BOUND BY TRADITION AND FEAR — A REVIEW

A story of life in rural Mississippi after WWII spotlights the characters in two families—one white, one black—and depicts the troubling issues of the times.

Narrated in the voices of six characters, Mudbound thrusts the reader right into the midst of their lives, with the back-breaking work of farm life and the intimate portrayal of what it felt like in the Jim Crow era of the South.

Laura marries late for the times (in her thirties), just when she thinks her life will be all about spinsterhood and her work as a teacher. Henry is also college-educated, but at some point shortly after their marriage, his desire to own land surfaces. And the hardships, resentments, frustrations of this new rural life surround her, even as the poignant losses of her previous life fill her thoughts. But she strives to be a good wife. Which is not easy, since Henry’s cranky, frustrating, and sometimes evil father joins them on the farm.

One solace comes in the form of Jamie, Henry’s charming younger brother, who really notices her. In ways that Henry does not.

Florence and Hap are sharecroppers who become a necessary part of their lives; at times, Florence becomes a confidante and a comfort to Laura.

When Hap and Florence’s son Ronsell comes home from the war, the troubles begin.

What secrets hide within Ronsell, Jamie, and finally, Laura…and what harsh realities of the times soon descend upon each of them? How do they deal with what happens next, and will any of them recover?

In many ways, I am reminded that the setting of Mississippi had been the seat of much violence in the years to come, especially during the 1960s when social change began to make an impact. While these characters and their voices tell us much about the times, they also reveal a great deal about family, hardship, and dreams.

This was a very quick read, since I loved each of the characterizations. The absence of a voice for “Pappy” felt very right, too; he was the least likeable character and symbolized the evils of a time we must never forget. A definite five star read recommended for those who enjoy great writing, issues of social change, and wonderfully complex and layered characters.