HOMESPUN

A family feud encumbers young love in Alexander’s historical novel, the final installment in a trilogy.

Jack Caddell first meets Ginny Bell in the summer of 1939. The two are immediately smitten; “That is the boy I’m gonna marry,” proclaims Ginny. Unfortunately, Ginny’s father, Clayton, adamantly forbids their burgeoning courtship. Jack thinks it’s because of his partly Indigenous lineage, but it’s more likely the fault of his uncle, Zingle, whose perpetual carelessness has already precipitated at least one tragic death. Unbeknownst to Jack, Zingle assaulted Jessie, Clayton’s wife and Ginny’s mom, some years earlier. Despite the objection, the young couple secretly dates and envisions a future of wedded bliss. But will the two be able to maintain a household and possibly raise children? Meanwhile, Ginny’s older sister, Vivian, who works at a newspaper, gradually uncovers a local mayor’s “lawless schemes.” Exposing this corruption may incite the wrong people, including her sheriff brother-in-law, Joel Hammond. The author’s follow-up to Tapestry (2022) spotlights characters returning from earlier books and introduces some new faces. This large cast helps to propel the narrative, which moves through the decades at a steady pace. Alexander aptly establishes the backdrop of the Great Depression and revels in the South Carolina vernacular, in which words ending in -ing forgo the G and learn sometimes means teach. The novel is also a convincing family portrait filled with ups and downs. There are startling deaths throughout the years and bursts of violence but also lighter turns, as when a newly married couple realizes that finding time to consummate their union is an unexpectedly and frustratingly difficult endeavor.

An enjoyably melodramatic slice of American history and worthwhile series finale.