SERPENT ON THE MOUNTAIN

Faith, serpents, and healing intertwine as a young mountain girl comes of age in Tennessee in 1975.

Living as she does in Blackberry Holler, 11-year-old Delilah Fowler, who’s cued white, knows to be cautious around rattlesnakes. But she’s also a powerful believer in hill magic and has grown up hearing about how a rattlesnake curled up with her in her bassinet. When she nearly steps on a rattlesnake in the grass, and a stranger saves her from being bitten by grabbing it, she longs to learn about his powers. Turns out he’s Jasper Jones, a traveling preacher who’s leading a tent revival nearby. Mama longs for the comfort of the faith community she grew up in, older sister Eve is entranced by the preacher’s son, and wild younger sister Jezzie loves the ruckus. But when Mr. Jones speaks in tongues and handles a rattlesnake—the one she nearly stepped on, no less—a shaken, “bespelled” Delilah starts questioning her feelings, her family, and her faith. Kramer’s Appalachia feels sweet and true, with plenty of nuance and also a pet raccoon. Delilah’s relationships with her parents and sisters, her first crush, and her first period are drawn with detailed grace. A fascinating author’s note offers cultural and historical context for the story as well as insights into Kramer’s personal experiences and research.

An intricate, emotional story unfolding in a beautifully rendered setting.