What readers think of A Land More Kind Than Home, plus links to write your own review.

For Wiley Cash's first novel to be compared to author John Hart is quite a compliment. Cash's descriptions of western North Carolina and his character development compare very favorably to Hart. On the surface, you would think that the story, being narrated by the three different characters, may cause it to be a bit uneven, but it does flow nicely. This should become a very popular book club selection in the coming months.

I loved this book peopled with seemingly simple mountain folk whose lives are shredded by a tragedy which opens old wounds and older secrets and ultimately heals the least expected when "fairness is taken out of the equation." This book speaks powerfully and truthfully to the human condition with rich, honest characterizations and dialog.

I feel that a book is good if I continue to think about the characters in it after I have finished reading. The characters in this book continue to come to mind over a week after finishing it. These characters were so well developed that I felt like I knew them and wanted to find out what happened in their lives after the end of the book. Wiley Cash has written a wonderful first novel. The story line is crisp and not overdone and it is told in such a way that I read it in one day. I look forward to this new author's next book!

As a resident of the mountains of North Carolina, I was drawn to this novel through curiosity. Add to that the facts that the author is from North Carolina and the style is one of changing point of view . . . well, I was hooked. And I was not disappointed. Included in the mix -- snake handling, a church closed off to the public by paper on the windows, a child caught in the midst of adult drama, and a sheriff fighting demons of his own. Wiley Cash is able to create a tension that both enthralls and exasperates. How can a town be so mesmerized by a power-hungry preacher? Not a new phenomenon--we've seen it before. How can parents ignore the needs of their children? We've seen that before, too. How can the weak be preyed upon? Yep, that's not new either. But Mr. Cash is able to bring these human weaknesses together in a story that has elements of mystery, fascination, and sheer dread. A fine read and a promising new author on the scene.

This is a very good read. I could not wait to read it each day and when I was through, held it in my hands and tears came unexpectedly. The history of the area in North Carolina at the time of the novel was excellent. The characters were well developed and the author made you feel that you really knew them. I will look forward to reading other novels from this very talented writer.

This was a story that began with two brothers innocent desire to investigate some adults talking. One of these boys, Stump, is mute. Is Stump suddenly in need of the healing offered at Rev Chambliss's church, The one with newspaper covered windows and snakes in boxes. Long ago the Rev. found the vulnerability of the boy's mother by providing the religious hope and a community that she desires.

This is just the beginning of a intriguing, what next kind of story. Thank you Mr. Cash for a book that I read while sitting, standing, & eating. I feel like these well conceived characters will give me much to reflect on.

This story, which revolves around a rogue preacher and a faith-healing gone wrong, leaves a number of questions unanswered - but that's it's only weakness. Voiced through three characters - a midwife, a sheriff, and the younger brother of the victim, Cash's tale provides a clear sense of place, excellent character development, and a clear story line with just enough backstory to define all of the character relationships. There was room for more detail, but the author's restraint in providing it kept the story crisp and compelling. I did not want this book to end, and I will certainly read Wiley Cash's next effort.

A well written story on a topic that might not be that interesting to many people except for the expertise of the author. The characters were well developed and the book was compelling enough to read in one sitting, you can't wait to find out what happens. Being from the South, I have certainly heard of these religious practices, but the author made you want to know more even with such a difficult topic. The book was definitely something different than so many of the book topics today. I would love to read another book by this author.