last page.
However, readers who are not fans of the paranormal may find some parts of the novel challenging to connect with. Overall, Ghost Riders is a tour-de-force that showcases McCrumb’s talents as a storyteller, historian, and author.
While not perfect, its an excellent book thats well worth the read. I recommend it to anyone who loves historical fiction, Appalachian ballad novels, and ghost stories.
On a rating scale from one to ten, I give Ghost Riders a solid 8.5.
