Empty Places

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Detention Center, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 7, 2016

Review

Life in a coal mining town during the depression was a brutal existence. This coming of age historic fiction story is told in the voice of thirteen year old Adabel who has experienced memory loss, cruelty, and abandonment. While this sounds depressing the honesty of the story line and existance of well-developed characters makes this a strong read. Wiechman uses the local Kentucky dialect; her wordsmith abilities shine as various family and community members interact. Readers will feel the emotion throughout the book as they cry and cheer for Adabel's family

The back pages hold factual information, authentic photos from Harlan County as well as a bibliography and picture credits. This was a well-researched project and will be useful for school studies concerning the Depressions. Add to intermediate/middle school and public libraries where librarians can give to readers of historical fiction and to those who love works by Patricia Reilly Giff.

Overall Book Score: very good