Better a Dinner of Herbs - Hardcover

Reece, Byron Herbert

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0877971013 ISBN 13: 9780877971016

Publisher: Cherokee Publishing Company (GA), 1985

Synopsis

First published in 1950, this is a dramatic tale of twisted, often violent human relationships. Taking its title from a biblical passage dealing with the power of love and hate within a household, the novel counterbalances its grim narrative with a poetic prose that evokes a reverence for the rhythm of the seasons and the continuity of life.

About this title

Review

"There are lyric passages in "Better a Dinner of Herbs", but its mood stems rather from that of the ballad, indigenous to Mr. Reece's country and the substance of his earlier book of poems. Here is none of the self-consciousness that is commonly associated with the 'primitive' in contemporary writing or art. The author's understanding and acceptance of his characters and the directness of his portrayal give them worth in their own right. "Better a Dinner of Herbs" is an unusual novel, sincere and oddly stirring."--"New York Herald Tribune"

"Mr. Reece weaves well. With simplicity, honesty, and an almost biblical reliance on the repeated image, he balances emotion with desperate event. The result is powerful and often beautiful."--"Saturday Review"

There are lyric passages in "Better a Dinner of Herbs," but its mood stems rather from that of the ballad, indigenous to Mr. Reece's country and the substance of his earlier book of poems. Here is none of the self-consciousness that is commonly associated with the 'primitive' in contemporary writing or art. The author's understanding and acceptance of his characters and the directness of his portrayal give them worth in their own right. "Better a Dinner of Herbs" is an unusual novel, sincere and oddly stirring.--"New York Herald Tribune"

Mr. Reece weaves well. With simplicity, honesty, and an almost biblical reliance on the repeated image, he balances emotion with desperate event. The result is powerful and often beautiful.--"Saturday Review"

About the Author

Byron Herbert Reece was a lifelong resident of the north Georgia mountains. An author whose work is closely tied to the spirit and traditions of Appalachia, he wrote two novels: "The Hawk and the Sun" and "Better a Dinner of Herbs" (both Georgia). In addition, Reece was the author of four highly acclaimed volumes of poetry.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cherokee Publishing Company (GA)
• Publication date: 1985
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0877971013
• ISBN 13: 9780877971016
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 224