Angels of the Appalachians

De: Deanna Edens

Narrado por: Clarke Bellflower

Angels of the Appalachians is a fresh and endearing tale, filled with folksy phrases and amusing adages of the South. It's the story of two women who meet in 1980, gray-haired Erma telling her life story to Annie, a young college student living in Charleston, West Virginia. The tale she tells is also of two women, and their adventures beginning in the coalfields of Red Ash, growing up near Thurmond, and eventually finding their way to Charleston in 1915.

Strong mountain women, historical places, faith, and grief are themes explored in this account of a friendship that spans across decades.

You will find yourself wishing to call on the fine folks of the Appalachian Mountains, relax for a spell, and stumble upon the angels who made West Virginia so gloriously wild and wonderful.

©2015 Deanna Edens (P)2019 Deanna Edens

Amazing True Story of Life in West Virginia

Told over two time periods, the early 1900s and the 1980s, this short listen is one that I won’t soon forget. Life for the coal miners of West Virginia and their families was nothing short of horrific, and this book tells their story with honesty and grace. When Erma’s daddy was killed in the Red Ash Mine explosion, the company tried to force Erma’s mama to let young Erma work in the mine or be forced out of the mine housing. That’s when the family fled to Mrs. Jones farm, where they found sanctuary. “Mother Jones” an early advocate for coal miners and their families, and a fierce protestor against child labor in the mines helped many families. She was a union organizer feared and hated by the mining companies. The story comes together when Annie, a doctoral student writing her dissertation, discovers two life-long friends, Erma and Ida (who met as children at Mother Jones farm in the early 1900s). The mountain lore and language are mesmerizing, the tales of Erma (now 90 years old) and her veterinary practice in the mountains of West Virginia; and Ida, now a retired professor; how their friendship began so long ago at Mother Jones farm and a pinky swear to always be best friends. Tales of performing caesarian sections on cats . . . among other things . . . you will not be disappointed. How I wish the other two in this series were on Audible! This is exactly the kind of southern listening that I love!

Close to home

I enjoyed it because it takes place in WV where I live. This made it easy to visualize as I listened.

good little story

Sweet story about love between friends since childhood and the Appalachian Mountains. The narrator has a nice calming voice and place the characters
well. I recommend.