I’ve made it a point NOT to read Hillbilly Elegy and I don’t plan to watch the movie, either.
Initially, I thought I should read the book. I’m an Appalachian author. I aim to read widely in the literature of these mountains. But the whole idea of that book just rubs me the wrong way. I know there’s plenty wrong with the region. As there is with EVERY region. The notion that Appalachia is somehow unique because there’s poverty, addiction, violence, and just plain ole ugliness is silly.
There’s a line in the book description referring to the author’s family that says, “never fully escaping the legacy of abuse, alcoholism, poverty, and trauma so characteristic of their part of America.” Shoot. You can substitute just about any other part of America and say the same thing. Look to any place that’s experienced boom and bust and you’ll find a legacy of hardship.
There are plenty of things that make Appalachia in general and West Virginia (the only 100% Appalachian state) in particular unique. And while we shouldn’t gloss over or ignore the hard things, there’s so much more to the place than stereotypes.
I’m incredibly proud to be a seventh generation West Virginian (although that first generation were actually Virginians since the state had yet to secede). And while I couldn’t wait to get off the farm and explore the world when I was in high school I’ve gotten over the notion that there’s anything better out there. Now I can’t imagine living anywhere other than among these ancient mountains worn down by time and turmoil but still richer and more beautiful than anywhere else I know.
And I love the place and the people warts and all.
So here’s my recommendation. Ditch Hillbilly Elegy and pick up a copy of Dirt by Mary Marantz. She went to Yale, too. And she grew up just south of where I did in West Virginia. She experienced hardship, poverty, a dysfunctional family, self-doubt, and that fear that rises up in us all that we’re simply never going to be good enough.
But what she found through all of that filthy, grubby, messy brokeness was . . . beauty. Deep roots. A sense of self. And ultimately–a strength rising from the dirt.
Now that’s the kind of story I expect from another West Virginia girl.
Sarah – liked your comment. Though I was born and raised in Virginia as my grandparents
moved from WV to VA in 1910, I still have many roots there including our shared 5th great
grandfather.
Peggy
Sarah, I enjoyed reading your thoughts on Hillbilly Elegy, but don’t fully agree with them. J D Vance expresses much of the life style that did exist dating back to WW I. I grew up in Eastern Kentucky, and moved to SC West Virginia during the fifties. I knew your mother as we both were from Kenna Drive.
If you lived in a coal mining town when the mines were closing, and families were leaving the rural mountains, you could see much of what Mr. Vance was true. South Charleston was 100 years ahead of where I previously lived. And I do vividly remember learning to speak differently & dress differently. Mt. folks do have that twang that seems difficult to remove. Don’t misunderstand this, I loved my country upbringing, but my mother could see the handwriting on the wall for what was to come. Yes, there was addiction and ignorance, and I am very grateful to be away from the kind of poverty that was depicted in Coal Miner’s Daughter.
I came away from reading Vance book admiring his perseverance and the loyalty he continued to have for his disfunctional family. I found many parallels with Jeannette Walls,’ The Glass Castle.
Btw, I am presently reading Miracle in Dry Season. Enjoying the story very much. I know your Mama is very proud of you. And some day consider writing a book about Kenna Drive?
I’ll have to get Mom to tell me more Kenna Drive stories of her own so I can write one!
I do think there’s much about Hillbilly Elegy that’s true, my concern is more the perception that the awfulness depicted in it is exclusive to Appalachia. J.D. Vance HAS overcome a great and I’m glad he’s accomplished so much!
Better yet—reread Catherine Marshall’s Christy.
Over and over again! Neil McNeil. Sigh.
Once a Mountaineer, always a Mountaineer!
I tried to read Hillbilly Elegy, because I thought I ought to. I was so disturbed by the total negativity of the book that I had to put it down. I went into my donation box for a library book sale.
I love my corner of Appalachia and I know both sides of the coin.
Sure enough two sides to everything–right??
I grew up in Cranks Creek, KY. Proud coal miners daughter and so very proud of my Appalachian roots and heritage. I enjoyed the book. I enjoyed the movie. I feel like Ohio was portrayed so much more poorly than the mountains of KY. I know I am in the minority here and that’s ok. Love your books, Sarah.
Not a thing wrong with enjoying them and I’m glad you did! I hear Glenn Close’s performance is masterful!
I thought she was a hoot & did a great job!
She’s the reason I MIGHT watch it one day!