Title: The Hum and the Shiver
Author: Alex Bledsoe
First published September 27, 2011
349 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780765327444 (ISBN10: 0765327449)
Rating: 3.81
Overview
In the mystical Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, the Tufa people have always been a mystery. They lead quiet lives, shrouded in enigma and suspicion towards outsiders.
Their music, passed down for generations, holds the key to their true nature. Private Bronwyn Hyatt returns from the war in Iraq, only to be greeted by the same troubles she left behind – her family, her obligations to the Tufa, and her past.
As she struggles to reconnect with her identity and the music she once loved, ominous signs of impending doom begin to appear. Bronwyn must confront her darkest secrets and summon the strength to take her rightful place among the Tufa.
With danger lurking in every corner, she must rely on her heritage and the power of music to save her family from a tragic fate. The Hum and the Shiver is a captivating tale of magic, mystery, and the unbreakable bonds of family.
About the Author
I grew up in west Tennessee, just an hour away from Graceland, the famous home of Elvis Presley, and only twenty minutes from Nutbush, where Tina Turner grew up. In my younger years, I worked as a reporter, editor, photographer, and even as a door-to-door vacuum cleaner salesman.
Nowadays, I reside in a charming yellow house in Wisconsin, where I wake up early to write and attempt to teach my two kids some manners.
As an author, I’m proud to have written several books including the Tufa novels, such as “The Hum and the Shiver” and “Wisp of a Thing,” as well as the Eddie LaCrosse series, including “The Sword-Edged Blonde” and “Burn Me Deadly.” I’ve also published a few ebook chapbooks and even two “vampsloitation” novels set in Memphis during the year 1975, titled “Blood Groove” and “The Girls with Games of Blood.”
Editoral Review
The Hum and the Shiver, written by Alex Bledsoe, is a remarkable novel that follows the story of magic and music that blend together to keep a legend alive. Bledsoe blends Appalachian folklore with Southern Gothic style to create a unique and captivating story.
Published on September 27, 2011, it is particularly remarkable for its commitment to authenticity, and the way it reveals the magic and wonder lying at the core of many rural traditions. The story follows the life of a young woman named Bronwyn Hyatt, belonging to the Tufa people who reside in the Smoky Mountains of eastern Tennessee.
Bronwyn is a decorated war veteran who seems to have lost everything, including her music, after returning home from fighting in Iraq. She now finds solace in her communitys traditions, music in particular, which is used to manifest deep-rooted sorcery that is known only to the Tufa.
The book explores Bronwyn’s journey back to embracing her roots, and her reintroduction to her people’s cultural lore. Alex Bledsoe masterfully weaves supernatural folklore into the story of Southern Gothic.
The books well-crafted prose, coupled with its vividly imagined setting, creates a spellbinding experience that is hard to put down. The magic in the story is brought to life by the author’s rich and detailed descriptions, immersing the reader in the cultural traditions of the Tufa people.
Bledsoe puts his own spin on Tufa life and culture, introducing new myths and legends that fit seamlessly within the broader framework. The characters in the book are complex and well-developed, making them feel like real people rather than just tools to move the plot.
Bronwyn is a strong and independent woman whos relatable to women of all backgrounds. Other characters, including former lovers, new partners, and various members of the Tufa community, all serve to create an outstanding ensemble cast.
The Hum and the Shiver also tackles some broader societal issues, including the exploitation of rural communities and the role of music and storytelling in cultural preservation. It provides a fascinating look at contemporary life in rural America and highlights the ongoing struggle to preserve cultural traditions in today’s digital age.
Overall, Alex Bledsoes The Hum and the Shiver is a well-crafted and engaging read that leaves the readers wanting more. The author is skilled in creating a dark and mystical world, full of wonder and magic, and is able to explore meaningful issues in a way that is both thoughtful and entertaining.
Any fans of magical realism or Southern Gothic should make this book a top priority. This book is a must-read for anyone that wants to explore the supernatural world while still appreciating tradition.
The book deserves a rating of 9/10 for its masterful storytelling, strong character development, and compelling themes.